Optical Prism June 2015 | Page 4

CENTENNIAL EYEWEAR PAST MEETS PRESENT CENTENNIAL OPTICAL WAS FOUNDED IN 1967 AND IS BUILT ON A COMMITMENT TO SELLING EXCEPTIONAL OPTICAL GOODS AND SERVICES. WE TALK TO ALLEN NIGHTINGALE, VICE PRESIDENT OF CENTENNIAL OPTICAL ABOUT THE DIRECTION THE COMPANY IS MOVING IN AN EVER CHANGING EYEWEAR INDUSTRY. How is Centennial different from other eyewear designers/ distributors? Centennial is unique in that we offer our accounts the products and support to meet their needs for practically all aspects of their businesses. We also create customized programs to support independent eyecare professionals, so they are able to thrive in a very competitive market with the internet, retail chains and big box stores. What are some of the style features people can expect from Centennial? Another unique aspect of our company is the diversity of product. 4 Optical Prism | June Digital 2015 In addition to offering a complete range of lenses, contact lenses, sunglasses, accessories and supplies, we launch approximately 360 different eyewear models each year, one for virtually every day of the year. Therefore, we can address just about any of our customers’ issues related to price, brand, and demographics. What are the keys to Centennial's long-term success in the eyewear industry? Our founder, Roger de Pinto has always said: if our customers grow, then Centennial will grow with them. That’s why we think it is so important to provide our customers with the tools that can help them to grow their businesses. And, that’s the secret to Centennial’s growth over the past 48 years. Where does Centennial draw inspiration for its designs? We have a dedicated team that travels the world, picking up on trends and learning about new technologies. We focus our attention on the Canadian market, but we work with an international network of suppliers, so we’re aware of what is going on in the rest of the world. We meet regularly with our design brand companies so that we’re able to communicate their design inspirations through the eyewear collections.