Rİva OPTİK
Essence-Driven Innovation
Thanks to Silmo Istanbul, which brings together the leaders of the industry, we can easily seize opportunities for growth, progress, and renewal.
Hello, Mr. Erkan. Could you introduce yourself a little? How did your path cross with the optical industry?
Hello, I was born in 1985 in Gaziantep. I am married and have three children. My parents are also originally from Gaziantep, and since I had a father who came from a merchant background, I grew up both studying and working from a young age. This allowed me to gain experience in different sectors. My introduction to the optical industry dates back to 2004. That year, I started working with Mrs. Arzu, whom I am still proud to call my first mentor. She helped me learn the trade from its very core. I crowned this valuable journey by earning my Opticianry Diploma in 2020. After dedicating 17 years to the optical industry, I established my own store, Riva Optik, in 2021.
You opened the first concept store in Gaziantep. What vision led to the birth of Riva Optik?
Gaziantep is a unique city, but I observed for years that the retail approach in the optical sector was far from innovative. I did not want to adopt a uniform and conventional store model. My vision for Riva Optik was to create a store that stands out from the ordinary-one that is innovative and open to change. With this goal in mind, I opened Gaziantep’s first concept store in 2021. As a boutique store, our objectives revolve around answering key questions: How can we advance further in the industry? How can we provide quality products to all budgets and customers? This mindset keeps us motivated and open to new innovations.
What are the key features that distinguish Riva Optik from other boutique stores?
Our store is designed as a four-story boutique concept, catering to all customers and budgets. We have a children’s section on the upper floor, where families with children can enjoy a play area that makes shopping a pleasant experience for both kids and parents. For our high-end clientele, we have created a private area on the lower floor, offering a more personalized and prestigious service. Meanwhile, our mid-range customers are welcomed on the ground floor, which has a carefully curated, aesthetic, warm, and inviting atmosphere. This setup allows us to serve every customer segment and make shopping more enjoyable and comfortable. Additionally, we customize lenses and frames by adding small touches to well-known brands, a service we showcase on our website. As a result, we receive significant interest not only from our local area but also from customers outside the city, to whom we also offer services.
What were your key considerations when choosing the store’s location? Are there any aspects you were unwilling to compromise on?
Riva Optik is a street-level store. Although shopping malls are often associated with modernity and innovation, I do not feel the same way. For me, warmth and sincerity are essential to retail. I wanted a store where I could establish strong, long-term relationships with customers-not just a place for transactions. That’s why I chose a street location instead of a shopping mall. I firmly believe that street stores suit Gaziantep’s shopping culture better than malls. My goal was to build lasting customer relationships at Riva Optik, and I am proud to say that we have achieved this.
What are the most popular optical and sunglasses brands in your store? What factors influence their popularity?
The most preferred optical and sunglasses brands in our store include: Tom Ford, Zilli, Silhouette, Flair, Maybach, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Lacoste, Alexander Wintsch, Burberry, Modo, and Fisher-Price In lens brands, we offer brands such as Essilor, Hoya, Zeiss, and Rodenstock. The main reason customers prioritize these brands is their high quality and durability, which make them stand out in the industry.
What kind of services do you offer to enhance the customer experience after the sale?
For customers who purchase from our store, we provide monthly maintenance and repair services free of charge. We also track the lifespan of their lenses and send reminders when replacements are needed. Additionally, we offer exclusive accessories and personalized storage cases to make sure customers remember us fondly. We even design custom accessories featuring their names and our store’s branding, ensuring that both the accessories and our store remain popular within their social circles.
As an experienced industry professional, what are your thoughts on the Turkish optical industry?
Both lens and frame companies in Turkey are slightly behind the international market, mainly due to our dependence on imported raw materials. Since most raw materials come from abroad, we often work with semi-finished products, which unfortunately slows down progress in the sector. However, in recent years, local companies have been making more conscious investments, leading to a revival of domestic production. This has helped reduce our dependency on imports, proving that Turkey is gaining strength in the optical industry.
Do you follow international optical fairs and industry trends?
Yes, I try to attend the Mido Fair in Italy and the Silmo Paris Fair every year. In addition to these fairs, I visit other countries before and after the events to explore new innovations and trends in the optical sector, and striving to bring new and different ideas to the my business. I can proudly say that I have not missed an international fair in recent years. Each of these fairs broadens my perspective, and I strive to implement the innovations I discover in my store.
The 11th edition of the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair took place last November. What are your thoughts on this event?
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair is strengthening its international identity each year. With a growing number of international exhibitors and visitors, I believe it plays a crucial role in promoting both Turkey and Turkey’s optical industry. Besides being an excellent platform for networking, it contributes significantly to our national economy. This fair connects industry leaders, creates opportunities for growth and renewal, and allows us to see the latest innovations firsthand. It also enables us to introduce new brands into our stores, making it an invaluable event for industry professionals.
Thank you for this valuable interview. We would also like to know your thoughts on our magazine, 4 your eyes?
I have been a loyal reader of 4 Your Eyes for years, and now I am even more delighted to be featured with my store, Riva Optik. Your magazine is an essential resource for the entire optical industry-not just for retailers like us, but also for manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, students, designers, and artisans. You also provide invaluable content for those who cannot attend fairs and industry events, keeping them informed. Thank you for your contributions to the sector, and I wish you continued success for many years to come.
March 2025