ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Vision Expo East’s second annual OPTImum Retail Award is accepting submissions from all independent boutique retailers, according to an announcement from ahow organizers. The OPTImum Retail Award is encouraging all businesses in the independent retail market to submit their story for consideration. Applicants will answer questions regarding their in-store innovations, individuality, culture, brand loyalty and technology usage. As the optical marketplace continues to grow, independent boutique retailers face the unique challenge of differentiating themselves to consumers.

The OPTImum Retail Award aims to celebrate independent boutique retailers by allowing them to showcase their products, stores, visions and stories to the entire optical industry, the announcement said.

“The OPTImum Retail Award puts a spotlight on the immense talent that lies within the independent boutique retailer community,” said Joanne Mohr, event director for Reed Exhibitions. “As so many outstanding retailers craft groundbreaking innovations and implement creative solutions into their stores, it’s a great honor to promote and recognize the work they’re doing with this award.”

Last year’s winner, Todd Rogers Eyewear, serves as both an independent shop and eyewear brand in a former bar and grill in Andover, Mass. Todd Rogers Eyewear received the award based on their passion for celebrating sight, dedication to educating customers, providing high-quality products and more.

“I look around at the shop I’ve built, the clients who have morphed into friends, the trays of new customers who have been referred and I know in my gut that I’ve done something right,” said Todd Rogers, owner of Todd Rogers Eyewear and 2018 OPTImum Retail Award recipient.

To determine the top three finalists, a committee of the industry’s top leaders will deliberate and vote on which retailers they feel are most deserving of the award. This year’s committee members include Dr. Arian Fartash, optometrist and influencer of @glamoptometrist; Christian Roth, eyewear designer and the first Council of Fashion Designers of America member in the eyewear category since 1990; and Jobson’s James Spina, 20/20 Magazine editor-in-chief and senior vice president.

To help determine the final winner, Vision Expo social media channels will be open for voting from Feb. 5 to 25, and votes will be factored into the judges' scores to select the winner. The 2019 OPTImum Retail Award winner will be announced at Vision Expo East during the Boutique Buyer Panel on March 23.

All independent boutique retailers are encouraged to submit their application by Jan. 7. To submit your application or to find out more information, visit VisionExpoEast.com.