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A picture worth a thousand words
Unionville Optical is a bustling , fashion-forward optical boutique that has truly embraced the social media universe . The Markham , Ont ., shop , which opened this past spring , has an active , frequently updated Facebook page and Instagram account that feature multiple photos of the store ’ s clients , staff , displays , events and eyewear products .
“ At Unionville Optical , we are able to offer so much more than a pair of lenses and / or frames ; we offer an everyday experience and are able to share these moments and experiences through pictures on Instagram and Facebook ,” explains manager Joanne Sze . “ A picture is worth a thousand words and we want our customers to see all one thousand words . By posting a picture of the engagement that takes place daily in our practice , it shows our community that we are an open and inclusive store . It lets our customers and / or community know that we are more than just a retail company , we are active members of the community with the goal to pro- vide quality customer service and products to our neighbors .”
Recently , Unionville Optical staff , which includes Sze and owner and licensed optician Michael Tran , discussed with Optical Prism their business , the importance of social media and the future .
Q . Why is social media so important to your business ? A . Having a social media presence helps us become a lot more interactive with our customers and community , it ' s where an idea forms , it ’ s where inspiration is brought to life . On Facebook and primarily Instagram , we can involve customers in our day-to-day operations that are not physically in the store with us .
Q . Tell us about your clientele . A . Unionville Optical was created with a vision and a passion to provide authentic designer products and services to all our clients . We are passionately dedicated in sourcing fashion-forward collections from a large selec- tion of eyewear brands . We have selections for children to young adults to mature clients .
Q . Why did you choose to open an optical boutique in Markham ? A . The community in Markham is aware that Main Street Unionville is recognized as a historical suburban community and the street itself serves as an important road for local tourism , which gives us more of a reason to give back and to provide eye care to the neighbourhood . We strongly believe in this philosophy and what better way to provide this service than in the heart of Markham .
26 EYE FOCUS | December Digital 2016
Q . What are some of the benefits of operating an independent outlet ? A . More creative freedom and focus on patient / client care , the independence to be your own boss , the ability to focus on customer service in a more personable way , the tools to care for staff members in a much more nourishing way , having the customers ’ interests first above all else and the ability to design the interior of the store with any vision in mind and provide service and quality products that we believe in .