READING, Pa.—Following the report this week that long-standing optical retailer U.S.Vision abruptly ceased operations nationwide in late May, leadership for Boscov’s department stores has told VMAIL that the company has officially assumed ownership and operation of all optical centers previously managed by U.S.Vision within its stores. The move follows U.S.Vision’s recent termination of operations, marking what Jim Boscov, CEO of Boscov’s, calls “the beginning of a new chapter for [Boscov’s] long-standing commitment to providing quality vision care services to its customers.”
In a May 21 memo to all employees, Eric Bertrand, managing director of the investment company Lincoln Road Advisors Inc., which acquired U.S.Vision through the acquisition of its parent company, Refac Optical Group, in March 2021, informed team members of the immediate closing of all of its optical centers nationwide, including those at JCPenney, Meijer supercenters and Boscov’s, as well as at freestanding locations. The last day of business for these locations, where U.S.Vision operated licensed optical departments, were specified as May 21 (JCPenney), May 23 (Meijer and freestanding locations), and May 24 (Boscov’s). Boscov’s assumed ownership of the optical departments on May 26, the company told VMAIL.
“This transition is not simply an operational change, but an opportunity to build a stronger optical business designed to serve customers with the same values that have defined the Boscov’s brand for more than a century—service, quality, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction,” CEO Jim Boscov told VMAIL. “We are committed to relaunching a first-class optical business that both the company and our customers can take pride in.”
Currently, Boscov’s operates optical centers in 41 of its 51 department store locations, with plans to expand optical services into all Boscov’s stores in the future as part of a long-term growth strategy, the company told VMAIL. The optical centers are operational for customers, with staff dispensing previous orders and assisting customers, and optometrists performing exams at select locations. The company expects to be fully operational for sales “soon,” following implementation of a new optical point-of-sale system, Boscov’s told VMAIL.
While the transition happened quickly following U.S.Vision’s termination of operations, Boscov’s said it has moved swiftly to establish the operational foundation needed for long-term success. The company also stated that it expects this transition period to occur in phases. In the immediate term, the company said its primary focus is ensuring that all outstanding customer eyewear and contact lens orders placed under the previous U.S.Vision operations are fulfilled as quickly and seamlessly as possible, followed by the relaunch of a fully integrated long-term optical platform designed to support future growth.
Ensuring continuity for both employees and customers has remained a top priority during this transition, the company stated. Boscov’s reported that it has successfully retained many of the experienced optical staff, maintaining the expertise and years-long, trusted customer relationships established at these sites. The retailer also noted that it will uphold an independent OD model and has kept many of the opticians already working in its stores. As Boscov’s develops its long-term optical strategy and enters new markets, the company anticipates further hiring opportunities.
“The new vision for Boscov’s Optical Centers will focus on delivering exceptional customer service, quality vision care, premium products, and an overall customer experience built on trust, convenience, and long-term relationships,” the company told VMAIL.
Based in Reading, PA, Boscov’s is a family-owned department store that operates 51 locations in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Ohio and West Virginia. Founded in 1914, it is celebrating its 112th year in business.
