POYRAZ OPTİK
Quality of a New Generation
Silmo Istanbul inspires us by showcasing all the innovations in the industry and guiding us toward providing better service to our customers.
Hello, Mr. Emre Poyraz Could you start by introducing yourself and sharing how your career in the optical industry began?
Hello, I’m Emre Poyraz I was born in 1998 in Muğla, Fethiye. After considering the advice and guidance from some close acquaintances, I decided to step into the optical industry. In 2020, I graduated with honors from Istanbul Medipol University’s Opticianry Program.
You are a young entrepreneur who has recently joined the optical sector. How was Poyraz Optik established?
After completing my degree in opticianry, I worked as a responsible manager in the private sector for about six months. In 2021, I began working in a retail optical store in Fethiye. After three years of experience, I decided to open my own store to provide high-quality optical and sunglasses products in Fethiye. Thus, in January 2024, Poyraz Optik began serving the optical sector and our valued customers.
Does your store offer products with a wide range of features and price points? How do you evaluate the impact of variety on sales and customer satisfaction?
We believe in the importance of offering products across all segments and ensure that this diversity is prioritized in our store. At Poyraz Optik, you can easily find products with varying features and price ranges. We are aware that offering a wide range of products and meeting diverse customer needs are critical for ensuring customer satisfaction and positively impacting our sales.
With current trends, we see an increasing interest in designer brands in Turkey. Which brands are particularly popular in your store?
Unfortunately, the accessibility of many premium brands, including designer labels, has become more challenging due to the economic difficulties our country faces. As a store that hasn’t yet completed its first year, it’s been a little bit difficult to showcase designer brands in our displays. Nevertheless, we strive to meet our customers’ demands for these brands. In our store, the most sought-after sunglasses brands include Tom Ford, Papary, Oakley, Mykita, Prada, Miu Miu and Bottegaro Paris. For optical glasses Silhouette, Tom Ford, Alexander Wintsch, Vogue, and Dolce & Gabbana are in high demand.
Could you tell us about the after-sales services you offer? What steps do you take to build customer loyalty and trust?
After-sales service is just as important to us as the sale itself. We continue to support our customers even after the purchase. In addition to providing spare parts, we also repair and maintain damaged frames, even if they weren’t purchased from us.
To what extent do you benefit from training and sales briefings on the latest trends, developments, and technological innovations in the optical industry?
We actively utilize information and news from various online sources to stay informed about industry developments. We participate in trade fairs and training programs organized by companies throughout the year. Additionally, we request representatives from optical lens companies to visit our store periodically to provide presentations on lens technologies. This helps us keep our knowledge fresh and stay updated with the latest technological advancements.
When comparing street-level and mall-based retailing, what is your preference as Poyraz Optik?
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Poyraz Optik is currently a street-level store. We believe street-level locations are more advantageous in terms of foot traffic. However, we think mall-based stores have the edge during winter months since people prefer warm, sheltered locations in cold and rainy weather. If we decide to open a second branch, our preference will still be a street-level store.
What is your priority when it comes to pricing your products? How do you handle competition with your peers?
We consider the recommended retail prices set by companies and aim to provide quality service without undervaluing our products. We’ve noticed significant price discrepancies for eyewear sold online. We believe in selling products at their true value. Our commitment to honest and high-quality service sets us apart from our competitors.
Do you visit international trade fairs? How important is it to follow these events?
I’ve been following reputable international trade fairs since I started my career. Starting in 2025, I plan to attend to an esteemed fairs in abroud as well. At Poyraz Optik, we prioritize closely monitoring every new development in the global optical industry. Trade fairs allow us to foresee the future of the optical sector and maintain our focus on quality by learning about the latest technological innovations, trends, the newest collections from global brands, and current industry developments.
What are your thoughts on the development and contributions of International Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which has been held in Turkey for the 11th time?
I have been visiting Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair since my first year in the industry. My most recent visit was last November, and it was my third time attending. I’ve observed that the fair continues to grow with an increasing number of exhibitors each year. Silmo Istanbul inspires us by showcasing all the innovations in the industry and guiding us to provide better service to our customers. We will see together that the fair grow and evolve even more in the future.
Thank you for this valuable interview. Lastly, could you share your comments about our magazine, 4 your eyes?
We thank 4 your eyes for featuring Poyraz Optik. It’s an essential resource for the industry. We highly value the digital publication of your magazine, as it allows easy access for anyone passionate about the optical industry, regardless of country, language, or age. While we miss the printed editions, which we can only acsess during international fairs like Silmo Istanbul, Silmo Paris, and Mido, we respect your adaptation to the requirements of the digital age and wish you continued success.
January 2025