Hipster glasses boutique Warby Parker is still under construction at Bethesda Row. But the interior is starting to take shape, including upscale shelving. Warby Parker is scheduled to open before the end of Spring, and it appears to be on or ahead-of schedule.
Ugh, not another hipster expensive boutique, who wants this instead of a mom and pop shop?
ReplyDeleteOh wait, apparently they have the money to pay the high rent FRIT wants and their market research (whether right or wrong) thinks there is demand for their product here, oh and it's nothing to do about what I personally want.
Bethesda and Chevy Chase deserve all the development misery they get.
Actually, most glasses at Warby Parker cost about $100,far cheaper than the >500 you will spend for a nice pair at a different retailer. This is a wonderful addition for Bethesda.
ReplyDeleteWP may be hipster but it's not expensive and their glasses are top-notch. Not a fan of most of what's on Bethesda Row but I'm looking forward to this addition.
ReplyDeleteMe too. One pair donated for every pair purchased.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Warby Parker.
5:05 - Name me just a few "mom & pop" merchants you'd like to see in this area. I don't think you can come up with two that are not some coffee cafe, or deli. The banks now are not backing this type of business, and those in the biz are selling most items online.
ReplyDeleteWP customer here. They disrupted the eyeglass business, which was full of high prices and basically a cartel. Ever notice how Lenscrafters and the like offer buy one pair, get one free? That's because their markups are so high.
ReplyDeleteWarby is much cheaper because they design their frames in-house, source them directly, and grind the lenses in a single location (not in-store) for a better economy of scale.
They also have great customer service, and will replace your lenses if the scratch, for free, in the first year (I know from experience).
This type of place could actually drive some customer traffic to the area. They offer good prices and good service. They'll get a lot more people coming by compared to a stationery store!
Can't wait to go here. They are reasonably priced and chic. I'm not a hipster. Baby boomers are such a bunch of farts.
ReplyDelete