All retail is not created equal

If you want a recession proof franchise, getting one that trades in necessities and not discretionary spending is a good place to start.

I would consider my vision a necessity. I believe most people would agree with me. Do you believe most of the elderly prefer to wear frames, contacts or elect for surgery? Right again! The frames match the black dress socks and the sandals right? I just took my kids for a walk around Fountain Hills Park yesterday and I was sporting the dress socks and shorts as well. I told my wife I needed a chick repellent, do to the fact I am happily married. I am 43, also a frame guy, so call me a trend setter, but at some point function overrides fashion as we get older and these things tend to trend for a long time. We are talking about big trends here. If you want to do some franchise research in this space, just check in with your parents and ask them if their eyewear bill is trending higher or lower as they get older.

I caught up with Sam Herskowitz, President of Sterling Optical and talked about the growing senior population and the effect on his bottom line. The retail optical space continues to consolidate around bigger brands and the Sterling Optical is seeking more independent operators that want to align with a national franchised name and keep their independence at the same time. With 20 more franchised locations slated for 2008 and system wide sale up 5% year over year, this could be a very good retail spot to be in over the next 20 years.

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Website:
http://www.sterlingoptical.com/