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(English) Best Practices

Sector
Eyewear Company

Keywords
Eye Care Ethical Business Practices Social Care

From which SME is it?
Warby Parker

Location
New York

Format
Physical, electronic

Years of implementation
Since 2010

Website

Abstract

The goal of Warby Parker is to provide affordable, high-quality eyewear while also making a positive social impact. The company aims to disrupt the traditional eyewear industry by offering stylish, well-crafted glasses at a fraction of the price. Additionally, for every pair of glasses sold, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need through their "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program. By combining fashion, affordability, and philanthropy, the company strives to make vision correction accessible to all and improve the lives of individuals in underserved communities.


Relevance

The idea for the company was born out of their frustration with the high cost of prescription eyeglasses. They noticed that the eyewear industry was dominated by a few large companies that had a significant markup on glasses, making them inaccessible to many people.

Inspired to provide an affordable and stylish alternative, the founders set out to disrupt the industry by offering high-quality, affordable eyewear directly to consumers. They believed that by cutting out the middlemen and designing their own frames, they could offer fashionable glasses at a fraction of the price.

The name "Warby Parker" is a combination of two characters from Jack Kerouac's writings, reflecting the company's vision of combining vintage-inspired style with modern technology.

The company gained attention through its innovative business model and trendy frame designs. They introduced the concept of "Home Try-On," allowing customers to choose and try on up to five pairs of glasses at home before making a purchase. This convenient and personalized approach resonated with consumers, and the company quickly gained a loyal customer base.

Warby Parker's commitment to social impact is another integral part of its story. For every pair of glasses sold, they donate a pair to someone in need through their "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program. This initiative aims to address the global issue of vision impairment and lack of access to eyewear, particularly in underserved communities.


Concepts addressed within ESG

Social care, sustainability, climate change


Impact & Achieved Results
  • offering high-quality, stylish glasses at low price.
  • For every pair of glasses sold, they donate a pair to someone in need. This initiative has provided access to vision care for individuals who might not have had the means to afford it, improving their quality of life.
  • prioritizing environmental sustainability. They use materials such as cellulose acetate derived from renewable resources and recycled materials in their glasses and packaging. This focus on eco-friendly materials helps reduce the company's environmental footprint.
  • a positive social influence by challenging industry norms and promoting a more inclusive and customer-centric approach.

Indicators of performance and success
  • Environmental Impact
  • Brand Reputation and Recognition
  • Employee Engagement
  • Expansion and Growth
  • Financial Performance

Challenges and recommendations
  • According Supply Chain Transparency. One challenge is ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain, especially when sourcing materials and working with manufacturing partners. Recommendations include establishing strong supplier relationships, conducting regular audits, and implementing traceability measures to ensure ethical and sustainable practices at every stage of production.
  • According Environmental Footprint. Warby Parker can face challenges in minimizing their environmental footprint, particularly in areas such as packaging, waste management, and transportation. Recommendations include exploring alternative packaging materials, implementing recycling programs, and optimizing logistics to reduce emissions and energy consumption.
  • According Social Impact Measurement. Measuring and quantifying the social impact of their "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program can be challenging. Recommendations include partnering with organizations and conducting impact assessments to track the reach and effectiveness of their charitable initiatives, ensuring the donations are effectively benefiting the intended recipients.
  • According Scaling Sustainability. As the company grows and expands, maintaining sustainable practices across all operations becomes more challenging. Recommendations include integrating sustainability into the company's growth strategy, setting clear sustainability goals, and regularly assessing and updating sustainability practices to align with growth plans.

Bibliography