Optical Express gone into adminstration

veritable

Another sign of the recession. Optical Express closing 40 clinics and have been put into administration. Bad news for people who've had laser eye surgery with Optical Express. Optical Express could be gone out of business entirely.

http://www.retail-week.com/sectors/health-and-beauty/optical-express-subsidiary-collapses-into-administration/5041374.article

Green Diesel

Can't read the article (SUBSCRIBER ONLY CONTENT)

Does it apply to the 4 Irish clinics? Website says 200 clinics in Europe...

Daisies

Any article I have read mentions that it is just their subsidiary stores ie the ones that sell glasses only that are affected. Looks to be similar to when Optilase closed their glasses store on Exechquer St

veritable

Sorry, yes, here is the content, not sure how I can access it!

"
Optical Express is to close 40 stores after plunging its subsidiary into administration in the face of a “significant economic slowdown on the high street”.

Optical Express is buying back the remaining 40 shops as part of the administration process, bringing the store estate to 130.

Employees of the stores set to close will be redeployed across the group.

Retail Week revealed on Monday that the retailer had filed an intention to appoint an administrator.

Joint administrator Bryan Jackson said: “The decision to close these stores has been taken reluctantly by the owner and management of the Optical Express Group.

“It, like all of the retail sector, has been adversely affected by difficult trading conditions, a reduction in consumer confidence, and the negative impact of the subdued economy.

“The decision to close one part of the group is intended to support and strengthen the remainder of the company and ensure it can operate successfully in the future.”

Optical Express chairman and chief executive David Moulsdale said on Monday: “Most of the locations closing are in tertiary high street locations that have been significantly impacted by markedly reduced trade due to both competition from shopping centres and reduced consumer spending due to the challenging economic climate.

“We are now in a position of strength to go forward and grow our business in these tough economic times.”

"

veritable

Daisies wrote: »

Any article I have read mentions that it is just their subsidiary stores ie the ones that sell glasses only that are affected. Looks to be similar to when Optilase closed their glasses store on Exechquer St

Interesting perspective. I've noticed that Optilase has expanded over the past year. When I had it in Optilase they only had 2 clinics and I think they now have 6 or 7 across Ireland. Whereas Optical Express are closing 40 laser eye clinics.

I suppose more details will emerge over the next while. Worrying still for their customers.

Daisies

veritable wrote: »

Interesting perspective. I've noticed that Optilase has expanded over the past year. When I had it in Optilase they only had 2 clinics and I think they now have 6 or 7 across Ireland. Whereas Optical Express are closing 40 laser eye clinics.

I suppose more details will emerge over the next while. Worrying still for their customers.

Maybe we should all reserve judgement until details as to whether it is their laser clinics that are closing. Don't want to be scaremongering people now do we