Nov. 30, 2021 — Black Optical, which announced its partnership with New Look Vision Group in August, recently shared the partnership’s first acquisition: St. Louis, MO-based The Eye Bar and its two retail locations. 

“I have been an admirer of The Eye Bar for years,” says Gary Black, founder of Black Optical and a 2021 #EBGameChanger. “The boutique’s longtime owner Stacey Plank and I opened our businesses around the same time over 10 years ago. It has been an inspiration to watch her business thrive and succeed over the years. Our shared passion for creating unique experiences within our retail spaces and the love we share for independent eyewear is what originally inspired me when the opportunity of acquiring the business became an option.”

Black Optical houses locations in Dallas, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and, now, The Eye Bar’s two locations in St. Louis. 

“After finding success with two showrooms originally in Oklahoma and then later in Dallas, deciding that St. Louis was going to be the next market for us was the obvious choice,” says Black. “It is clear that the people of St. Louis have a deep passion for eyewear.” 

The companies share that The Eye Bar’s current team will retain their positions while service offerings are slated to grow, including the introduction of new independent brands.

“Thirteen years ago, what started out with a simple plan to open my own optical shop turned into a love and passion for our loyal customers that will always be a part of a wonderful memory of growing a business beyond my dreams,” says The Eye Bar’s Stacey Plank. “I’m thrilled to work with Gary and the Black Optical team, along with New Look, as they assume the day to day operations and allow for a smooth transition of leadership. We are passing on the responsibilities to this new generation in hopes that they continue to inspire our friends and clients with unique products and the same friendly service they’ve come to know and expect, allowing me to pursue my next big dream.”

“I look forward to collaborating closely with Stacey and her team to help optimize the business and elevate The Eye Bar into a new era while working with the team to continue carrying the torch of great customer service forward,” Black adds.

Through its partnership with New Look Vision Group, led by CEO Antoine Amiel (also a 2021 #EBGameChanger), Black Optical plans to further expand its presence in the optical industry.

“We feel very privileged to welcome The Eye Bar to the New Look Vision Group under the leadership of Black Optical,” says Amiel. “At the inception of our partnership with Gary Black two months ago, we committed ourselves to grow and are delighted with this first opportunity. We are thankful Stacey chose Gary and us to continue the exclusive journey she so passionately started.”