Customers First, Gimmicks Never: Larchmont Eyeglass Store Celebrates Three Decades

With the U.S. economy in the throes of a sluggish recovery—recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show a .1 percent increase in real consumer spending in March from the previous month—the trickle down effect of stunted growth on local businesses has not skipped Larchmont, where empty storefronts remain.

Some stores, however, have bucked this trend by maintaining a presence in the community that seems unlikely to be affected by economic slumps.

One such store— in Larchmont—has weathered many decades in the village, celebrating its 30^th anniversary yesterday. 

The store’s history goes back 40 years though. Originally called Batterson Opticians, the store opened in a different location on Palmer Avenue in 1972, before a devastating fire caused owner Kurt Sauer to move the store to its current location on 1935 Palmer Ave. in 1982.

It was right around this time when current owner, Mamaroneck resident Josie Fanelli, started working at the store while she was still a high school student.

Upon her graduation, Fanelli stayed on at Kurt Sauer for what seems unheard of today: a two-year apprenticeship to become an optician.  She credits the time spent learning hands-on with Sauer for helping her to nurture a love for the business that would eventually become her livelihood. Fanelli then graduated from NY Technical College in 1989 and, in 1993, she purchased the shop from Sauer, who was retiring.

Her philosophy for longevity is simple though: never sell your customers short.

“There are no gimmicks…it’s good work consistently and customer service. That’s the only thing that sets us apart; that’s why they come here,” she said.

Despite the fact that the shop doesn’t accept insurance and doesn’t have a doctor on staff that provides examinations—clients must bring their own prescriptions to her to be filled—many of Fanelli’s clients have been coming to the store for generations, preferring the personalized service, lifetime of free adjustments and familiar faces that chain stores lack.  Many of her approximately 2,500 clients are also Larchmont residents, some of whom date back to the store’s inception in 1972.

“I never cut corners when it comes to lenses or frames,” said Fanelli, who added that, even during lean years, she kept her product consistent.

More importantly, most of the glasses are made in-house, with Fanelli assembling glasses and finishing frames right in the back of the store. The one exception is glasses with anti-reflective coating, which are sent out.

Over the years, Fanelli has witnessed both the life cycle of stores on Palmer Avenue and the changing landscape of Larchmont.

“It’s definitely more hip and happening than 30 years ago,” she said, adding that more young families have moved into the area.

Fanelli, with the help of her brother, John Figliomeni, is a constant presence in the store, exuding a warm demeanor that makes it clear she “stands behind our product 110 percent.”

Fanelli recalls that Kurt Sauer—now living in South Carolina—made one request before selling his business: If the focus of the business shifts from customer service as a first priority, take my name off the sign.

So far, it’s still there after three decades.