Acuitis Enters Canadian Market with Hearing and Optical Flagship

Date:

Share post:

Popular French optician and acoustics specialist Acuitis is launching its North American expansion in Quebec this fall, with the opening of a 3,226 square foot flagship boutique at CF Carrefour Laval in mid-November. The store will feature quality eyewear and hearing aid services, and a second Canadian location is also already confirmed for Acuitis. 

The family business was founded in 2010 by father-son team Daniel and Jonathan Abbitan, with a goal of offering quality, affordably accessible eye and hearing care while also providing personalized, customer-centric service. Acuitis offers an ‘all inclusive’ service for its eyewear including eye examinations, mounting, lenses and any required adjustments. Glasses are often ready within an hour, with prices ranging from $120 to $550. 

The company’s artistic Director Frédéric Beausoleil has worked with some of the world’s biggest names in eyewear (including Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs), and styles will be unique in Canada. This season, many frames will be brightly coloured to highlight a sportier look, while metal frames will be modern and minimalist. Acuitis will also offer branded sunglasses, such as Ray-Ban, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Nike and others. The retailer also features ‘hearing glasses’, which feature hearing aids that are are attached to the sleeves of the frame. 

Local Opticians Sevan Kechichian, Rémi Xhenseval and Juliette Fournier-Lemaire are behind the opening of the CF Carrefour Laval Acuitis.

Acuitis is expanding quickly, having recently opened 21 stores in Europe this year alone. The company currently operates 71 stores in France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and, most recently, Italy and England, with more to come. 

A second Quebec boutique is already scheduled for spring 2018 at CF Promenade St-Bruno. When asked about more locations, the company says that it will first monitor the success of its first two stores before expanding further into North America. If an expansion launches as anticipated, Canada will see even more competition in the rapidly expanding optical retail market. 

CF Carrefour Laval is one of the country’s top malls in terms of sales per square foot, according to Retail Council of Canada’s Shopping Centre Study. A 2017 study will be released next month, and there are sponsorship opportunities available for companies seeking exposure to the industry (email: mmarkou@retailcouncil.org). As well, Retail Council of Canada is hosting a discussion forum to coincide with the release of the study on November 21 at Google’s downtown Toronto headquarters. [Details]

*Images courtesy of Acuitis. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

West Edmonton Mall Continues to Expand Luxury Retail with Addition of Moncler; Tiffany Marks 10 Years

Italian luxury brand Moncler is the latest to join the massive shopping centre with retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Gucci. The mall’s first luxury store, Tiffany & Co. is also marking 10 years. 

Canadian Consumers to Prioritize Brick-and-Mortar Retail into December [Report/Interview]

Electronics are among the top gifts, with moderate growth in the restaurant and grocery sectors expected while also noting a controlled promotional approach due to slowing inflation.

Salesforce’s Rob Garf Discusses Canadian Retailers’ Strategies Amidst Q3 E-commerce Slowdown [Report/Interview]

Garf discusses a report showing a 9% decline in Canadian e-commerce growth, indicating a consumer expectation for discounts in the upcoming months. He discusses a consumer shift and how retailers can address it.

Early Signs Point to a Strong Holiday Shopping Season in Canada Despite Economic Challenges

Reports indicate that last Saturday and Sunday saw the biggest surge in consumer spending so far, with predictions made as we head into December.

Specsavers Set to Reach 100 Canadian Locations in Early 2024, Expanding into New Markets [Interviews]

The eyewear retailer, which entered Canada in 2021, is rapidly expanding and looking to gain market share from established players.

Burton Snowboards Transforms Toronto Flagship for [ak] Collection as Brand Looks to Expand [Interview/Photos]

The high-performance AK collection is a new focus, with Burton planning to grow its retail presence in Canada with more stores in key markets.

Liz Rodbell Returns to Hudson’s Bay as President and CEO Following Sophia Hwang-Judiesch Departure 

Rodbell led Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor from 2013 to 2017, and she returns at a challenging time for HBC. 

Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket Adding Tenants as Area Sees Rapid Population Growth [Interview]

The super regional centre, considered the leader north of Toronto, is adding new retailers and concepts to attract consumers.

