Alensa, an established player in the European optical market, plans to open nearly ten new optical stores in four Central European countries in the coming weeks. In Poland, the Alensa network will soon expand from 3 to 5 brick-and-mortar locations, and further sites are already in the negotiation stage.
Originating from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Alensa recorded over 97 percent revenue growth in its stationary stores last year—turnover rose to over €20 million. This is one of the primary reasons why the company decided to accelerate its development plans within the first half of this year.
“The development of the brick-and-mortar store network is a response to growing customer interest in personal contact, professional advice, and the opportunity to test our range on-site. Although Alensa has long held a strong position in online sales, stationary stores are becoming a key pillar for its further development,” said Ján Jacina, Sales Director of the Alensa network.
Last year, Alensa opened its first store in Poland, in Katowice. Another followed in Warsaw in November, and in February of this year, Krakow joined them. Further expansion into the Polish market is planned for later this year. In the coming weeks, three more locations in Slovakia – in Nová Dubnica, Trnava, and Považská Bystrica – will join Alensa’s European network. Additional sales points are currently in the phase of intensive negotiation and will most likely open in the coming months.
Franchise network development
The brand’s ambition is to expand its operations into many regions of Poland, ensuring that every customer has the choice between convenient online shopping and a visit to a brick-and-mortar optical store.
“So far, we have seen the greatest interest in the franchise model in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. By joining the Alensa network, our partners become part of a strong brand with international backing, marketing support, and access to a wide customer base and proven systems,” added Ján Jacina.
Currently, there are no franchise stores in Poland yet, but the opening of the first such locations is planned for the near future. Joining the Alensa network is neither a complicated nor a long-term process – typically, only a few weeks pass from signing the contract to the store opening.
“Our goal is to open optical stores in many regions of Poland. Ideally, the operator is a local expert who is a successful entrepreneur in their region. Alensa provides unique know-how and guarantees exclusivity in a given area. We offer advanced technological facilities, which allow us to hand over a ready ‘turnkey’ concept to our partners. We can complete the entire process, from the initial design to the store opening, in a short time,” concluded Ján Jacina.
