The founders were responding to a particularly pron![\"Picture1\"](\"https:\/\/i4tsk12in2b2y7uts14c528g-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/12\/Picture139-300x170.png\")
ounced customer pain point: Glasses are expensive \u2013 on average $263 – but there is a feeling among consumers (especially millenials) that this shouldn\u2019t be the case. In the eyeglass industry, there is really only one player who matters: Luxottica, who controls 80% of the market. Not only does Luxottica own major brands like Ray Bans and Oakley, they also manufacture glasses for Armani, Versace, and many others. More than that, Luxottica also owns many of the most popular eyeglass retailers, including more than 10 in the U.S. like Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision, and Sunglass Hut. It\u2019s no wonder that prices are artificially high in an industry with this prevailing model. After working for VisionSpring, a non-profit focused on producing and distributing eyeglasses in the developing world, Neil Blumenthal, one of the founders, knew that it did not have to be this way.<\/p>\n
A New Business Model for Eyewear that Puts Customers First<\/strong><\/p>\n Warby Parker creates a huge amount of value with its convenient, direct-to-consumer model. They sell their own branded eyeglasses, which are made of the same materials and in the same\u00a0factories as Luxottica\u2019s.\u00a0This means Warby Parker can offer a product that is just as high-quality and stylish, but at a much lower price point. However, they are doing more than just creating economic value for their customers. They have made the eyeglass buying process more convenient and fun. Customers can buy glasses on their website with the innovative \u201ctry on at home\u201d feature or at one of their 12 freestanding stores. Maybe most importantly, they are making glasses that customers are proud to wear. Warby Parker glasses signal not only style, but also a social consciousness as they donate a pair of glasses to VisionSpring for every pair sold.<\/p>\n An Operating Model Which Upholds the Customer Promise<\/strong><\/p>\n From the beginning, I mentioned disintermediation as a main piece of this story. It is definitely important for the cost-reasons, but also because it enables Warby Parker to control every piece of the customer experience and the brand.<\/p>\n Supply Chain<\/em><\/p>\n From his experience at VisionSpring, Blumenthal knew the factories and the manufacturing process so he is laser-focused on sourcing everything directly – from the acetate for the frames to the hinges and the screws.\u00a0This focus on the supply chain enables Warby Parker to deliver a high-quality product at low cost.<\/p>\n In-House Design<\/em><\/p>\n Whereas Luxiotta licenses brands from other companies, Warby Parker designs their glasses themselves under their own brand name. They invested in designers and brought in in-house talent. By controlling the design and being keyed into what customers like, Warby Parker can\u00a0quickly respond to any changes in customer demand and preferences. As the founders said, \u201cWe will not design anything that we will be embarrassed wearing in 20 years.\u201d<\/p>\n Online Distribution<\/em><\/p>\n To get customers more comfortable with purchasing glasses online, Warby Parker came up with the innovative try-on-at-home idea. Customers could choose five frames to try on at home and then pick the one they want to order (and there wasn\u2019t even an obligation to buy). Shipping was free both ways. They also reimburse customers up to $50 for getting the glasses fitted at another optical shop. This distribution model supported the convenience and customer-first aspect of the business model. This process also supported the brand building in important ways. Customers would post photos on social media to get opinions on which frames to buy. This provided Warby Parker with free advertising, but also immediate feedback on their designs which they could take back to their in-house designers.<\/p>\n In-Store Experience<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Looking forward<\/strong><\/p>\n Warby Parker has created an innovative operating model that successfully upholds and reinforces its business model. It is clear that they are creating a lot of value for their customers. The big question going forward is whether they are capturing enough value for themselves to be sustainable.<\/p>\n Sources<\/strong><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/mikeotoole\/2013\/07\/22\/warby-parker-one-million-eyeglasses-and-the-next-generation-of-brands\/<\/p>\n![\"2013_05_warbyparker_boston.0\"](\"https:\/\/i4tsk12in2b2y7uts14c528g-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/12\/2013_05_warbyparker_boston.0-300x188.jpg\")
At their brick-and-mortar locations, customers are greeted by friendly opticians wearing Warby frames and holding iPad minis, which run their custom built point-of-sale system. If you are in a rush, opticians can check inventory, pull up your prescription, or get your frames ordered in a matter of minutes. Many more people, though, are\u00a0here to browse, trying on one of their many frames, reading about the company\u2019s history and mission (a timeline sits prominently in the\u00a0middle of the Boston store), or sitting on the couches flipping through a book (the Boston store has a literary theme). These stores enable Warby Parker to really showcase their brand and what they stand for to their customers.<\/p>\n