Lullaboo Nursery and Childcare Centre Expanding into Non-Traditional Locations Including Shopping Centres [Interview]

The company's CEO says that finding space is a challenge for the childcare concept, which is seeing significant demand from parents.

Gucci Opens Impressive Main Floor ‘World Of’ Boutique Concession at Holt Renfrew Calgary [Photos]

The approximately 4,000 square foot space houses the Italian luxury brand’s full collection for women and men. 

Lina’s Market Opens 1st Food Hall in Calgary [Interview/Photos]

The innovative space combines a grocery store, café, and food hall with nine diverse stations, introducing a fresh dining experience and contributing to the growing trend of European-style market halls in Canada.

PwC Survey Shows Canadians Ready to Boost Holiday Spending Despite Economic Challenges [Interview]

Canadian consumers are gearing up for a resilient holiday season, with a survey revealing an increase in holiday spending compared to the previous year — that includes a notable resurgence in in-store shopping, particularly among Gen X and Gen Z.

Mastermind Toys: A Surprising Entry into Creditor Protection Suggests Omnichannel isn’t Enough Anymore [Op-Ed]

Mastermind Toys' recent entry into creditor protection underscores the changing dynamics of retail success, challenging the effectiveness of traditional strategies. An expert says the retailer needs to focus on transformative experiences.

Discretionary Spend Remains Low as Canadian Retail Sales Remain Consistent [JC Williams Group Analysis]

Monthly StatCan numbers indicate a range of category performance numbers for the Canadian retail industry which is seeing headwinds.

Food Industry in Canada to See Dynamic Changes with Innovation and Evolving Consumers [Op-Ed]

Sylvain Charlebois discusses the transformative landscape of the food and beverage industry, emphasizing key trends shaped by technology, evolving consumer preferences, and sustainability concerns.

New Canadians Need to be Welcomed into the Retail Workforce as Industry Shifts [Podcast]

Suzanne Sears highlights the challenges faced by new Canadians in the job market, emphasizing the need for retailers to recognize the large pool of highly educated, underemployed individuals in the Canadian workforce.

The Impact of Ontario’s Salary Disclosure Legislation on Retail [Podcast]

The conversation explores potential challenges for retailers, including concerns about exploiting pay bands to avoid transparency and the possibility of increased costs and necessary adjustments in compensation. The discussion also highlights the return of baby boomers to part-time retail positions.

Indigenous-Owned Streetwear Brand SECTION 35 Launches 1st Store, Eyes Expansion to Vancouver Flagship [Interview]

The space serves as a smaller-scale entry into retail, with plans to expand to a flagship store in Vancouver allowing the brand to directly engage with customers and showcase its full range of products, including collaborations with other brands.

What Drives People to Panic Buy During Times of Crisis: A New Study Sheds Light on the Psychology of Consumers [Op-Ed]

A study identified four distinct consumer groups based on psychological traits, each displaying unique purchasing habits influenced by factors like fear of embarrassment and fear of missing out. Understanding these consumer motivations can help retailers.

Price Reduction for 202 Queen St. W. Retail Building in Downtown Toronto 

The four-level commercial building, home to Ontario’s first legal cannabis store, is now priced at $1.6m less than its appraised value.

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

West Edmonton Mall Continues to Expand Luxury Retail with Addition of Moncler; Tiffany Marks 10 Years

Italian luxury brand Moncler is the latest to join the massive shopping centre with retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Gucci. The mall’s first luxury store, Tiffany & Co. is also marking 10 years. 

Canadian Consumers to Prioritize Brick-and-Mortar Retail into December [Report/Interview]

Electronics are among the top gifts, with moderate growth in the restaurant and grocery sectors expected while also noting a controlled promotional approach due to slowing inflation.

Salesforce’s Rob Garf Discusses Canadian Retailers’ Strategies Amidst Q3 E-commerce Slowdown [Report/Interview]

Garf discusses a report showing a 9% decline in Canadian e-commerce growth, indicating a consumer expectation for discounts in the upcoming months. He discusses a consumer shift and how retailers can address it.

