Specsavers Reveals Canadian Entry Strategy

Wednesday, October 13 2021 | 14 h 56 min | Acquisitions, News, Press Release

Today Specsavers announced its intention to become a Canadian market leader by opening more than 200 locally owned stores in the country by 2024.

The company will start by launching 16 stores in British Columbia over the next six months, including two in November 2021 (Woodgrove Centre, Nanaimo, BC and Coquitlam Centre , Coquitlam, BC). The fourteen additional openings across BC will be completed by March 2022.

Specsavers informed Optik that the 16 stores are a rebrand of the Image Optometry stores acquired earlier this year. These stores are all local owner-operated in a franchise partnership.

“We’re looking forward to showing Canadians the value of our tried-and-true business model that has allowed us to deliver on our promise of accessibility for customers for 37 years and counting,” said Bill Moir, General Manager, Specsavers Canada. “By creating business ownership opportunities for independent optometrists, Specsavers is able to build a network that is represented in rural and urban locations and can structure operations in a way that generates high value for both optometrists and customers. Together, we will transform eye health for Canadians.”

Specsavers is a UK-based organization and is known widely in in Europe, including UK, and in Australia and New Zealand for its affordable and high-quality products and clinical expertise, according to the company. “With the goal of redefining accessible eyecare for Canadians, Specsavers is focused on bringing value-driven prescription eyewear paired with inclusive clinical care, advanced equipment, and unrivaled network of professional expertise to deliver best-in class service every day. “

The company further announced that, “All Specsavers stores are owner-operated under a franchise partnership model that helps optometrists focus on delivering the best eyecare possible, while providing them with the benefits of a global, integrated supply chain with facilities across Asia, UK, Australia, Eastern Europe and North America.”

Optik had previously reported the acquisition of IMAGE optometry locations in British Columbia.

Click HERE for the full press release.