Eyewear veterans see opportunity for fashion eyewear shop in growing Grand Rapids business district

Luckily for local eyewear professionals Michael McConnell and Corey Van Duinen, not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

"Corey and I were hanging out in Vegas, and we started talking about putting together a cool optical store," says McConnell. "He said, 'if you bring the eyewear, I'll bring the design.'"

Six months later, the idea is becoming a reality as Sight Optical Boutique opens at 924 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, in the former Muse Boutique space. When the store opens in March, it will include a large selection of artist-designed eyewear that can't be found at other local eye care providers.

McConnell works in management and U.S. distribution for Hamburg Eyewear of Germany, while business partner Corey Van Duinen is the president and a designer for Grand Rapids-based optical display furnisher Illusion Optical Displays. Van Duinen was also one of the ArtPrize artists behind the Grand Rapids Children's Museum's "Imagine That!" mural.

Prices will range from about $200 to $800 for frames from brands like Hamburg, Mykita, Salt and Initium -- all recognized for their fashion-forward designs. McConnell says they will host in-store events with the brands' designers, allowing customers to connect with the artists directly.

Optician Marcie VanEss and optometrist Sarah Weeks will round out the staff, providing eyewear guidance and vision exams.

"Of course we have the medical side, but Sight is more about letting the personality come out in the frames," says McConnell. "Our staff will be very hands on, helping people discover the perfect frame."

Source: Michael McConnell, Sight Optical Boutique
Writer: Kelly Quintanilla

Photo:

Michael McConnell