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Mar 2023

Last Updated: 01/03/2023

Business

Harrogate optician's eye-catching display earns national recognition

by John Plummer

| 01 Mar, 2023

For years, the big nose and glasses have amused Harrogate residents and visitors alike. Now Bespoke Eyewear's striking window display has earned national recognition.

The shop on Royal Parade was named most engaging practice window at the three-day 100% Optical show, which attracted more than 10,000 attendees at Excel London. It is the largest optical fair in the UK.

Bespoke Eyewear opened in 2010 as an opticians and dispensary for spectacular frames unavailable elsewhere in the UK. The nose and glasses were put up in 2012 and have become both a selfie spot, boosting the company's social media following, and a directional landmark.

Owner Jonathan Nixon said:

"In 12 years this is our first award and we have never been thanked by Harrogate Borough Council for our Christmas window even though we have had thousands of people taking pictures of it over the years.

"We dress our big nose and glasses depending on the occasion.

"We started in a recession and after covid we are still growing! It is so important to win this award as the idea is to stop an individual and get them to come and look at our stock. The polystyrene nose and glasses is iconic to the shop and recognised all over the country."

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The most engaging practice window award was open to companies that could demonstrate how their window design had driven sales. Three practices were shortlisted.

Bespoke Eyewear's clients include Oscar-winning actresses and football legends. Its awards entry said:

"We have a 3D printed model of Ian Wright's head made to his actual measurements. We send him a picture of the glasses on his ‘head'. If he likes them, they can be perfectly fitted and posted out without him coming to the practice.

"Ian's head sits in the shop window and passers-by, whether it be local or tourist, often say 'that's Ian Wright!'."

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Harrogate optician's eye-catching display earns national recognition

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