VISUAL MERCHANDISING

Simply Sustainable

How two high-end optical shops are green to the core, literally

according to a recent Harris Poll, 35% of customers expect more from their businesses than three years ago. One thing they expect—and especially when it comes to Gen Y—is businesses to have a sense of responsibility for the world around them.

In fact, the Pew Research Center finds that 80% of millennials want to work for and with companies that care about their impact on the environment. That’s especially important in the luxury arena, which is why we spoke with the owners of two optical shops that are both high-end and eco-conscious.

Here, we check in with Gary Nguyen, O.D., owner of Eye Impact in Houston, and Shane Palmer, co-owner of Green Eyewear Optical in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, to learn how they designed and merchandised their stores for maximum eco appeal.

Repurposed materials and a walkable location are key to Eye Impact’s green efforts

EFFICIENT LOCATIONS

When Dr. Nguyen started Eye Impact in January 2011, he made an effort to incorporate as much environmentally conscious design into the building as possible at the time. “The cabinets are sustainable tiger-striped bamboo, and the countertops contain recycled mirror and glass,” he notes. “I contracted the interior build-out myself, so I was very involved.”

In addition, Dr. Nguyen cuts down on commute time and energy consumption with the building’s mixed-use zoning and his own live-work situation.

At Green Eyewear Optical, Palmer explains how he made his business energy efficient. “Our building was constructed using ICF-foam blocks with poured concrete, which gives an R-19 insulation value. With the interior walls insulated, you can reduce heating and cooling by 40%.”

A location near his home also reduces energy use. “We picked a downtown location where we can walk to work, and most of our customers are within walking distance, too,” he says.

THE LOOK

When it comes to conscious interiors, these two businesses are all about reusing, repurposing, and recycling.

“Our green aspects include recycled glass-and-mirror Silestone countertops and bamboo cabinetry, repurposed steel-and-glass display shelves from a store that was going out of business, repurposed and recovered furniture, LED lighting, and zero-VOC paints,” shares Dr. Nguyen. “We’re also paperless.”

At Green Eyewear, the thick countertops are actually repurposed planks from a factory that dates back to World War I. The planks—now in their third incarnation—were originally shipping crates repurposed as flooring for the century-old factory.

That, combined with barn board Palmer bought from a farm for his optical shop’s shelving, creates a rustic feel for the interior of Green Eyewear Optical. Some of the barn board shelving has also been hung vertically, with metal rods added, to create distinctive frame boards.

Vertically hung barn wood planks make for some very cool frame boards at Green Eyewear in Peterborough, Ontario

CONSUMER CONNECTION

While the Pew research reveals that a mindful approach to business appeals to consumers of all ages today, does an eco-conscious effort in-store actually help grow business?

“I believe the key positive from having a green-focused business is showing your customers you care about the world around you,” says Palmer. “They’ll pay more for products if they believe they are making a difference.”

Adds Dr. Nguyen: “I felt sustainability was a unique aspect to the business that could help draw more patients from the area. Green appeals to millennials, but also to our patients in their 40s and 50s. We’ve proven that environmentally friendly choices can be both beautiful and luxurious.”

And also profitable.

—Stephanie K. De Long

Read On!

Want more green intel? Check out the Web Exclusive section of our website to learn more about the ways in which these optical retailers gave their businesses an eco-conscious look and feel.

Visit eyecarebusiness.com/webexclusives