Optika Clulow sets sights on expansion

Fashion-led retail group Optika Clulow has revealed plans to nearly double in size this year and increase its involvement in the refractive surgery market.
The group, based in the south east, currently has 45 David Clulow and Optika stores, including outlets in major shopping centres and department stores.
Business development director Richard Peck told optician this week that the company plans to open between 20 and 30 new stores this year, as part of plans to celebrate the 40th year of business for the retail name.
He would not reveal any more details at this stage, but said: ÔWe already have them in the city centres and the big shopping malls, but we want to fill the gaps in places like Nottingham and Leeds. We are also going to open a store in Oxford Street.Õ
The group plans to open some of these in partnership, as it has done at its London SelfridgesÕ outlet, where it shares retail space with Ora Dental Group. Mr Peck said the arrangement was working Ôreally wellÕ and he was looking at setting up other practices with shared space.
Optika Clulow is also launching a partnership scheme for its senior staff, as a long-term incentive to retain them. ÔThe most important thing is to have good staff. We will be announcing more about that in the coming weeks,Õ he said. The group is looking to improve on its current relationship (its optometrists carry out pre- and post-surgery screening) with Lasik chain Maxivision.
ÔWhile patients are having their eyes tested they ask about laser eye surgery,Õ Mr Peck explained. ÔWe want to build relationships with these people. You canÕt ignore the patients who want laser surgery. The current arrangement is working really well so far. Perhaps we will be investing more heavily in this area in the future.Õ
Optika Clulow will also be adding to its 10 franchises, and running a recruitment drive.