Vision Express branches see major store refits, renovations across the UK

UK shoppers are set for a new era of eye care as various Vision Express branches across the country shut down temporarily to make way for renovations.

In August 2023, Vision Express's Freshney Place Shopping Centre branch relocated to a new unit while their original spot on Newbiggin Walk underwent remodelling. They continue to offer their services at Friargate while the refurbishment is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Vision Express outlet at Whiteley Shopping Centre is temporarily closed and set for changes. However, customers need not worry as there is a temporary outlet in the centre, where it's business as usual.

This is aligned with the company's improved outlook after a successful fiscal year. Per an Insider Media report, Vision Express's UK directors "remain confident" as they reported a turnover of £345.3m for the year to 31 December 2022, an increase from £333.6m in 2021.

In addition, the optometry company's pre-tax losses were positively reduced from £1.7 million to £173,000 over the same period. With optimistic projections in effectively managing costs, Vision Express's 550 outlets can expect continued improvement and resilience in the coming year, just in time to unveil their new-era branches.

Credit: @Vision Express on Instagram.

A vision for the future

Vision Express, headquartered in Nottingham, has served thousands of Brits for thirty-six years. It opened its first practice at the MetroCentre in Gateshead in 1988. By 2007, there were over 200 practices across the United Kingdom, at which point several trusted eyewear brands had already partnered with them.

Today, Vision Express's range of sunglasses includes over 90 brands and hundreds of styles, plus exclusives from leading designer names for users to express their unique style. From Ray-Ban classics like the RB2140 Wayfarer to bold and expressive frames like the Gucci GG 0860S, there are styles to suit every face shape, plus options for prescription and polarisation.

Vision Express prides itself on inclusivity and accessibility, and it continues to offer a wide range of options to ensure an enhanced eye care journey at every location.

To adapt to their consumer demographic's changing needs, they rolled out the Vision Express e-commerce platform in July 2021, reaching more customers in the UK and beyond — highlighting the enduring importance of physical stores and why it's vital to refit and refresh these to attract customers.

However, the burgeoning role of omnichannel capabilities in increasing business revenue cannot be overstated. 86% of 250 UK retail leaders believe that an omnichannel strategy is essential to success for the next five years, and Vision Express has embraced this strategy and enjoyed positive outcomes.

To create a unified vision for the company, it enlisted the help of the Hope&Glory PR agency to help promote its 'Joy in Vision' proposition. H&G will help support store openings and mount purpose-driven, creative campaigns that will be visible online and in-store.

Thus, Vision Express's physical and online stores support one another. The online platform reaches customers who would otherwise be unable to access a physical location.

On the other hand, according to an Aptos survey, 88% of digital native Gen Z Brits planned to visit physical stores during the fourth quarter of 2023, with 68% opting for the hybrid click-and-collect option.

When this new generation of buyers – whose myopia rates are skyrocketing, necessitating eye care more than ever – enters a revamped, modernised store, Vision Express has an additional opportunity to encourage even more purchases.

As Vision Express continues to strengthen its retail strategy by improving its physical and digital consumer touchpoints, Brits needing eyewear can look forward to exciting shopping experiences ahead.