Eyes on Burrard and Eyes on Twelfth, in downtown Vancouver

With my wife and lifelong partner Gloria, we operate two specialized optical boutiques in high quality, high fashion (not mass fashion) eyewear and prescription lenses. Our emphasis is on extraordinary customer service and assisting our customer/patients maximize their vision.

How Steven got into retail:

I got the bug for retail back in the late 60’s where at the age of 12, I was working weekends at a market stall at Wembley Market in London, England. Think of an extremely large farmers market except with a huge variety of food, soft and hard goods (many of questionable legal origin) about the size of a large shopping centre with 500+ messy and eclectic outlets. I enjoyed dealing with the people. After leaving high school I started work in the menswear department of a high end clothing manufacturer/retailer in London, England. Over a period of 24 years I was offered a trainee management position in the Canadian Division, moved to Montreal, where responsibilities included setting up, operating, and supplying 16 retail stores, worked my way up to VP Operations, was transferred back to England as Operations Director and was let go after the company succumbed to a hostile take-over. Returned to Vancouver, Canada in 1994 and purchased and built up our current business.

What’s the best thing about retail?

The best thing about retail? Adding value to a product that makes a customer want to buy it, enjoy their purchase, and refer relatives and friends. Every day brings a new challenge as nothing stays the same.

What does Shelfspace mean to Steven?

Shelfspace is my reference and research resource. It assists me with connections to my peers and colleagues with whom I can network, share ideas and issues, learn from, and against which I can measure the success of what I do.

What’s one thing Steven would like you to know about him?

If you are going to purchase eyewear and you want the best, there is nowhere else in western Canada one should buy eyeglasses from. We expanded to 4 stores, contracted back to 2, and the business is now easier to deal with and more profitable. Do it well or don’t bother, and keep it simple.

Steven's favourite thing to do:

Relax after a busy and productive time at work. Living in Vancouver, this presents a multitude of choices – take in the scenery, sailing, skiing, hiking and biking.