Specsavers Unprecedented Overseas Expansion

Friday 04 December 2009

ONE of Guernsey's leading entrepreneurs, Doug Perkins, is making a big name for himself on the other side of the world as the Specsavers business sees unprecedented growth.

Specsavers this week announced it will double the number of stores in New Zealand from 30 to 60. The move comes in response to extraordinary levels of growth in the first 12 months of operation, as Kiwis flock to take advantage of a better eyecare deal.

Mr Perkins, who spends much of his time in the country while his son John runs the operation from Guernsey, says he has been bowled over by the response they have had there.

‘In my 25 years in the Specsavers business I have never seen initial demand like we’ve witnessed in New Zealand.
‘We’ve seen some of our customers travelling more than 175 kms to go to one of our stores because of the major savings possible when compared to buying new glasses in their own area.’

The first Specsavers stores opened in Takapuna and Albany in November 2008 and in just 12 months the brand has opened 30 outlets across the country. However, Mr Perkins says the ‘Specsavers revolution’ is far from over and that many Kiwis are still crying out for a better deal from the retail optics industry.

‘Up until now, optical care in New Zealand has priced itself so far out of the range of affordability that people put off going for an eye test as long as they can because they are afraid of how much their glasses will cost,’ he said.
‘It is important to get your eyes tested every two years but in fact Kiwis are going to the optometrist much less often than that and some can’t afford to go at all.

‘This has serious implications for the eye health of New Zealanders. Good vision should not be limited to only those who can afford it. At Specsavers, we are bringing prices down to make sure everyone can access quality eyecare.’

Specsavers has celebrated other expansion abroad this year, with the opening of its 200th store in Australia in October and a fourth Spanish store opening last month.

Despite the tough economic times, Specsavers remains the market leader in the UK and Ireland where the optical retailer now has nearly 700 stores. With its European portfolio, this brings its total number of stores to nearly 1,500 worldwide.