VisionPlus India

what factors beyond demand influence these decisions? PG: Curation goes beyond demand; it is about context. Each store has its own customer profile, catchment, and aspiration level. We look at factors like local demographics, lifestyle patterns, and even how a customer wants to feel when they walk into that space. The goal is to create a point of view, not just a catalogue. VP: Eyewear is increasingly seen as fashion. How important is storytelling and curation in transforming it from a necessity into a style- led category? PG: It is everything. Without storytelling, eyewear remains functional. The moment you build narratives around style, lifestyle, or even emotion, it becomes aspirational. Curation helps simplify choices, and storytelling helps customers connect with those choices. That is what transforms the category. VP: Initiatives like the Wedding Edit and brand events have created locally relevant customer experiences? PG: Consistency comes from strong systems, training, and brand philosophy. Personalisation comes from empowering teams at the store level. It is about creating a framework that ensures quality and trust, while allowing flexibility in how each store connects with its local audience. VP: As a young woman in a legacy-driven industry, what perspective do you bring and how do you see leadership evolving within the optical space? PG: I think I bring a perspective that blends tradition with change. I am more open to experimentation, more focused on consumer experience, and more willing to question existing norms. Leadership today is becoming less hierarchical and more collaborative. It is about building teams that think, not just execute. VP: As VisionPlus Magazine completes 25 years, how do you see its role in shaping industry conversations and what would you like to say to its readers? PG: Platforms like VisionPlus play a crucial role in bringing the industry together, sharing ideas, and driving progress. As the industry evolves, these conversations become even more important. To the readers, I would say stay curious, stay adaptable, and continue pushing the boundaries of what optical retail can be. strong engagement. What key learnings have these experiences offered in building lasting customer relationships? PG: The biggest learning is that people remember experiences more than transactions. When you show up for key moments in their lives, like weddings, you become more than a retailer. You become part of their journey. It has also taught us the importance of creating occasions around eyewear, not just waiting for demand. VP: With a growing retail network, how do you balance consistency across stores while still delivering personalised and LEADERSHIP TODAY IS BECOMING LESS HIERARCHICAL AND MORE COLLABORATIVE. IT IS ABOUT BUILDING TEAMS THAT THINK, NOT JUST EXECUTE 40 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION