NYC-based eyeglass retailer now open at Eastview Mall

Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Updated ·2 min read

Eyeglass retailer Warby Parker has opened a store at Eastview Mall — its first in western New York and second in the state outside the New York City area.

The store's grand opening is Saturday, Oct.14, but it began welcoming customers Oct. 11, according to mall owner Wilmorite.

“We’re so excited to expand our retail presence in New York, Warby Parker’s home state, and to become a part of the Victor and Rochester communities,” Sandy Gilsenan, chief retail and customer experience officer, said in a statement.

The 2,185-square-foot location is in the mall’s Center Court, adjacent to Starbucks and directly across from Williams-Sonoma. The closest parking area is in front of Entrance 2 and the sundial.

Founded in 2010, Warby Parker began by selling its brand of trendy eyewear directly to budget-minded consumers online.

According to the company’s website — warbyparker.com — the concept was inspired by one of the founders losing his glasses on a backpacking trip while in college and finding that the cost of replacement “was so high that he spent the first semester of grad school without them, squinting and complaining.”

Eyeglass retailer Warby Parker will open its first western New York store Saturday, Oct. 14, at Eastview Mall.
Eyeglass retailer Warby Parker will open its first western New York store Saturday, Oct. 14, at Eastview Mall.

But a huge part of Warby Parker’s early success was its Home Try-on program, which let customers try on up to five frames at home before buying anything, with free shipping and returns.

That option is still available, but these days Warby Parker does about two-thirds of its sales in stores, co-founder and co-CEO Neil Blumenthal told Forbes earlier this year.

The retailer opened its first physical store in 2013 in Manhattan, currently has more than 200 locations nationwide and continues an aggressive push to grow its brick-and-mortar footprint.

Prices are the same in stores as they are online, according to the Warby Parker website, with options starting at $95, including prescription lenses.

In addition, stores offer eye exams and sell sunglasses and Warby Parker’s brand of daily contact lenses.

Through its Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program, the company also distributes eyeglasses to people in need.

The store will be open during mall hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Warby Parker open at Eastview Mall in Victor NY