this well known and busy optometrist has been trading for over 40 years. The present owners took over operations in 1989, and in 2007 completed a major re-branding to bring the business up-to date. Working out of a large 2 floor shop unit in an affluent area of south west london. The business enjoys high footfall and passing trade, due to the corner high-street location close to a commuter station, and major supermarket. The vendor has took training as an ophthalmic opticians many years ago, and built a business including this site and a couple of others in different locations around south west london. As he has closed in on retirement, he has sold the other businesses, remaining at this core site until now. It is now time, to fully retire, and as such sell on this well established busy unit to new owners. The business handles all clientele, with glass-unit racking around the ground floor filled with the latest designer frames. Towards the rear is one of the examination rooms. Downstairs in the basement, are further examination rooms, and a large retail space which is devoted to working with nhs patients, and stocking a range of frames for the more price conscious. The business has full dispensing facilities on site, and can accommodate many customers in a friendly and professional atmosphere. Although the branding of the business now appeals to a wide demographic looking for a national chain feel, the business operations are still based around small scale operations, offering a family feel to the business, and attention to customer service, that has retained customers over many years. The business dispenses around 95% of orders and caters for customers mostly 45+ yrs old. Around 80% of clients are private customers, with the remaining 20% nhs referrals. Customers can spend anywhere between £100 - £700 per visit, with the average around £200-300. Equipment: (including, but not limited to) 2 x parking tonometer, haagstreet tonometer, a.o. Non-contact tonometer 2 x snellen’s chart and a mallet reading chart 2 x slit lamp kertometer maric 2 field analyser tomy focimeter and lm7 focimeter essilor glazing machine and kappa edger nidek fundus camera multitude of trial lenses, sets and cases 18 x wooden frame display cases, 3 large air-con units, integrated telephone system with 4 phones, cash register, 7 adjustable chairs / stools, c.c.t.v. System, alarm and computer storing all customer records and prescriptions. Customer service: central to the company success is its total commitment to quality and customer care, which is focused to a great extent on after sales, the area where the reputation of the business can be made or lost. Understanding this has meant that the business has prioritised this area to deliver its customer relationship management strategy. The company are proud of the service that is offered to customers. The results of this commitment are evident in the degree of return custom and the choice of this shop by new customers over competitors. Key strengths: the trading history of this business, and the shear number of years on site as an optometrist in a busy area of london is a great asset to the business. The diversification of clientele, and the ability to cater for customers at both ends of the market is also a great boon to the bottom line, as is the ability to dispense on site. This offers customers flexible service, fast turnarounds and adds to the margin on each sell. Growth and expansion opportunities: the business recently has had a focus on the upstairs operations which tends to cater for the private individual choosing higher value designer brands. Whilst the nhs business has been a staple part of the company in past years, with a new vigour to promotion the revenue generated from this side of the business could be greatly enhanced as there is minimal competition for these services on the high street.
| Ownership: |
no |
| Lease: |
yes |
| Lease terms: |
As a guide the rental value is approximately £40,000 per annum, with business rates of around £10,000. |
| Location: |
The Freehold of the property is owned by the Vendor and his wife. They are looking to agree a new lease for the premises at the current market rate. As a guide the rental value is approximately £40,000 per annum, with business rates of around £10,000.
The business occupies around 600 sq ft on each floor. In the basement, is a small staff kitchen area, store room and toilet facilities, with the main retail area including display cases and desks with examination equipment occupying the central 500 sq ft.
On the Ground Floor, the business has display cabinets through-out, a small customer dispensing area at the front, retail counter and management / glazing office. At the rear is the main sight examination room, with a customer toilet to the side. |
