In this episode, three directors from the Specsavers Reading branch discuss how they operate as a locally owned and operated business within a well-known brand. Hashin Hirani, Retail Director, shares how the Reading branch is one of the largest in the country and has a wide range of services, including an on-site lab for same-day services. Randeep Bal, Ophthalmic Director, highlights the importance of looking after your eyesight and debunks common misconceptions about glasses. Finally, Suneeta Khanna, Audiology Director, talks about the store's range of audiology services, including hearing tests and ear wax removal. They also provide valuable advice on how to look after your hearing and eyesight in a world dominated by screens.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Customising a National Brand for Local Success: While Specsavers is a well-known national brand, the Reading branch operates like an independent business, tailoring its services to the local community. This approach demonstrates the value of local autonomy and responsiveness, even within a larger franchise or brand structure.

 

Adapting to Evolving Customer Needs and Demographics: The Reading Specsavers actively listens to customer feedback and has made significant changes to its store to meet community needs. This highlights the importance of being adaptable and responsive to a changing customer base.

 

Diversifying Services to Stay Competitive: The directors stress the importance of offering a varied range of services to stand out in a competitive market. This strategy of expanding service offerings creates additional value for customers and positions the business as a comprehensive healthcare provider in the community.

 

TIME CODES

00:00 Greeting

00:18 Greeting Hashin

00:30 What makes the Specsavers Reading branch unique

01:18 How Specsavers Reading focuses on the local community

02:46 Challenges faced at Specsavers Reading and solutions implemented

05:35 How Specsavers Reading keeps up to date with customer needs

07:00 How the demographic of Specsavers Reading has changed over time

07:57 Marketing Specsavers Reading

08:37 Hashin’s final thoughts

 

10:32 Greeting Randeep

10:46 The role of an Ophthalmologist

11:18 What an eye test involves

11:56 The connection between sight tests and general health

12:29 The slow progression of eye conditions

13:35 How often should you get your eyes tested?

14:44 Misconceptions around eyesight

17:11 How optometry is changing over time

17:48 How to look after your eyesight

19:35 How Randeep stays up to date with changes in the industry

20:54 Randeep’s final thoughts for listeners

 

21:24 Greeting Suneeta

21:36 Specsavers Reading Audiology services (including wax removal)

23:17 When should you go for a hearing test?

24:14 Misconceptions attached to hearing problems

25:05 How to look after your hearing

25:58 Why is there a hearing issue now?

27:08 Patterns in noticing hearing issues

28:24 Suneeta’s final thoughts