Warby Parker offers stylish eyewear for a fair price

A great pair of glasses can do much more than just help you see. They can elevate an outfit — not to mention provide insight into your personal style.

New York-based brand Warby Parker has set up shop in the city (its first location in Western Canada), with a new shop at 2290 West 4th Ave.

We caught up with Dave Gilboa, the co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, to learn more about the brand, the new store and what makes Vancouver a perfect fit.

Q For those who aren’t familiar, what is Warby Parker?

A Our goal is to make the process of buying glasses easy, affordable and convenient. By circumventing traditional channels, designing glasses in-house and engaging with customers directly, we’re able to provide higher quality, betterlooking prescription eyewear for a fair price.

Q What makes it different from other eyewear brands?

A From day one, we set out to transform the optical industry and demonstrate that for-profit companies can do good in the world. We work with international partners to distribute glasses to people in need, and lead a program with local organizations and government agencies that provides free eye exams and glasses to schoolchildren in New York City and Baltimore.

Q Who is the target Warby Parker customer?

A Our customer is really anyone searching for a stylish, high-quality and affordable pair of glasses or sunglasses.

Q What made this the right time to set up shop in Vancouver?

A We’ve had our eye on Vancouver for quite some time. After years of connecting with our customers in Vancouver — whether online, through our iOS app or over the phone — we’re so excited to meet them closer to home, as well as meet new customers.

Q What can people expect to find in-store?

A The first thing customers might notice when they enter the store, aside from our full collection of glasses and sunglasses, is the vibrant, custom mural by Canadian artist Sebastian Curi. … We’ve always thought that shopping for eyewear should feel a little like browsing at a library — leisurely, filled with pleasant surprises, and better with friends.

Q What’s the price range for Warby Parker glasses?

A Our frames start at $150, and that price includes prescription lenses, free shipping, free returns, a one-year no-scratch guarantee and lifetime fit adjustments.

Q And, lastly, what’s next?

A We’re always keeping an eye out for new locations and ways where we can expand our presence in Canada. As far as new collections go, we’re approaching sunglasses season, which means we have lots of new styles set to be released in the next few months.