Specsavers opens first Belgian store

British optical retailer Specsavers has expanded to Belgium, opening both its first physical store (in the Antwerp region) and its Belgian webshop. The optics discounter plans to open more stores in Belgium soon.

First we take Antwerp

Specsavers, originating on the Channel Island of Guernsey, is a huge newcomer on the already busy market for eyewear in Belgium: the chain boasts some 2,500 stores worldwide and employs 38,000 people in countries as diverse as Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Australia and New Zealand. The Dutch branch has now expanded southwards into Belgium, opening a first store this morning in Mortsel near Antwerp. A second store in the Antwerp region, in Wijnegem, is also planned and already looking for employees.

Specsavers markets itself as a discounter, with glasses starting at 29 euros. The chain sells private label eyewear, but also offers glasses by famous brands such as United Colors of Benneton, Timberland, Kylie Minogue, Viktor&Rolf and Converse. The chain also sells lenses and hearing aids. In the Netherlands, the retailer al ready is a household name, with 143 stores generating sales of 175 million euros.