DGT Opticians in Mumbai were recently voted India’s Best Eyewear Store at the Zeiss You & Eye 2024 awards.
With so many great optical stores in India and no shortage of designer eyewear, that is quite some achievement.
One of the pleasures of designing frames is traveling the world and discovering incredible, independent stores and the people behind them. Every retailer faces their own, specific challenges. How do they approach them? …well, let’s ask!
Jason: How did you get into optics and how do you think it has changed in the last decade?
Dhaval: My family business was established in 1940 by Mr. JM Turakhia & HM Turakhia. I wanted to continue the Legacy and started DGT OPTICIANS in 2005. The Indian optical market is evolving rapidly, driven by an increasing need for vision correction, growing awareness of preventive eye care, and changing fashion trends.
Jason: In a beautiful and competitive marketplace, how do Indian opticians seek to differentiate from their competitors?
Dhaval: Personalized services like home eye exams, one on one frame styling, or loyalty programs build strong customer relationships. Engaging with the local community through eye care camps, workshops, or collaborations with other healthcare professionals is an essential role. It is important for us to emphasize eco-friendly practices, sustainability, or social responsibility initiatives to appeal to conscious consumers.
Jason: How do you see the Indian optical retail market evolving?
Dhaval: The market is evolving quickly, driven by an aging population, increasing screen time, and changing consumer preferences, such as an increasing focus on health and wellness, and a growing awareness of the importance of preventive eye care. Fashion trends are increasingly influential with consumers looking for eyewear products that are both cool and functional.
DGT Edge store, Mumbai
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