Rodenstock to recruit upmarket franchisees

Rodenstock is launching a franchised practice venture as it aims to extend its share of the UK optical market for premium products.

The move follows a successful prototype store in Hamburg, as it plans to roll out several new Rodenstock practices in the UK in the first year, with small market towns as likely locations.

Practices with strong links to Rodenstock and upmarket independents will be invited to become the first UK Rodenstock franchisees as part of a programme the company claimed 'brings greater practice benefits than many other established franchise schemes'.

Promoted as 'Quality without compromise', the scheme is described as a natural development from the company's ownership of Allders Opticians' 15 regional practices, with the benefits of the premium frame and lens brand. Rodenstock said much emphasis would be placed on 'freedom to operate the way you want'.