Fine eyewear comes to Manchester
The former Bank of England building on Manchester’s King Street is the impressive location of one of the UK’s most exclusive optical stores. Jones and Co. Styling Opticians has undergone a major renovation project this year, and now boasts an interior that rivals some of Europe’s finest optical retailers.
Attracting a style conscious and successful, professional clientele, the store offers impeccable service and a structured styling service, to help people choose their glasses. “We want the customer to enjoy a relaxing yet inspiring eyewear experience,” explains director Conor Heaney. “We only display around 30 optical frames at a time, to excite our customers a taste of what’s on offer, and we change this display every day. We recommend frames to each individual using a well refined and structured styling process that depends on many factors. Our approach is such that the customer generally tends to find something better than what they were expecting, in a sumptuous stress -free environment, with a décor that is evocative of an old-fashioned private library. We are also very clinically minded and offer state-of-the-art testing facilities.”
Jones and Co. offers exclusive brands, some of which are not easily found in the UK. These include Alain Mikli, Chrome Hearts, Etnia, Face à Face, Gold & Wood, l.a. eyeworks, Lindberg and Theo. The new interior was opened just 2 months ago after a refit lasting 4 months. Designers ‘93ft’ from Sheffield have created three separate yet unified areas: the reception, the testing rooms and the eyewear gallery. The optical frames are situated a considerable distance from the sunglasses, also intentional, allowing customers an uncluttered space where the product can then speak for itself. Handpainted wallpaper, industrial storage cupboards and retro furniture, deep, warm yet subdued colours with touches of vibrant yellow and an intentional feeling of open space instead of cluttered shelving gives an overall effect of quality, design appreciation and attention to detail. A welcome addition to the UK’s independent optical retailing business, Jones and Co. Styling Opticians has cast a new direction for the consumer who wishes to explore an interesting selection of creative eyewear designers and lesser known luxury eyewear brands. CN
Jones and Co. Styling Opticians, 82 Upper King Street, Manchester, M2 4WQ T 0161 834 7798
