(PRESS RELEASE) ALEXANDRIA, VA – Vision Expo announced Gogosha Optique (Los Angeles, CA) as the winner of the third OPTImum Retail Award, an annual award created in 2016 to celebrate independent retailers and showcase their products, stores, visions and stories. Past winners include Edward Beiner (South Miami, FL) and Todd Rogers Eyewear (Andover, MA).
Gogosha Optique and the other 2020 finalists—Black Optical (Dallas, Tulsa, Oklahoma City); G is for Glasses (Winnipeg); Globe Specs (Kyoto); and The Eye Place (London)—received awards to recognize their accomplishments and will also be honored at a cocktail party during Vision Expo West in Las Vegas. Additionally, Gogosha Optique will be featured in 20/20 Magazine this Spring.
“In a time where, once again, we are pioneering new ideas in uncertain times, to be accepting an award that represents a culmination of my life’s work thus far is humbling and fortifying,” said Julia Gogosha, owner of Gogosha Optique. “This OPTImum Retail award recognizes the efforts of many, the sacrifices of few, and the vision of one. I’m excited to be able to celebrate and share this award with my team, peers and colleagues, when we can all be together again. Until then, vision is essential to all that we do. Thank you for recognizing mine.”
Gogosha Optique, owned by Julia Gogosha, opened in 2008 with the intention to transform the client experience from projection to discovery and recognition. Aiming to serve as the shortest and clearest conduit between wearer and designer, Gogosha Optique represents independent and handmade brands with heritage and craft and creates one-of-a-kind expressions for clients through in-house edging and customizing. Boasting robust inventories and unparalleled product knowledge, Gogosha Optique has pioneered brands such as Jacques Marie Mage, Sabine Be, Bruno Chaussignand, Kuboraum, Masahiro Marayuma, Ahlem and Rigards. Utilizing appointment-based services, membership programs and a unique online experience, Gogosha Optique is bringing its well-known authenticity from its brick-and-mortar location to remote clients.
Gogosha Optique was selected as the contest winner by a committee of the industry’s top leaders including Dr. Arian Fartash, optometrist and influencer of @glamoptometrist; Christian Roth, eyewear designer and the first Council of Fashion Designers of America member in the eyewear category since 1990; and James Spina, 20/20 Magazine editor-in-chief and senior vice president. Additionally, Vision Expo social media channels were opened for voting from Feb. 27–March 9 to be factored into the judges scores.