Grandvision buys online optical retailer Charlie Temple

Grandvision, parent company of optical retail chains Pearle and Eyewish, is taking over Dutch pure player Charlie Temple, hoping to build a stronger position in the growing online segment for glasses.

“Logical addition”

Charlie Temple operates entirely online from Delft, where both frames and lenses are designed and created. Entrepreneur Leon Planken created the company in 2016 when he noticed that glasses tend to be quite expensive and have long delivery periods. Charlie Temple delivers them within a day at a low price. 
 

The online retailer’s brand will continue to exist within the group and Leon Planken will still be at the helm. According to Grandvision, the brand will now be able to enjoy the groups advantages in terms of expenses. Simultaneously, Grandvision’s position in the online market is growing stronger. “Charlie Temple is a logical and fitting addition to our current portfolio in the Benelux and will serve as a platform for international expansion in the online segment for glasses. Charlie Temple fits perfectly within our commercial strategy of offering high-quality glasses at affordable prices,” stated CEO Stephan Borchert in a press release. No financial details have been released.