What began as a single optical shop in the '70s opened by optical innovator Larry Sands, has evolved into the country's leading high-end optical retail and wholesale operation. As a retailer, distributor and manufacturer of high-end eyewear, Optical Shop of Aspen International has been instrumental in redefining the luxury eyewear market. The company, which operates 15 retail stores under the Optical Shop of Aspen and Emporio Optic names, also designs and distributes unique luxury eyewear brands Chrome Hearts, Kieselstein-Cord, Blinde, and Matsuda. OSA International has elevated eyewear from simply functional to a 'fashion statement'.
Expanding into some of the most upscale, exclusive markets in the country, Optical Shop of Aspen, began a major corporate expansion with the launch of its store in the Borgata shopping center in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1982. Since then, the company has opened shops in Newport Beach, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Kansas City, MO; Santa Fe, NM; Santa Monica, CA; Laguna Beach, CA; Phoenix, AZ; and a new store on Lincoln Road in Miami, FL. Taking a true boutique approach, each Optical Shop of Aspen or Emporio Optic store is designed to reflect the ambiance of its location and utilizes an eclectic array of materials; from slate and concrete to green granite and used brick, to mahogany and antique rosewood fixtures to create an environment that is modern and inviting. Store layouts are created to be intimate, yet ensure that the array of beautifully designed frames is easily accessible. "We look at our stores as a brand," explains Larry Sands. "Good retailers become brands - they develop a reputation for quality merchandise and service. Our customers know that Optical Shop of Aspen is a great optical store." In addition to brands designed and distributed by its wholesale division, Optical Shop of Aspen stocks its stores with innovative, high-end labels such as Cartier, Christian Roth, and Chanel. The criterion for selecting product, according to Larry Sands, is to select "the best quality, highest fashion, forward moving eyewear available."
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