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Buyer to Buyers

Amy Spiezio

Photography:
Bill Diodato

Styling:
Ope

Hair:
Jake Digler

Makeup:
Kathy Aragon

Model:
Diana Penty, Muse NYC

Eyewear
Jil Sander style JS635S by Marchon

It 's not the easiest time to be a frame buyer. Between reluctant consumers, budget cuts in dispensaries, and overall lags in the retail marketplace, these have been the times that push eyecare practitioners to new levels of smart and savvy buying.

Valerie Vittu, owner and buyer at Margot & Camille in Old City Philadelphia, Pa., has been using all of her skills to make her dispensary a winner in the optical game despite the market conditions.

Here, Vittu shares her thoughts with Eyecare Business' Framebuyer.

“As a business owner, keeping the inventory under control is exhausting. You feel like you are always buying and never have enough product—at the same time. You also are tempted to buy too much, because you think that's why people don't come. The truth is, most optical places don't even contact their clients about their new arrivals. It's usually the excitement of the staff that creates the sale. By buying often in smaller quantities, you have the opportunity to show something new all the time, and it keeps your staff motivated.”

Vittu adds: “Now, 2010 is here and the demand is changing again. It isn't about the price anymore, it's all about the quality of the product, the ratio of dollars vs. quality. So, if during the past years your business has been driven by quality and service, and your reputation among your clientele is your priority, you should have no worries. You faced a storm, and it is going to be time to cruise soon. Hang in there so you'll be able to fully enjoy your reward.”