B&B OPTİK
A BOLD INITIATIVE THAT PRIORITIZES EYE HEALTH…
While Silmo Istanbul significantly contributes to the global recognition of the Turkish optical industry, it also facilitates the establishment of business connections.
Hello Mr. Burak. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share how you were first introduced to the optical industry?
I was introduced to the optical sector thanks to my father. Öztürk Optik, the first optical store in Bakırköy, was founded by my father in 1968. I started working in the eyewear business by spending my school holidays with him. Having started at a young age, I decided to continue my father’s profession by opening my own store in 2021.
You’ve been in the industry for quite a long time. What led you to open B&B Optik? Are you planning to expand with new branches?
I received a lot of support and positive feedback from my surroundings about opening a store. People told me I was born for this job and that it suited me perfectly. Frankly, I embraced this idea myself and took my first entrepreneurial step in the industry by founding B&B Optik. Even before opening the store, my initial goals included branching out. I still feel the same and believe I will achieve this in the future. As you know, the pandemic entered our lives in 2020. Despite the challenges of that period, I decided to open the store within a year. I was fully aware of the risks involved in starting a business during such an economically turbulent time. However, I wanted to turn this risk into an opportunity with my determination and enthusiasm-and I did. I firmly believe in the philosophy, “Life always favors the brave.”
With current trends, we’re seeing a growing interest in designer brands in Türkiye. Which brands are particularly popular in your store?
Our store primarily offers high-end product groups and luxury brands. As branding continues to accelerate globally, the eyewear industry has also become an integral part of this process. Consumer habits and expectations are now shaped accordingly. In line with this, we are committed to presenting globally established and trendsetting brands to our customers. In our collection, we include prestigious and globally recognized brands like Cartier, Balmain, and Dita, aiming to offer our customers both quality and fashion at once.
B&B Optik is a street store. Could you tell us why you preferred a street location over a shopping mall?
The main reason we chose street retail over a mall was our desire for a more independent work environment. For us, customer relations should not be solely sales and trade-oriented, but also based on sincere and sustainable connections. Operating as a local business on the street allows us to build more natural and close relationships with the people around us. Being in direct contact with our customers enables us to better understand their needs and provide them with the most appropriate service. For this reason, street retail is not just a sales point for us-it’s also a space where we form strong bonds with our customers.
Competition among optical stores is growing every day. Could you tell us about your pricing approach for B&B Optik products?
Yes, unfortunately, our sector faces increasing competition, and it’s becoming harder to compete with online prices. However, what we do is not just about selling a fashion accessory-it involves one of the most sensitive aspects of health: eye care. So, our customers don’t just come to buy world-famous sunglasses brands; they also seek essential optical support and information for their eye health. At B&B Optik, we prioritize and value their eye health to the highest degree. Our main goal is to address their needs through the most accurate and sincere communication. Therefore, we continue to uphold our right product, right pricing principle without compromise.
What are your priorities in customer satisfaction? What are your after-sales services that you offer to customers?
For B&B Optik, ‘Your trust is our happiness’ is much more than a slogan. Our top priority is the trust our patients place in us. At B&B Optik, we are aware that our work doesn’t end with a sale. We always have a backup plan (Plan B) in place for possible scenarios after a sale. It is our mission to offer the most accurate and realistic solutions to our patients and customers, both during and after the sales process.
Do you think the training and sales briefings about industry trends, developments, and innovative technologies are sufficient? What are your thoughts?
With the rapid development of the world, our industry-like all others-is experiencing significant changes and innovations in parallel. While technology, design, and production are progressing rapidly, I can’t say the same about sales briefings. Yes, many training programs, presentations, and briefing meetings are organized to provide new information to industry professionals. However, unfortunately, our colleagues often fall short in effectively conveying this information to patients or customers, or they lack proper communication techniques. This naturally reflects on the quality of service.
How do you evaluate the dealer meetings organized by manufacturers and wholesalers? How much do they contribute to business development and motivation?
I find dealer meetings organized by manufacturers and wholesalers to be very beneficial. Such events contribute to the industry’s development while offering a great advantage for us dealers. Especially when the next season’s products are introduced, these meetings help us make more effective decisions about how to shape our product range and which models to offer to our customers. I believe such events are crucial, as they help with business planning and also boost our motivation.
Do you visit international fairs? How important is it to follow them, in your opinion?
Yes, we follow international fairs. These events are especially important for staying updated on innovations and technological changes in optical eyewear, as well as the conveniences they bring to our profession. They significantly contribute to our vision by providing in-depth information on both the latest collections from fashion brands and emerging product trends-especially in the sunglasses segment.
The 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair was held last November. What would you like to share about its development and contribution to the industry?
As the B&B Optik family, we visited the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, just as we do every year. Since its early years, I have believed that it provides a valuable platform for our sector. Even after a major pandemic like Covid-19, I’m pleased to observe that the fair has continued to improve each year. With Silmo Istanbul’s development, its contributions and support for our industry have also increased. Its growing strength and ever-improving atmosphere have had a highly positive impact on our industry. Silmo Istanbul significantly enhances the global recognition of the Turkish optical industry and makes it easier for us to establish business connections.
Thank you for this valuable interview. Lastly, what would you like to share about our magazine, 4 your eyes?
We follow your magazine regularly every month. We highly value the insightful content and up-to-date information you provide for the industry. On behalf of B&B Optik, I’d like to thank you for featuring us in 4 your eyes. We wish you continued success with your work, which keeps a pulse on the sector and serves as a guide for all of us.
May 2025