NEW YORK—Sweeping changes in consumer attitudes and expectations require optical retailers to rethink all interactions with customers and patients. To bring this shifting scenario into focus, Vision Monday will present a special program, “Minding the Store: Digital Tech Reinvisions The Shopper’s Experience” at the upcoming VM LIVE event on Wednesday, Sept. 13 in Las Vegas.

The one-time only event, moderated by VM editors Marge Axelrad and Andrew Karp, will feature expert speakers who understand the challenges retailers face and have solutions.

“Brick-and-mortar retailers need to compete with online players; both are adapting techniques from each. Consumers are still seeking reasons to go to a store… or visit their favorite site. In stores or online, they tend to shop a brand that understands their digital lifestyle,” pointed out Axelrad, Vision Monday’s senior VP, editorial director.

Doug Barnes, Jr. is CEO and president of Eyemart Express, one of the nation’s fastest growing optical retailers. Barnes will talk about service expectations in a changing retail environment, and the targeted investments his company is making in new technologies to build sales.

Barnes will share how he and his team have been using new systems and technology to restrategize their competitive and service approach to customers, both in-store and online. Vision Monday’s Top 50 report ranked Eyemart Express the 10th largest optical retailer in the U.S. As of today, Eyemart Express operates 174 stores (three are pending) in 35 states.

Barnes spent much of his early career in software development before spearheading successful internet startups. He later oversaw a chain of women’s accessories stores. For more than 13 years, he garnered knowledge and expertise within the optical retail industry, first at the store level as an associate and manager and then at the executive level as CTO, before moving into his current role of president and CEO of Eyemart Express in 2014.

Ed King, co-founder of High Street, a Retail Experience Collective, is a sought after speaker and noted customer experience (CX) expert. King has engaged retailers and brands like AT&T, Home Depot, Vision Source, Porsche and Reebok by taking a scientific approach to understanding why people act, behave, shop, purchase and remain loyal to certain brands.

He believes that it takes both data and creativity to craft memorable, meaningful experiences that customers crave. King has worked at Max Media, Chief Storyteller and iris worldwide and is a frequent speaker at leading edge retail/digital events. He will open the VM LIVE event with his current take on today’s changing consumer expectations.

David Moore, OD, owner and founder of Moore Eye Center and Clear Eye Associates + Optical, is a Vision Source member who operates a successful optometric practice in Stephenville, Texas. Dr. Moore will discuss how he is using game-changing systems to attract and engage patients at his new office.

VM Live is the latest in Vision Monday’s series of groundbreaking events that bring together top speakers and influencers from outside optical and innovators from within, to explore new trends and technologies that are impacting decision-making for retailers and vision care professionals.

Registration is still open for VM LIVE, which will be held at the Venetian/Sands Expo in Las Vegas from 3:30 to 6:00 pm on Sept. 13, just prior to Vision Expo West. To register, visit www.visionmonday.com/live.

Europa is a Platinum sponsor and ABS is a Gold sponsor of VM LIVE’s “Minding the Store: Digital Tech Reinvisions the Shopper’s Experience.”