Partner Article

Independent North East opticians expand with new practice

Independent North East opticians Cooper and Barr have opened a new Sedgefield practice in tandem with a rebranding of their business.

Bringing their total number up-to three, with practices already in Stokesley and Coulby Newham, the team chose to expand after identifying a need for a local opticians in the County Durham area and felt that the progression would be a natural expansion for the business.

Work carried out at the new Cooper & Barr practice in Sedgefield includes a fresh frontage, retro mid-century feel interior and signage displaying the company’s new strapline ‘Daring Vision since 1925.’

Located at 10 Sedgefield High Street, the refurbishment included completely stripping out the former shop fit replacing with new wall displays, flooring, electrics, light fittings and furniture.

The refurbishment also saw Cooper & Barr adding new optometry equipment including bringing specialist Optomap Retinal Imaging to the Sedgefield area.

Alongside the refit and rebrand, Cooper & Barr have also revamped their marketing literature, social media pages and are embarking on a 12-month marketing plan.

Expanding their professional cover, the new Sedgefield practice has employed a full-time qualified Dispensing Optician alongside two new optometrists to ensure their new customers get the best service possible.

Cooper & Barr also have plans for an apprenticeship role which would eventually lead to full-time employment.

Co-owner of Cooper & Barr, Nicola Cooper-Heenan, said: “As an independent family-run company, which has been running for almost 90 years, you have to compete in the optometry business against the big High Street names and move with the times.”

“We have continuously invested in state-of-the-art equipment as well as the best staff and now we have recognised that the look of our practices needs to better reflect the contemporary industry we work in.”

“We have expansion and improvement in our sights and a clear vision of growth – our plan is to invest in new practices, increase staff, keep up-to-date with all the latest technology and further grow Cooper & Barr.”

“It’s a really exciting time for the business – we are just a few months away from our 90th anniversary and we look forward to taking the company into its ninth decade.”

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