Warby Parker Opens In Chestnut Hill

CHESTNUT HILL, MA — Amid a pandemic a number of businesses have shuttered as foot traffic has declined. Experts predict that more will follow. But even as the number of people in hospitals across the state has started to rise again, there are some businesses opening new shops.

One such business is Warby Parker, which is known for its affordable eyewear. The shop opened a new location Tuesday in Chestnut Hill's The Street shopping center.

"After temporarily closing all 120 of our stores, we’ve been thinking about how physical retail experiences should evolve to accommodate the challenges set forth by COVID-19," according to a news release.

The Chestnut Hill location is the chain's fifth store in the area and first location outside a major downtown in the area.

Those behind the store said the store was in the works before the pandemic but noted getting affordable vision services to people is critical to people's lives, even amid pandemic.

However, as with all businesses these days, the shop has implemented new protocols amid the pandemic, including limited capacity, contactless checkout features and enhanced sanitation. It has also introduced a 1-on-1 guided shopping protocol.

In 2013, the up until that point mostly online store announced it was opening its second-ever brick-and-mortar on Newbury Street. In 2017, the trendy store opened in Cambridge. That was the area's third store. Wellesley-born Jeffrey Raider and three other Wharton graduates are behind the company. It's also got several other local ties, aside from its nod to Jack Kerouac (from Lowell). And Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO is an alum of Tufts University in Medford.

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