A locally-owned opticians and audiologists is celebrating 20 years of serving the community of Arbroath.
Specsavers, located at the town’s Abbeygate Shopping Centre, first opened its doors on 1 March 2004, and has since helped more than 54,000 people with their eye and hearing care needs.
Staff at the store marked the occasion by surprising their first ever customer with a red-carpet roll-out and lavish VIP experience, as well as brand new pair of designer frames.
Sandra Cooper from Arbroath was the very first person to receive an eye test when the store first opened its doors two decades ago, and has been a loyal customer ever since.
She says: ‘My husband and I used to travel down to Dundee for an eye test, so when I saw Specsavers were opening a store in Arbroath, I remember thinking to myself, ‘this is so much more convenient!’
‘I walked right in on the day it opened and was straight away welcomed by such a lovely team of people.
‘Specsavers has consistently provided good service with their friendly and helpful staff, which is one of the reasons that I have remained as a customer for the last 20 years.’
The store has undergone a complete transformation since it first opened in 2004, enjoying around £2million of investment in state-of-the-art optic technology, and growing from just one test room to six as a result of huge customer demand.
Sandra adds: ‘Their diagnostic equipment is very impressive, and the staff have always been quick to refer any issues on for further assessment.
‘The store is situated in an ideal location too, with plenty of parking and easy access, meaning all members of the community can visit and make use of its services.’
As well as celebrations to mark the store’s 20th anniversary, retail director Jamie Buchan has also been commemorated for his 20 years of service with Specsavers.
Jamie says: 'I began my career at Specsavers Arbroath, but over the last 20 years I have also co-owned the Dundee practice, started Dundee Home Visits and Dundee audiology and opened the Specsavers Wick store.
“Arbroath throughout it all was always my baby and true passion as it was my first and it is, and always has been, my one true passion in my career.'
‘Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the challenges of everything I’ve done, but I’ve always loved Arbroath and being part of the community here.’
The team has grown significantly as a result of high demand, boasting 34 full – and part-time staff members ready to respond to customers’ needs.
Jamie adds: ‘There have been many standout moments over the last 20 years, but for me I really value seeing people develop through their careers.
‘From taking on a homeless lad and seeing him flourish, to seeing people come in and find their passion for care, to taking on weekend staff straight from school and going on to support them throughout university and becoming opticians, I’m proud of each and every person that has developed their career with us.’
Specsavers Arbroath is located within the Abbeygate Shopping Centre and is open every Monday – Saturday from 8:45am until 5:30pm, and Sundays from 9:45am until 4:30pm.
To book an appointment, call 01241 340082, or visit: www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/arbroath