Business profile – Jason Moufarrege

Jason Moufarrege

EYES ON LANE COVE

In 2001, Jason Moufarrege was visiting relatives when he decided to make a detour and drive up Longueville Road. He came across the local village, stopped for lunch and had a walk around. In a theme shared by many local business owners who decide to set up in Lane Cove, Jason really liked the atmosphere here and saw potential to open his own practice. Planets aligned when an optician decided to sell their business located at the corner of Lane Cove Arcade on Longueville Road. Jason bought the business and rebranded it as Eyes on Lane Cove. He expanded with a second store, Eyes 4 You, in the Woolworths Lane Cove Market Square in 2009.

What makes Eyes on Lane Cove different?

We’re all about giving personalised service. We have many years of professional, technical and retail experience. To maintain a viable practice I rely on the repeat business – over the years we have built a rapport with our loyal clients. My staff and I do all that we can to ensure that our patients' eyecare requirements are met, thus retaining satisfied and returning customers. We’re operating within an industry which is now dominated by corporate owned stores and franchises. As an independent retailer, I have to remain competitive, so I am always looking at what my competitors are doing to make sure that we’re offering the best service, product range and price to our customers.

What do you enjoy about running your own business?

I’m a people person. I love to talk and socialise, so meeting and helping my clients gives me real satisfaction. As the owner of the business, customers usually ask to see me. Whereas franchises don’t know their customers, I’m all about giving personalised service and making clients feel comfortable.

Describe your target market?

Usually people start needing prescription glasses when they reach their early 40’s, though we have frames to suit everybody - from children through to the elderly - and we also cater to a range of budgets. Over 80% of our clients are from the local area.

Glasses are such a fashion statement, so I’m constantly looking at trends and sourcing unique and different stock when attending tradeshows, locally and internationally. We stock over 1500 frames across our two stores. Metal, round frames are making a comeback and are the big trend in Europe. It will probably take another 6-12 months before that style hits the Australian market though I already have some of these metal frames available in-store.

How would you describe the current business environment?

It’s tough at the moment. As well as our overheads, we are highly committed to re-investing in the latest diagnostic equipment and product offerings. My business can only survive when people choose to shop locally, which is why my customers are so important to me. We always strive to provide the best quality service and be competitive to ensure highly satisfied customers, with an opportunity that they recommend us to their friends and relatives.

I love Lane Cove and running a business here and I look forward to continuing to serve the local community.

What 4 words would you use to describe Lane Cove?

1. Great lifestyle 2. Friendly people 3. Loyal 4. Family oriented