Eyeglass store opens two new stores

CLEARWATER — Eyeglass World announced it will open two new stores in Florida soon, one in Clearwater and one in Lakeland. The new stores will bring the chain's total to eight in the region and 27 in Florida, it says in a statement.

The Clearwater store will open May 17 in the Gulf to Bay Shops at 2660 Gulf to Bay Blvd. The Lakeland store will open June 7 in the Breezewood Commons, at 3635 U.S. 98.

Reade Fahs, CEO of National Vision Inc., the parent company of Eyeglass World, says now is the right time for expansion because of the economic recovery under way. “These openings come at a time when consumers are feeling more confident about the economy, yet they are keeping the economical ways they learned during the recession,” Fahs says in the statement. “This new consumer attitude is a good match for the shopping experience at Eyeglass World.”

The stores offer designer brands at an affordable price. Lawrenceville, Ga.-based National Vision Inc. acquired the 20-year-old chain in January 2009. There are now 70 Eyeglass World locations in 23 states.