Warby Parker + Nola

Warby Parker is a business phenomenon that truly stands alone. A pioneer in the optical marketplace where their brand and company continues to grow. Last week Warby Parker opened their 12th US location and Frame Studio in New Orleans with a smile.


Warby Parker is a business phenomenon that truly stands alone. A pioneer in the optical marketplace where their brand and company continues to grow. Last week Warby Parker opened their 12th US location and Frame Studio in New Orleans with a smile.



Over the last few weeks it was impossible not to be intrigued by all the photos popping up in my feed from Warby Parker’s newest location Uptown on Magazine St. Located in the middle of Magazine, the newly renovated and revitalized building beams with the a welcoming message on it’s facia “Smile New Orleans”. 

It’s a brilliant idea and can be seen across all social media feeds going back weeks. Warby Parker is certainly well known for their concept in business as well as their approach to making the world a better place through vision and style. Here’s their mission statement, and one that truly stands out…

“Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price, while leading the way for socially conscious businesses.

Every idea starts with a problem. Ours was simple: glasses are too expensive. We were students when one of us lost his glasses on a backpacking trip. The cost of replacing them was so high that he spent the first semester of grad school without them, squinting and complaining. (We don’t recommend this.) The rest of us had similar experiences, and we were amazed at how hard it was to find a pair of great frames that didn’t leave our wallets bare. Where were the options?

It turns out there was a simple explanation. The eyewear industry is dominated by a single company that has been able to keep prices artificially high while reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options.

We started Warby Parker to create an alternative.

By circumventing traditional channels, designing glasses in-house, and engaging with customers directly, we’re able to provide higher-quality, better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price.

We believe that buying glasses should be easy and fun. It should leave you happy and good-looking, with money in your pocket.

We also believe that everyone has the right to see.

Almost one billion people worldwide lack access to glasses, which means that 15% of the world’s population cannot effectively learn or work. To help address this problem, Warby Parker partners with non-profits like VisionSpring to ensure that for every pair of glasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.

There’s nothing complicated about it. Good eyewear, good outcome.”

One of the coolest things about Warby Parker, especially for those who aren’t close to a retail location, is their approach to try-on. From the website a user can select up to 5 pairs of glasses, have Warby Parker ship them to you, which in turn allows you to choose the best fit for you. I’m sure you all have seen your friends post 5 selfies with each pair of WP glasses to choose from. The Nola location reflects the city in it’s interior and exterior. It’s really beautifully done. 

The retail store does one better. They have all the shapes, sizes, and finishes offered by Warby Parker all in one place. No need to have them shipped to you, be limited to 5 pairs, or rely on your selfie game to pick out the best pair that works for you. 

Not only do they have their complete optical selection in the store, but also their entire range of sunglasses as well. The staff are super helpful and honest about their opinion and will guide you to the right choice. Prices range from $95 – $145 and include the frame and lenses. Super ridiculous deal. 

Finally, the one unique feature to the Nola spot is it’s the second location to include a true photo studio in house that offers free portraits to show off your new specs.

If you’re in the market for new glasses, make a trip uptown to check out Warby Parker, and do good things all around.