Warby Parker has it eyes on Austin market

Will Anderson |
Source: Austin Business Journal

Warby Parker, the New York City-based designer eyewear retailer, is moving ahead with its brick-and-mortar plans in Austin.

Its first standalone store is set to open Aug. 27 at 1317 South Congress Ave., on the same trendy stretch of road that is home to Hotel San José, Jo’s Coffee and The Continental Club.

Warby Parker also plans to open a second Austin location this fall at Domain Northside, part of Endeavor Real Estate Group’s new addition to the North Austin master-planned development. Other chic brands, including a 24 Diner and a popular home furnishings store, are also moving in. Go here to read a profile of the woman tasked with overseeing the retail offerings in Domain Northside and nearby Rock Rose.

Warby Parker’s first Austin store will feature bandanas designed with Austin studio LAND — dyed by Folk Fibers, and printed by Austin’s Bearded Lady printing shop — plus a writing center for local nonprofit AustinBat Cave and an exclusive glasses frame. The company said the store’s design was inspired by “the spirit of a classic library, with book displays, leather seating, a custom brass chandelier, and suspended globe lighting over white terrazzo-tiled floors.”

Founded in 2010, Warby Parker has 30 stores in the U.S. and Canada and employs more than 800 people.