A new approach to visual merchandising for optical store
A new team, whose members each have a distinct experience in the field of optics and stores, come together to bring innovative ideas to the window display of optical stores. We asked them and they told us about their new venture
Michalis Vlachopoulos: CEO | Optitec
Antonis Asiminas: Chief Operations Officer | Optitec
Maria Stergiou: Architect
Iro Mastoraki: Architect
How was the idea for this team born?
The idea for our team was born from our desire to combine creativity with functionality. We noticed the need for innovative and attractive window designs that attract customers and enhance their experience. As a result, we decided to create a team that would focus on providing these services, bringing with us expertise and a passion for the field of optics and design.
What initial motivation drove you to get involved in window dressing and design?
What makes us creative, and has always been a passion from the very first day of founding our company until today, is meeting the needs of the end consumer. The initial motivation was always our love for aesthetics and the art of visual merchandising. We all know how the proper presentation of products can influence customers’ purchasing decisions. With this in mind, we want to create window displays that stand out. For us, creating window displays and design is a way of expressing and communicating with the public.
Tell us a little about your professional background and experience in the optical industry.
I started my career in 1993 in a wholesale optics company, mainly in the sales sector, where I had the opportunity to continually visit optical stores. Then, in 1994, I worked as a freelancer and founded the company, collaborating periodically with various companies in the field, always aiming to improve and develop the product portfolio. This experience helped me develop my skills and understand the needs and preferences of both optical stores and, more importantly, the end consumer.
Maria & Iro: we have been working as architects for about 10 years and, beyond houses and hotels, we specialize in the design of shops, restaurants and office spaces
How did the collaboration between you come about? What are the roles and
contributions of each member in the team?
This team was created out of the market’s need for a new, fresh, and creative approach to window displays. It combines the experience of Optitec in the optics industry with the expertise of the architects Maria & Iro in retail and commercial store design and implementation.
What is the main vision and mission of your team?
To fill the market gap and provide specialized solutions to highlight such a specific product. It is also very important to evolve window design which, especially in Greece, is sometimes quite cluttered and verbose, thus not serving its purpose.
What innovation do you bring to the window decoration field for optical stores?
A service that deals with window displays throughout all seasons and holidays, creating flexibility and renewal without necessarily making major interventions, always with simplicity and creativity in mind. The more flexible the optical client is, the more innovation there will be in the design.
What is the current market situation in Greece regarding window design for optical stores?
There are some very good efforts, but they are somewhat empirical and not so organized. We want to offer specialization, organization, consistency, and fresh ideas.
How do you plan to stand out from the competition?
With all of the above.
What services do you offer and what are their main features?
Our team offers a wide range of services in design and visual merchandising, tailored to our clients’ needs. Our main services include Window Display Design and Setup, Interior Decoration of Stores, Visual Merchandising Consulting Services, Design of Special Events and Promotional Activities, Corporate Identity Development.
Our services are designed to provide comprehensive solutions that cover every client’s need, from initial design to final implementation. We are committed to quality and innovation in every project we undertake
What are the key points for creating an impressive window display?
Story-concept, design and lighting, simplicity.
What is your collaboration process with clients?
Our collaboration process with clients is well-organized and aims to provide high-quality services and fully meet their needs. The process includes the following stages: a) Initial Contact and Consultation: Meeting and Needs Analysis, Market and Competition Analysis b) Proposals and Design: Strategy Development, Presentation of Proposals c) Agreement and Project Design: Scheduling and Budgeting, Detailed Design d) Implementation and Monitoring: Project Implementation, Continuous Communication e) Delivery and Evaluation: Final Delivery, Evaluation and Feedback f) Post-Delivery Support: Ongoing Support This process ensures that every project we undertake is executed with professionalism, precision, and dedication to client satisfaction.
What feedback have you received so far from your first clients?
There are already three stores in progress with very positive feedback.
What opportunities do you see in your industry over the next few years?
In the field of design and visual merchandising, we see several significant opportunities in the coming years: Development of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies, Overall Customer Experience Development, Sustainability and Environmental Awareness, Expansion of E-commerce, International Market Development, Increased Demand for Comprehensive Solutions
What are your plans for this team?
To become essential to specialized stores and to make people think, when they see a window display, that “this team is definitely behind it”!
What is your favorite part of your job?
The birth of the idea and the concept excite us the most, and of course
How do you plan to promote your business to the community of optical professionals and store owners?
To promote our idea to the community of optical professionals and store owners, we plan to implement a multi-channel strategy that includes the following actions: Participation in Professional Exhibitions and Conferences, Creation of Strategic Partnerships, Targeted Marketing and Advertising, Content Creation and Educational Seminars, Use of Social Media and Digital Presence, Development of Personalized Offers and Special Packages These actions are designed to enhance our visibility, establish our reputation as leaders in the field, and effectively reach our target
audience.
