Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 27 October 2021

OPTICAL PEOPLE boss Ravi Saigal has spoken to the Free Press about their newly-announced branch which will be setting up shop on Upper Castle Street in the former Dunelm store in Hinckley town centre.

As the Free Press reported just two days ago (25 October), works are being carried out by contractors to turn the old Dunelm store into two retail spaces – one of which will house a new opticians – the other, next door, is still without a taker.

A separate application has been lodged with the Borough Council by Mr. Saigal to turn the first floor former retail office into four apartments, but planners have not made a decision on the application at the time of publication (27 October).

The Optical People are based on Market Place in Nuneaton town centre and already have a wide range of customers from Hinckley that use them.

Speaking to the Free Press, Mr. Saigal, stated that the store will be ‘very impressive’ as they are investing a ‘large amount’ to create both a “pleasant and soothing” experience for customers.

It will trade from 9am to 5.30pm from Mondays to Saturdays, but not operate on Sundays or bank holidays.

This will become Optical People’s ‘destination’ store.

He said: “It’s going to be a very impressive store – we’re investing a large amount to create a pleasant and soothing customer journey.

“It will be a “destination” store which will attract Hinckley’s neighbours to the area.”

Ravi says that the branch will aim to deliver ‘exceptional’ customer service and eye care.

He further claims that this branch will offer the “largest selection” of regular and designer glasses on Hinckley’s high street.

“We will have the largest selection of glasses on the high street, including top designer brands.”

Mr. Saigal stated that customers can have their glasses made in up to 20 minutes in-store in the new on-site laboratory and that their glazing lab will be a ‘central’ feature.”

They will honour their usual promotions, such as two-for-one offers and 20 per cent off products for over-sixties.

Job vacancies are currently being advertised for the new branch on the Optical People’s official website.

These are for:

  • Optical Team (Hinckley)

  • Optical Team Customer Service (Hinckley)

  • Optical Team Supervisor (Hinckley)

  • Optometrist – Full time (Hinckley)

  • Optometrist – Locum (Hinckley)

  • Laboratory Technician (Hinckley)

Those interested in the jobs can apply here.

Optical People’s directors snapped up the space and split the building into two units after planning permission was granted to do so.

Meanwhile, the smaller retail space next door remains empty, but they are trying to find the right occupant to fill it – and they have an eatery or coffee house in mind.

They are looking for a vegan restaurant or coffee shop to join them next door.

Ravi explained: “Our ideal tenants for the neighbouring retail space we’ve created next door is an organic coffee shop or vegan restaurant, with ‘tranquil’ seating areas”.

It is currently unknown how long it will take them to complete the refurbishment works – and when it is set to open up to the public.