Quebec-based eyewear brand BonLook arrives in B.C.

How many shoes do you own? And, how about coats? Now, count your collection of eyeglasses.

There aren’t nearly as many of the latter as there are of the two former, correct? And, if that’s the case, you’re likely not alone.

This uneven offering of eyewear was what initially prompted Sophie Boulanger and her brother Louis-Felix to start their own eyeglasses company in 2011, after they grew frustrated by the fact that eyeglass wearers had to choose one go-to frame for everyday wear. The reason being, of course, was the high cost of purchasing cool frames and prescription lenses.

So, the pair decided to change the way men and women shop for glasses. BonLook was the result. The Quebec-based company aims to offer a “wardrobe of glasses” to shoppers at affordable prices. And now, they’ve set their sights on B.C.

We caught up with Andreanne Ferland, a public relations pro for BonLook, to chat about the brand, what makes it different from other eyeglass offerings and its ambitious Canadian expansion plans.

Q What makes BonLook different from other eyewear brands?

A Our starting price is $145 with lenses, so it’s pretty competitively priced. We also do all our designs in Montreal, and that’s great because we can react to what customers are asking for, their needs and their wants.

Q Who is the target customer?

A I would say anyone between the ages of 18-25, or a bit older. Young professionals and students. We really wanted to make glasses that are fashionable and affordable.

Q The brand started with online retail only. When did it branch into bricks-and-mortar stores?

A Around 2015, we realized that people really wanted to try on the products. Glasses aren’t like a T-shirt. And it also depends on what type of prescription they need and if they would like to see an optician in-store. So, we first opened a small kiosk and showroom in Montreal, and it was so popular that ... we decided to open real stores. Since 2015, we have opened 25 stores. We have 12 stores in Quebec and 13 in Ontario.

Q And now you’ve set your sights on B.C. Where will you open first?

A Our first store will be in Guildford (Surrey). Then, we will have another one in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Our plan is to open five stores in Western Canada before the end of the year, and then there will be way more in 2019.

Q What’s new for the brand?

A A lot of people were coming in to our stores and saying, ‘I love your bestsellers, but they don’t fit me.’ So, we launched a petite collection for narrower faces. And then we did the same, this summer, for wider faces. So, whatever your face shape or size is, you can have your favourite pair of glasses. And I think we’re one of the only ones doing that.