WARBY PARKER OPENS AT FASHION VALLEY
Technology-focused eyewear brand has two stores in San Diego
Warby Parker, an e-commerce giant in the eyewear industry, has opened its second brick-and-mortar store in San Diego at Fashion Valley mall.
Founded 10 years ago as an online-only prescription eyewear business, the New York City-based company has grown into a tech-fueled retailer valued at $3 billion in 2020. The company’s founding principle was direct-to-consumer e-commerce, cutting out the middleman retailer and thereby cutting costs. This allowed the business to sell prescription glasses for less than $100 a frame.
But now, Warby Parker is well-established in brick-andmortar, with over 140 stores across the U.S. and Canada. In
addition to its new spot at 7007 Friars Road at Fashion Valley, the retailer also has a store at Westfield UTC.
Dave Gilboa, the company’s co-founder and co-CEO, grew up in San Diego. He left for college and later earned a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he cofounded Warby Parker with fellow students Neil Blumenthal, Jeff Raider and Andrew Hunt.
The company’s website allows customers to order five potential frames to be delivered to their home, try them on, and send them back once they’ve made a selection. The company has expanded into new product lines, including sunglasses, children’s frames and contact lenses. UnitedHealthcare and Spectra health insurance include coverage for Warby Parker glasses, and eligible members may be able to get a new pair with a $25 co-pay. The company also accepts other forms of insurance, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.
The Fashion Valley location is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.