VisionPlus India

VisionPlus: GKB carries a legacy spanning six decades. How do you interpret that legacy today and what does carrying it forward mean to you? Priyanka Gupta: For me, the legacy is not just about longevity; it is about trust that has been built over generations. Today, carrying it forward means translating that trust into a more relevant and modern context. The core stays the same: no compromise on vision care, but the expression evolves through design, experience, and how we connect with a younger and more aware consumer. VP: You joined the business at a young age. What defining moments shaped your transition from being part of the family to a key decision-maker? PG: The shift really happened when I started taking ownership of outcomes rather than just contributing ideas. There were moments where I had to back my instinct, take risks, and also take accountability when things did not go as planned. That process of building conviction is what moved me from being part of the family to actually leading within the business. VP: You have introduced experiential retail concepts. What does modern optical retail mean to you today? PG: Modern optical retail is no longer transactional. It is experiential, consultative, and lifestyle-led. It is about creating spaces where customers do not just buy eyewear, but understand their vision needs, explore personal style, and engage with the category in a more meaningful way. It is where healthcare meets fashion seamlessly. VP: Today’s eyewear consumer is more aware and style-driven. What key behavioural shifts have you observed and how are these shaping your brand strategy? PG: Consumers today are far more informed and expressive. Eyewear is no longer just a necessity; it is part of identity. We are seeing a shift towards multiple pairs, customisation, and purpose-driven purchases, such as lenses for specific lifestyles. This is shaping our strategy to focus more on personalisation, storytelling, and category awareness rather than just product selling. VP: With access to diverse brands, how do you curate the right mix for each store and THERE WERE MOMENTS WHERE I HAD TO BACK MY INSTINCT, TAKE RISKS, AND ALSO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY WHEN THINGS DID NOT GO AS PLANNED PRIYANKA GUPTA, DIRECTOR OF BRANDS AT GKB 39 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION