Here at LKRE, we’re always on the pulse of what’s new, fresh and attention-worthy. We have identified a challenge when it comes to finding fashionable yet functionable eye wear that doesn’t break the bank. We’re so excited to share with you our latest find: Warby Parker! A collaboration between four close friends who met at Penn, Warby Parker was conceived as an alternative to the overpriced and bland eyewear available today.  Through some detailed market research, the folks at Warby Parker discovered that the eye wear industry is controlled by a few large companies that have kept prices artificially high, reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options. By circumventing traditional channels and engaging with their customers directly through their website, Warby Parker is able to provide higher-quality, fab looking prescription eyewear starting at only $90- now we’re talkin’!

Eyewear with a Purpose

One of the reasons we love this new company is their generosity. Unfortunately, millions of people around the world today don’t have access to proper vision care. To help address this problem, Warby Parker partners with renowned non-profits, such as VisionSpring.org, to deliver one pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair that they sell. In doing so, they enable people like us to share the gift of vision with someone who can’t see today and give them the opportunity to read, to work and to live a fuller life.

What’s Up with the Name? 

The Warby Parker team, along with LKRE, has always been inspired by the master wordsmith and pop culture icon, Mr. Jack Kerouac. Two of his earliest characters, recently uncovered in his personal journals, bore the names Zagg Parker and Warby Pepper. The eyewear company took the best from each and made it their name. So clever!