Simon Jones: 'Net clicks and chill

Online optical retail is likely to have another major player in the very near future. It’s not front-page news this week because the operation is still in the testing phase so there’s still time for the plug to be pulled. However, on the face of it, the model is well thought out and different to what’s currently out there.

It doesn’t matter how many opticians, optometrists or businesses owners I speak to or hear from, everybody has their own take on dealing with internet competition, but also the customers who buy online.

Showrooming, where patients browse collections and photographs for whatever details they can glean from a frame before going elsewhere to purchase, must be one of the most frustrating things for someone on the shop floor. A recent forum thread on this very subject highlighted the different approaches – from those willing to retain custom and those unwilling to compromise on their values.