GKB Opticals: A Look Back at 2023

GKB Opticals, the leading national optical retail chain with more than 60 years of legacy had had an awe-inspiring “2023”. From revamping two of its iconic stores, in Kolkata, to featuring limited collections from some of the most celebrated global brands like Carrera Prowl, DITA, Tom Ford & Zegna, GKB Opticals has had an indelible 2023. Founded by visionary Mr. Brijendra Kumar Gupta, in 1959, GKB Opticals has covered a momentous journey of over six decades and has successfully established itself as a leader in the quality eyewear providers, space. The year gone-by stands testimony to the GKB Opticals’ relentless efforts in aligning its offerings with the evolving buying habits of its patrons.

The year started with the optical retail chain announcing an illustrious association wherein it showcased the much-awaited Carrera Prowl collection, in Inorbit Mall, Mumbai. The collection later, was unveiled at GKB Opticals’ stores in Gurgaon, Kolkata and Chennai. The addition of the Carrera Prowl collection undoubtedly accentuated the existing product catalogue of GKB Opticals, further. The optical retail chain also hosted a star-studded party in Kolkata to celebrate the successful launch ofthe Carrera Prowl collection. Featuring a fine amalgamation of functionality, durability, and superior built-in quality, the Carrera Prowl collection has been receiving an overwhelming response ever since its launch.

Apart from striking exciting associations with notable eyewear brands, GKB Opticals also launched a festive special range for the occasion of Durga Puja. In pursuit of expanding its existing product catalogue, GKB Opticals not only got associated with the internationally renowned eyewear brand DITA but also hosted the brand’s first-ever event in India in October 2023, at GKB Opticals’ Quest Mall store, in Kolkata. The star-studded event celebrated the marvellous association.

The month of November witnessed the spectacular launch of the much-awaited Tom Ford and Zegna collection, at Vision Lounge, Mumbai. The three-day event highlighted the never seen before preview of the spring release of 2024 thereby presenting GKB Opticals’ Vision Lounge as the first store to preview the latest collection. To enhance the experience of the consumers, GKB Opticals invited eminent stylist and eyewear consultant, Angelica Pagnelli who not only graced the event with her presence but also styled some of the select customers, on special appointment basis. The uber luxurious Tom Ford and Zegna range has hands-down been one of the most adorned collections, showcased at Vision Lounge.

December was about introducing brand new looks alongside the launch of the third edition of GKB Opticals’ flagship trunk show – Wedding Edit 3.0. To elevate the in-store shopping experience of the eyewear cognoscenti of Kolkata, two of the most iconic stores of the city, underwent a stunning makeover. While GKB Opticals’ store at Gurusaday Road is one of the most sought-after luxury eyewear destinations in Kolkata, its outlet in Quest Mall enjoys significant footfall pertaining to the specially curated collection showcased coupled with its strategic location. The leading optical retail chain firmed its customer-centric approach further through the revamp, which was solely aimed to cater to the requisites of the visitors, better. Both the refurbished stores were inaugurated by one of the most adored actors of the current times, Jisshu Sengupta in the presence of Ms. Priyanka Gupta, Director of Brands- GKB Opticals. The refurbished Gurusaday Road store revealed an exclusive section called – “Color Your Mood” which intends to enhance the concept of experiential shopping. The store has dedicated the entire “Color Your Mood” section to the customization of lenses, wherein a wide range of fashionable colours is displayed for the customers to select from.

The festive month of December also witnessed the commencement of the third edition of GKB Opticals’ flagship event – Wedding Edit 3.0. The luxurious trunk show visited three key metro cities – Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai where customers got to lay their hands on the exquisite Wedding Edit collection. The grand wedding-special collection was available at select doors of GKB Opticals, for a limited period, wherein luxury eyewear enthusiasts dropped in, to experience the collection, themselves. The thoughtfully curated illustrious ensemble of products was specially designed to suit the Big-Fat-Indian-Weddings.

In 2023, GKB Opticals also opened the door to its latest venture, called “Eyelab”. Located in one of the most popular shopping malls of Kolkata, Eyelab is home to the city’s millennials and gen-zs who love to experiment with styles. While GKB Opticals primarily serves the luxury eyewear enthusiasts, Eyelab has been conceptualized to cater to the vibrant, younger folks, who are always in the lookout for quirky options in the eyewear space. The newly launched outlet showcases a wide range of premium to luxury brands which are primarily popular amongst the youth, especially for their contemporary sense of design and aesthetics.

Looking back at an eventful 2023, Priyanka Gupta, Director of Brands – GKB Opticals said, “We are immensely grateful for how 2023 had turned out for us, at GKB Opticals. From associating with some of the most celebrated brands, to revamping two of our most-visited stores in Kolkata and hosting a colossal event to inaugurate the stores, to conceptualizing a brand-new outlet for the younger folks and many more, we have had a joyride of a year. Our learnings from the previous years have undoubtedly helped us enhance our growth trajectory by multitudes and we hope to have an even more fulfilling 2024.”

About GKB Opticals:
A legacy of over 60 years and over 1 million patrons served – GKB Opticals’ humble legacy started with its first retail store back in 1968 at Gariahat, Kolkata. Founded by visionary Mr. Brijendra Kumar Gupta, the company was awarded the “Most Admired Retail of the year” in the eyewear category, at the MAPIC India Retail Awards, in 2022. The company also bagged the coveted title of the “Best Retail Eyewear Chain in Eastern Region” at the Times Business Award 2023, for the second consecutive year. With over 85 stores all over India, the ISO certified company, GKB Opticals offers quality eyewear from a vast portfolio of international and home brands.

Website: gkboptical.com

Media Contact:
Joyeta Sinha; 8240357271; joyeta.sinha@mslgroup.com