YENİ İNCİ OPTİK
Legacy Trail
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair offers industry professionals the chance to connect, draw inspiration from innovations on display, and seize valuable collaboration opportunities.
Hello Mr. Hikmet. Could you introduce yourself to our readers and share how you got started in the optical industry?
Hello! I’m Hikmet İnci, born in Istanbul in 1983. I graduated from the Business Administration Department at Eskişehir University. I was introduced to the optical industry at a very young age thanks to my father, Hasan İnci, who was a pioneer in this field. In a way, you could say I was born into the profession. I also completed my opticianry education at Muğla University.
İnci Optik is a well-established store with over 40 years of history. How would you describe founder Hasan İnci’s approach to the industry and retail? How do you carry this legacy forward today?
My father’s approach to the optical industry was built on customer satisfaction and high-quality service. These are valuable principles not just for optical retailers, but for all retailers in general. Thanks to him, I learned the true importance of putting these ideals into practice. For him, it was never just about making a sale. He believed that truly satisfying customers meant helping them find products that allowed them to express their style, accessorize, and feel fashionable. This required understanding their needs and building strong, sincere relationships. I’d say this approach is the most important legacy he passed on to me.
İnci Optik, founded in Sirkeci—the heart of the optical sector—later expanded with new locations. When and how did this expansion begin? Could you tell us about your branches and their unique features?
For me, Sirkeci holds a special place—it’s where I spent my childhood and youth, a place full of history and character. It’s also a somewhat challenging area in terms of customer profile. After taking over the store, I always aimed to open more locations. I wanted them to be street-level stores like the one in Sirkeci, rather than enclosed spaces, so I spent years scouting high-foot-traffic areas. In 2023, together with my longtime colleague Haluk Etüs, we opened our second store in the heart of Beşiktaş, where we continue to provide the same level of service.
How would you describe İnci Optik’s approach to customer service? How do you differentiate yourselves from other optical stores during and after the sales process?
Our approach is to make customers feel they’re buying something beyond just a pair of glasses—they’re choosing something that helps them stand out. Even before we start the sales process, customers who walk into our store can sense they’ll receive high-quality, distinct service. They can tell this not only from the way we present our products or organize the store, but also from how we interact with them. During the sales process, our diverse and boutique product selection allows us to guide customers toward the best choice for their needs and preferences. Our goal is to ensure they leave satisfied, and even after the sale, we’re committed to providing maximum support should any issues arise.
What qualities do you look for when selecting employees? Does the master-apprentice relationship still exist in your store’s culture?
The master-apprentice relationship is invaluable in many professions, and I’d say it’s absolutely essential in ours. We’ve had many interns and trainees grow alongside us. Honestly, I prefer to approach my employees as friends, within a framework of mutual respect, rather than from a traditional boss-employee dynamic. And I expect the same from them. I believe in fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where we help each other. That’s why I choose employees who align with these values—people who are eager to learn, willing to grow, and easy to communicate with.
Which eyewear and lens brands are the top sellers at İnci Optik?
At İnci Optik, products from the EssilorLuxottica Group stand out among our top-selling eyewear brands. Ray-Ban, Vogue, Prada, and Versace are particularly popular with our customers. When it comes to lenses, Hoya and Essilor are leading choices thanks to their quality and customer satisfaction. The personalized solutions these lens brands offer make it easier for us to meet our customers’ specific needs.
How important is it to offer a variety of brands, product segments, and price points? Do you maintain this balance across your branches?
We don’t differentiate between our main store and branches in terms of brand variety; we aim to provide the same product and service quality at every location. While there might be minor differences in quantities, we serve with a wide range of products to cater to every style and budget. Maintaining this balance helps us keep customer satisfaction at the highest level across all our stores.
In your opinion, what shapes, colors, and materials will dominate optical and sunglasses trends for the Spring/Summer 2025 season?
For the 2025 summer season, I expect bold, thick frames and colored lenses to take center stage in sunglasses. In optical eyewear, I anticipate more minimal designs with oval shapes and lightweight structures gaining popularity. Soft tones and pastel colors also seem set to be favorites this season. Materials that offer both style and comfort will be another key focus.
As an experienced retailer, how do you view the current state and near future of the optical industry?
To be honest, one of the most critical challenges for us right now is the inflationary environment in our country. Achieving price stability is crucial for us. Of course, this issue affects all sectors nationwide, but since most of the products we sell are imported, it’s especially difficult for us to maintain price balance and profitability. The current economic climate poses a significant obstacle for the optical industry and our business.
Do you think industry training programs and company briefings are sufficient? What are your suggestions for improving awareness and development?
I don’t think the current level of industry training programs is sufficient. I believe we need more meetings and events, and that information about innovations and developments should be shared with us more effectively. In previous years, I participated in seminars organized by companies like Essilor and Zeiss. I think such seminars should be held regularly and more frequently. These programs would be highly beneficial not just for us, but also for newcomers to the industry.
Could you share your thoughts on the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair and its contributions to the industry?
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair holds a very important place in our industry. It provides an environment where all innovations and developments come together, allowing us optical store owners to experience them firsthand. The fair also offers opportunities to meet other professionals, draw inspiration from the brands, collections, technologies, and trends on display, and explore new collaborations.
Thank you for this valuable interview. Lastly, what are your thoughts on our magazine, 4 your eyes?
Thank you for featuring us in your magazine. I truly believe 4 your eyes is a valuable publication with its high-quality, up-to-date content that contributes to the industry. Thanks to your magazine, we can stay informed about developments, innovations, and different perspectives in the sector. It also helps us connect with our colleagues and find inspiration. I’m grateful for your work and wish you continued success.
June 2025