Free shop fit linked to frame sales

Practitioners attending the Mikah Eyewear/Rodenstock roadshows next week (News, March 24) can benefit from a free shopfit worth up to £40,000, linked to the sale of Mikah's frames.

Mikah chairman, optometrist Imran Hakim cited Mintel's prediction that patient numbers were falling at independent practices, threatening their survival.

'It's not that practitioners are failing to see the issues facing them, but many are struggling to locate the resources needed to survive and remain profitable in an increasingly competitive environment.'

He said practices that were doing well had invested in store design and were good at putting complementary frame ranges together.

'At Mikah Eyewear we have adopted a holistic approach to create a one-stop shop to develop a deep working relationship with practitioners, helping them adapt and progress in an optical market where demand is flat.'

Hakim added that the company was moving from sales reps to account managers who could help practitioners market their practice and the shopfits would ensure that product was complimented by a carefully thought out environment.

'The concept of "free gift" promotions is not a new one in optics but this is the first time in the history of optical retail that a promotion of such generous magnitude is on offer,' he said.

The roadshows take place in Bolton, Solihull, Cambridge, Reading and Harrogate from April 3-7.

Details: mark.jones@mikaheyewear.com