The team behind a new name in eyewear are setting their sights on filling a gap between traditional opticians and the wave of national brands and supermarkets selling optical services.

ClearView, which opened recently in Paragon Street, Hull, doesn’t do eye tests. Instead Directors Martin Johnson and James Shakesby focus on providing high quality lenses and frames – and on challenging customers to look for the best deal. The pair have more than 25 years’ experience between them of working with opticians in the Hull area. Their shop has the bright, modern appearance of a national chain but they emphasise that they are local, independent and dedicated to providing choice and service.

They are also building business partnerships, establishing contacts with neighbouring retailers GAME and Hilton Photographic to offer customer vouchers.

“One of the challenges of opening a new eyewear outlet is getting the message across to prospective customers that we are a local independent business rather than a branch or franchise,” said Martin. “The business partnerships are a big part of that and we would certainly welcome the chance to discuss opportunities with other businesses.

“It may be that we expand in the future but for now we are putting everything into this. We’ve got a lot of experience of the sector, we know what other eyewear businesses in the area can do and we’re offering something different.” James added: “We don’t do eye examinations but we recognise the importance of getting them done properly and we can suggest opticians where we know people will receive a thorough test.

“But we then want people to bring their prescriptions to us because we don’t have the overheads from eye tests and that means we are able to pass on savings to customers.”

Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said: “It is important that local, independent businesses find opportunities and are confident about investing in Hull city centre and it is good to see that this extends to the optical sector.

“Martin and James have come up with a business model that is a bit different and they are collaborating closely with other BID businesses. We wish them every success with their partnership.”

ClearView: Martin Johnson, James Shakesby, tel: 01482 215256, email: info@clearvieweyewear.com
website: www.clearvieweyewear.com

Pictured: Martin Johnson and James Shakesby (photographer: Karl Andre).