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Philosophy of the Boards

By Erinn Morgan

The NPD Group, a market research company, estimates that retailers across the country are cutting inventories by 15 percent or more to keep on track with customer demand. Here, we look at a few optical retailers' frame mixes.

WHEATON EYE CLINIC

Wayne Delaney, optical manager Background: Four stores in the Chicago area, with inventories ranging from 600 to 1,800 frames.

Inventory Philosophy: "We did decrease our inventory around March of this year when things were starting to get tough in the economy. It was a mandated reduction of 10 percent across the board, not with any specific vendors. We reduced our backstock and actually reduced board space by putting up merchandising materials in place of frames. I don't think customers noticed it at all and it hasn't had a negative effect on business."

EUROPTICS

Ira Haber, owner

Background: Four high-end stores in the Denver area.

Inventory Philosophy: "We haven't downsized, but that may have been a mistake. Our sales have been down close to 17 percent starting in October last year. We were concerned that we wouldn't be offering the same diverse selection we are known for, so we did not take inventory down at all. Instead, we've looked for product of the same quality at lower prices."

EDWARD BEINER PURVEYOR OF FINE EYEWEAR

Edward Beiner, owner

Background: Nine high-end stores located in southern Florida.

Inventory Philosophy: "Our inventories maybe went down 10 percent by units. What became more important to us during this period was to bring in the products we feel are accommodating the changing needs and wants of our clientele. It's going to be more like the '80s, where design and quality become more important than the logo on the side."

ALBUQUERQUE VISION CLINIC

Bob Quick, OD

Background: Private optometric practice with five ODs in Albuquerque; moderate to high-end, with 1,200 frames on display.

Inventory Philosophy: "We haven't changed the amount of frames we carry, but we have skewed it a little bit more toward the high middle than the high-end."

LEONARD OPTICIANS

Bernice Olivetti, optician and frame buyer

Background: Moderate to high-end optical shop with two locations in New York City; 5,000 frame inventory between two shops was cut to 4,000.

Inventory Philosophy: "We have absolutely downsized and are much more careful on our selection. We have taken our inventory down about 20 percent over the last six months. We always carried a large inventory, because when times were good, we could keep extra stock and sell what we sell. We're being much more selective and cutting down on the number of vendors we're dealing with." EB