BUSINESS National Vision Inc. and Pair Eyewear Partner on America's Best Product Expansion By Staff Wednesday, September 25, 2024 12:24 AM NEWARK, N.J.—National Vision, Inc., one of the nation’s largest optical retailers, is expanding its partnership with Pair Eyewear, the first direct-to-consumer and customizable eyewear brand, according to an announcement. The two companies will expand the Pair Eyewear line to all America’s Best stores. According to a joint statement from National Vision and Pair Eyewear, the pairing plays on both brands’ strengths and positions, unifying the direct-to-consumer and brick-and-mortar optical experiences for the customer’s benefit. "This collaboration addresses some of the core challenges facing consumers and the eyewear industry,” Megan Molony, SVP and chief merchandising and managed care officer at National Vision told VMAIL. “Our customers crave affordability, but they want to be able to personalize their look. In partnering with Pair Eyewear, we are offering an in-store customization experience that allows them to bring their personalities into their eyewear selections. In doing so, we’re also embracing a future of retail that isn’t afraid to evolve to meet the needs of consumers.” Molony noted that through an affordable bundle offer that includes one base frame and two top frames, customers are able to receive a comprehensive eye exam performed by a licensed optometrist practicing inside or next to each America’s Best store with their purchase. Megan Molony, SVP and chief merchandising and managed care officer at National Vision. "We know our customers love the customization only Pair Eyewear can offer thanks to the success of our test run earlier this year, so we're thrilled to bring this to each of our America's Best locations," Molony said. "There's something so special about being able to switch up your eyewear based on your mood, outfit or what's on your calendar that day. People really benefit from that freedom, especially when you know you have a reliable prescription no matter which look you choose, and when you don't have to break the bank to get it." “Consumers today seek high-quality, affordable options with the ability to personalize their look, and through this partnership, we’re proud to bring expanded accessibility, affordable bundles, and an innovative personalized shopping experience to consumers across the country,” Nathan Kondamuri, Pair Eyewear co-founder and co-CEO told VMAIL. He said, Pair’s partnership with National Vision leverages the strengths of both brands, combining Pair’s category-disrupting product mix with the expansive retail footprint and eyecare solutions of America's Best. This collaboration creates a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for both existing and new customers. By creating "a store within a store," Kondamuri said the company is combining Pair Eyewear’s commitment to customizable, stylish and accessible eyewear with America's Best's extensive reach and expertise. He said this partnership represents a significant shift in purchasing behavior, driven by social trends and the desire for more integrated shopping experiences to serve the roughly 80 percent of eyewear consumers who prefer to shop in-store. Pair Eyewear co-founder and co-CEOs Nathan Kondamuri (l) and Sophia Edelstein. “Through Pair’s partnership with America's Best, customers can take advantage of an exclusive bundle offer that includes one base frame and two top frames, along with a comprehensive eye exam provided by a licensed optometrist at America's Best,” he said. “This collaboration allows Pair to deliver a seamless customer experience, starting with professional eyecare at America's Best and continuing through the personalized selection of our unique frame and top combinations. By partnering with America's Best, we ensure that our customers receive not only high-quality, affordable eyewear but also top-tier eyecare from trusted professionals.” This announcement follows Pair Eyewear's establishment of its fully integrated U.S. manufacturing facilities and its expansion into global markets in Canada, the UK and Australia. The brand has developed a family of patents around customizable technology, further pushing innovation in an outdated industry. Kondamuri said the company believes in the power of partnering with optometry to enhance the customer journey. He added that this partnership with America's Best enables Pair to offer the best of both worlds, comprehensive eyecare and innovative, customizable eyewear solutions that are beloved by customers. Looking to the future, Kondamuri said that by integrating professional eyecare with personalized eyewear, this partnership ensures that Pair can offer its community a complete customer journey, enhancing its vision and overall personalization experience. “Our commitment to partnering with trusted optometrists helps us ensure that every customer has access to the highest quality care, making eye health a priority while delivering customizable eyewear solutions,” he said. He noted Pair has pioneered a new category in eyewear with innovative top-drop models, offering consumers a unique way to customize their frames. “Currently, we’re testing pre-packaged tops in a select number of America's Best locations, and the early response has been very encouraging,” he said, adding that as the company looks ahead, they plan to expand this offering with exclusive in-store content that will be available only through their retail partners. “We're excited to continue evolving the consumer experience, bringing more variety and exclusive designs into the store environment, making the shopping experience even more engaging and dynamic for customers.”