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Oscar Wylee kicks off 2023 with two market entries and that’s just the beginning

February 10, 2023

Oscar Wylee kicks off 2023 with two market entries and that’s just the beginning

Australian eyewear and eye care company Oscar Wylee is forging into new markets across Canada, with the recent opening of its first location in British Columbia.



The store, which like all Oscar Wylee locations offers complete optical service with in-house optometrist, is now open at CF Richmond Centre and marks the brand’s eighth in Canada.



Next up, Oscar Wylee will debut in the Province of Quebec with a store slated to open in March at CF Carrefour Laval.That’s two market entries in less than three months, plus the company recently signed deals to open at CF Fairview Park in Kitchener, Ont. and Place St. Foy in Quebec City. 



Its been an incredible journey since Oscar Wylee opened it first store in Canada in September 2021 at West Edmonton Mall, which was followed by 1,000-sq.-ft. stores at Halifax Shopping Centre and CF Market Mall in Calgary. Oscar Wylee closed the year with an opening at Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, Ont. 



In 2022, Oscar Wylee’s brick-and-mortar expansion included CF Chinook Centre in Calgary and two Ontario stores— a 1,094-sq.-ft. store at Oshawa Centre, Durham Region’s largest shopping centre and another at CF Markville in Markham. 



Oscar Wylee is quickly becoming a star tenant at top regional shopping centres across the country. Its goal is to serve the needs of communities by opening in high-traffic, as well as popular and up-and-coming area with decent population coverage. Stores are fresh and vibrant, reflecting the brand’s modern design ethos. The welcoming spaces feature light wood floors and fixtures, as well as great lighting, which is essential for the eyeglass shopping experience. Glasses are not hidden behind closed cabinets, but rather displayed to encourage customers to experiment. 



Oscar Wylee’s product line features hundreds of premium customizable frames, including its own line of fashion-forward designs, at affordable prices—customers can pick up two pairs of glasses from $199.



The concept, which started in 2012 as a small ecommerce operation, sets itself apart through its joint-venture program. The first physical Oscar Wylee store opened in Sydney in 2013 and the company continues to partner with optometrists, providing a one-stop solution for professional eye care and exams, as well as the popular retail experience. 



In just a decade, Oscar Wylee has grown into a strong global brand, with more 139 stores in three countries—and there’s more to come. 



Ultimately, the company plans to have 20 to 30 locations in Canada and Think Retail is thrilled to work with the Oscar Wylee team to bring this goal to fruition.



Markets of interest include, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.  Ideal spaces are 800 to 1,000 sq. ft. (20 ft. wide) in shopping malls and along busy high streets in proximity to fashion or general merchandise retailers. Filling a gap in the community for quality eye care and eyewear is paramount.



For more about this visionary company and its expansion plans, contact the Think Retail team