Early Signs Point to a Strong Holiday Shopping Season in Canada Despite Economic Challenges

Reports indicate that last Saturday and Sunday saw the biggest surge in consumer spending so far, with predictions made as we head into December.

Specsavers Set to Reach 100 Canadian Locations in Early 2024, Expanding into New Markets [Interviews]

The eyewear retailer, which entered Canada in 2021, is rapidly expanding and looking to gain market share from established players.

Burton Snowboards Transforms Toronto Flagship for [ak] Collection as Brand Looks to Expand [Interview/Photos]

The high-performance AK collection is a new focus, with Burton planning to grow its retail presence in Canada with more stores in key markets.

Liz Rodbell Returns to Hudson’s Bay as President and CEO Following Sophia Hwang-Judiesch Departure 

Rodbell led Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor from 2013 to 2017, and she returns at a challenging time for HBC. 

Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket Adding Tenants as Area Sees Rapid Population Growth [Interview]

The super regional centre, considered the leader north of Toronto, is adding new retailers and concepts to attract consumers.

Lullaboo Nursery and Childcare Centre Expanding into Non-Traditional Locations Including Shopping Centres [Interview]

The company's CEO says that finding space is a challenge for the childcare concept, which is seeing significant demand from parents.

Gucci Opens Impressive Main Floor ‘World Of’ Boutique Concession at Holt Renfrew Calgary [Photos]

The approximately 4,000 square foot space houses the Italian luxury brand’s full collection for women and men. 

Lina’s Market Opens 1st Food Hall in Calgary [Interview/Photos]

The innovative space combines a grocery store, café, and food hall with nine diverse stations, introducing a fresh dining experience and contributing to the growing trend of European-style market halls in Canada.

PwC Survey Shows Canadians Ready to Boost Holiday Spending Despite Economic Challenges [Interview]

Canadian consumers are gearing up for a resilient holiday season, with a survey revealing an increase in holiday spending compared to the previous year — that includes a notable resurgence in in-store shopping, particularly among Gen X and Gen Z.

Mastermind Toys: A Surprising Entry into Creditor Protection Suggests Omnichannel isn’t Enough Anymore [Op-Ed]

Mastermind Toys' recent entry into creditor protection underscores the changing dynamics of retail success, challenging the effectiveness of traditional strategies. An expert says the retailer needs to focus on transformative experiences.

Discretionary Spend Remains Low as Canadian Retail Sales Remain Consistent [JC Williams Group Analysis]

Monthly StatCan numbers indicate a range of category performance numbers for the Canadian retail industry which is seeing headwinds.

Food Industry in Canada to See Dynamic Changes with Innovation and Evolving Consumers [Op-Ed]

Sylvain Charlebois discusses the transformative landscape of the food and beverage industry, emphasizing key trends shaped by technology, evolving consumer preferences, and sustainability concerns.

New Canadians Need to be Welcomed into the Retail Workforce as Industry Shifts [Podcast]

Suzanne Sears highlights the challenges faced by new Canadians in the job market, emphasizing the need for retailers to recognize the large pool of highly educated, underemployed individuals in the Canadian workforce.

The Impact of Ontario’s Salary Disclosure Legislation on Retail [Podcast]

The conversation explores potential challenges for retailers, including concerns about exploiting pay bands to avoid transparency and the possibility of increased costs and necessary adjustments in compensation. The discussion also highlights the return of baby boomers to part-time retail positions.

Indigenous-Owned Streetwear Brand SECTION 35 Launches 1st Store, Eyes Expansion to Vancouver Flagship [Interview]

The space serves as a smaller-scale entry into retail, with plans to expand to a flagship store in Vancouver allowing the brand to directly engage with customers and showcase its full range of products, including collaborations with other brands.

What Drives People to Panic Buy During Times of Crisis: A New Study Sheds Light on the Psychology of Consumers [Op-Ed]

A study identified four distinct consumer groups based on psychological traits, each displaying unique purchasing habits influenced by factors like fear of embarrassment and fear of missing out. Understanding these consumer motivations can help retailers.

Price Reduction for 202 Queen St. W. Retail Building in Downtown Toronto 

The four-level commercial building, home to Ontario’s first legal cannabis store, is now priced at $1.6m less than its appraised value.