Retail / news
Singapore optical retailers pivot to eye care services as price competition intensifies
Singapore's optical retailers are shifting their focus from selling spectacles to providing professional eye care services, leveraging loyalty programs and AI-driven engagement to build repeat business as price competition rises.
Dennis Chia, director of retailer vertical account development for Singapore at NielsenIQ (NIQ), said that greater internet penetration and omnichannel shopping have made consumers more price-conscious and better-informed. They now compare prices actively and research products online before purchasing, eroding the ability of retailers to compete on price alone.
In response, optical retailers are investing in loyalty programmes, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered customer engagement tools. These initiatives aim to encourage repeat visits for eye exams, contact lens replacements, and lens upgrades rather than relying on one-off eyewear purchases.
The shift from transactional spectacle sales to ongoing eye care services reflects a broader consumer trend of prioritizing long-term eye health. Retailers are positioning professional expertise and personalized experiences as key differentiators in a market where price transparency and online research have become the norm.