Sneak Preview: Warby Parker

Get a first glimpse of Warby Parker’s new North Loop location plus some special edition sunglasses


Photo by Ella Cashman

Warby Parker, a popular retailer for prescription glasses and sunglasses, is getting ready for the grand opening of its first store in the Twin Cities Aug. 11.

Based out of New York City, the company found its way to Minneapolis in 2013 on their Warby Parker Class Trip, a campaign that took them cross-country in a yellow school bus re-imagined as a mobile pop-up store. In 2015 they took up residence in Askov Finlayson, a stylish menswear retailer in the North Loop. Their partnership there was a positive experience, but Warby Parker wanted to plant permanent roots so they packed up their things and moved—but only a few blocks away.

“North Loop is home to so much history and innovation. It’s all around—in the architecture, galleries, record shops, and restaurants—and it’s what we love about this neighborhood,” says co-founder and co-CEO Dave Gilboa in a press release. “More importantly, we’ve made such good friends during our years here and we can’t wait to show them our new store.”


Courtesy Warby Parker

Warby Parker’s new shop is immediately eye-catching. Bright and welcoming, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a classic library, with gold metal accents and monochromatic books doubling as decorations and merchandise. In the back, a reference desk acts as a one-stop-shop for frame adjustments, order pickups, and more.


Photo by Ella Cashman

You also can’t miss the spritely mural behind the reference desk. It’s the work of illustrator Bill Rebholz whose design pays a tribute to the city. Images like tall bikes, train cars, vinyl records, and the Stone Arch Bridge convey the sights and sounds that personally inspired Rebholz when he was beginning his career in Minneapolis. You may also notice his work on the transom windows out front, where passersby can enjoy his work too.


Courtesy Warby Parker

In celebration of their new store, Warby Parker is featuring a limited edition pair of sunglasses. The Haskell frame in Whiskey Tortoise with Flash Mirrored Pacific Blue lenses is only available in their North Loop location.


Limited edition sunglasses only available at Warby Parker’s North Loop location.

Photo by Ella Cashman

In other announcements, Warby Parker will now offer glasses for kids in all of their stores. They’ve taken their stylish glasses for adults and shrunk them down so they fit little faces. Available in two sizes Jr. (for ages 8 and up) and Jr. Jr. (for ages 4-7).


PHOTO BY ELLA CASHMAN

It was just four friends who created Warby Parker. Their mission was simple: to create a business that sold high-quality and stylish eyewear at a reasonable price by cutting out the middleman in the retail process. Is it really possible to get a new frame plus prescription lenses for under $100? At Warby Parker it is. It’s one of the many reasons their business is so successful—the company puts the customers at the forefront of their mission.

“We believe that buying glasses should leave you happy and good-looking, with money in your pocket. We also believe that everyone has the right to see,” the company states. This is why every pair of glasses that Warby Parker sells, a pair is given to someone in need through their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. So far, the company has given over four million pairs.

Grand opening: Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018  @ Warby Parker North Loop, 113 North Washington Ave., Minneapolis.