Sterling Optical Franchise Overview
If you’re looking for a solid business opportunity with a good name, financial security and a bright future, consider joining the Sterling Optical / Site for Sore Eyes Franchise Family. It’s not by chance that we are one of America’s largest retail optical chains and the fastest growing optical franchise in the industry. Sterling Optical and Site for Sore Eyes provide nationwide support and a range of personalized start-up services, including:
- A solid national reputation as a leader in the retail optical business
- Special financing programs and relationships with lenders
- Dramatic savings through significant company buying power
- National and regional cooperative advertising
- A comprehensive business operating system
- Customer–generating activities that build traffic and increase profits
- Point–of–sale customer retention programs
- A nationally coordinated training program with a certified in-field training team
- Franchise Advisory Committee to provide solid franchise support
- Existing high volume stores currently available for sale.
With this unique combination of business and financial support services, Sterling Optical and Site for Sore Eyes serve as an active partner in building successful franchises. We offer the following franchise opportunity models:
Converting Locations – We understand that converting to Sterling Optical or Site for Sore Eyes can be a difficult decision to make after dedicating considerable time and energy to building an independent business or small chain. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, we provide the business tools, Managed Care clients, vendor relationships and personalized attention you need to make a seamless transition and to compete with the retail giants.
New Locations – Qualified individuals can open franchises at brand new locations through the Sterling Optical / Site for Sore Eyes Franchise Program. Our franchisee support system provides site evaluation assistance, expert lease and real estate negotiators, detailed construction guidelines and décor recommendations. Almost 90 years of experience make starting-up a new franchise both efficient and cost-effective.
Existing Locations – Sterling Optical and Site for Sore Eyes currently offer existing company-operated locations that are available for franchise. These fully operational stores have the advantage of a well-established customer base and they present an outstanding opportunity for individuals who want to move into the business quickly. In addition, financing is available for qualified applicants.
Franchise Details: | |||
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Founded: | 1914 | ||
Corporate Office: | Sterling Optical 520 Eighth Avenue 23rd Floor New York, NY 10018 |
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Industries: | Retail, Medical, Eyewear, Vision Center |
Franchise History
Sterling Optical opened its first door in the financial district of New York in 1914. Thirty-five successful years later, a second store opened in the Washington, D.C. area.
In 1966, Sterling embarked on the first of its expansion programs by acquiring IPCO, a retail optical company and public corporation, making Sterling Optical one of the largest retail optical chain in the Northeast.
In October of 1993, Sterling Optical’s parent company Emerging Vision, Inc. acquired 26 new stores with the Site for Sore Eyes chain in California.
The company has over 125 locations in the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and West Coast whose growth has been accomplished through franchising and acquisitions. A pioneer in the optical industry, Sterling Optical was one of the first to focus on developing proprietary private label brands and forming partnerships with frame vendors worldwide.
As a franchise, they have been repeatedly named by Crain’s Franchise Buyer and by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top franchise operators in the United States.
As they enter their 100th year in business, they have renewed their commitment to remain an industry leader in the optical industry. The Sterling brand continues to expand beyond the United States, by opening additional units in the Caribbean.