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James Spina.
NEW YORK—Independent’s Day: A Celebration of Independent Minded Vendors and Retailers, a panel moderated by James Spina, 20/20 Magazine’s editor-in-chief and senior VP, will take place on Saturday, April 1 at 5 pm in the Galleria Lounge.

This exclusive event, presented by 20/20 Magazine and sponsored by Lafont, Morel and State Optical, will offer Expo attendees the opportunity to learn from a dynamic panel of suppliers and buyers representing the boutique and heritage eyewear category. Attendees will discover opportunities within these products and will learn about strategies for curating an independent branded inventory, pricing and positioning, as well as brand story telling sales tactics.

The panel will include both high end retailers and exhibitors from Vision Expo East. Spina said, “There seems to be such a buzz for the BIG news in optical being the latest consolidation or the hottest fashion designer brand debut of late. The even bigger news is the intensely healthy and growing relationship between independent eyewear dispensers and retailers and the growing power of independent eyewear vendors dedicated to brands with a proud and totally eyewear related heritage.

“This scenario is unique to optical and in celebration of this honorable and growing enhanced vision. I’m honored to be hosting these factions as they detail their Declaration of Independence,” Spina said.

Retailer panelists include:

• Edward Beiner, Purveyor of Fine Eyewear
• Jack Schaeffer, OD, Schaeffer Eye Centers
• Pierce Voorthuis, Georgetown Opticians

Exhibitor panelists include:

• Ray Khalil, Lafont
• Scott Shapiro, State Optical
• Tom Castiglione, Morel
• James Kisgen, Matsuda Eyewear

After the panel, the event continues with the opportunity to meet and mingle with the independent eyewear sponsors and peruse their collections at the VIP cocktail party from 5:45 to 6:30 pm. This event is by invitation only.