Optical People open newest ‘site’ in Hinckley town centre

Mason Moore & Vaughan Moore | 29 January 2022

HINCKLEY’S NEWEST opticians opened their doors today (29 January) with a grand opening and ribbon cutting from Hinckley and Bosworth Mayor, Councillor Ted Hollick.

**Mayor Ted Hollick declares the store open with Ravi Saigal (Image: Mason Moore) / Inset (Image: Optical People)**

Optical People, based on Castle Street, welcomed customers into their brand new ‘flagship’ branch for the first time, after Mayor Ted Hollick officially declared the store open after cutting the ribbon at 10am alongside Optical People founder, Ravi Saigal.

A purple and white balloon arch in signature brand colours was installed above the opening of the doors, to signify that they were celebrating their opening day.

Inside, customers could help themselves to complimentary cupcakes, chocolate cornflake cake slices, and Shloer from a drinks fountain, to celebrate the occasion.

The branch marks the second high street location for the independent opticians, as they already have a presence in the nearby town of Nuneaton, on Market Place.

Hinckley and Bosworth Mayor: “A wonderful facility”

Hinckley and Bosworth Mayor, Ted Hollick, spoke to the Free Press on the opening.

**Mayor Ted Hollick holding his golden ribbon-cutting scissors (Image: Mason Moore)**

He said: “It is really good to have another independent on Castle Street, as independent stores are a real benefit of Hinckley town centre.

“This is a wonderful new facility.”

Optical People owner comments

Optical People Founder, Ravi Saigal, was pleased with the success of the opening day.

He said: “Our opening day has been brilliant, and many town-goers have popped in to see our offerings.

“We were pleased to meet the Hinckley and Bosworth Mayor, Ted Hollick. He’s had a ‘good look’ at the on-site glasses lab and heard all about the customer journey.

“It’s been a journey for us in terms of property work and setting up the shop. It all looks brilliant, we seem to be the talk of the town at the minute.”

The store boasts a selection of sunglasses, designer glasses, men’s glasses, and women’s glasses.

**A seating area and row of designer glasses (Image: Mason Moore)**

Free eye tests and multi-buy deals on glasses were some of the offers to celebrate the opening day for customers – and these deals will be honoured until Tuesday, March 1.

Hearing test stall inside – with free tests

Inside of the opticians is a permanent stall for a hearing tests group named Symphony Hearing, who are the official hearing care partners of the Optical People.

**Pritesh Nathwani, of Symphony Hearing, at his stall inside (Image: Mason Moore)**

Pritesh Nathwani, of Symphony Hearing, said: “This new Hinckley store is a bit more of a ‘fresh canvas’ and will provide more in-house hearing tests.

“We are also able to come to our customers houses and carry out the tests too, as we are here to support the local community.

“After-care is something that Symphony strive on – we’re a family-run business looking to provide hearing care for Optical People customers in both Hinckley and Nuneaton.

“As a part of the opening deals with the Optical People, we’re carrying out free opening tests inside the branch until 1 March.”

New neighbouring unit still without a taker

It is not yet known who is poised to take on the vacant space next door, which was created by Ravi Saigal, which is “to let” with Wards, but he previously stated in past times that the “ideal tenants” would be an organic coffee shop or vegan restaurant.

Ravi has also stressed that the plans for flats above the unit are still ‘awaiting decision’ from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC).