Since its inception in 2006, Eyebuydirect has grown into a major leader in the online eyewear market. In 2024, it made headlines by opening its first physical location in Orange County. CEO Sunny Jiang explains that the decision to venture into brick-and-mortar retail was strategic and aimed at complementing its established online presence.
This online presence has kept the company thriving for nearly two decades, driven by its strategic investment in technology. By leveraging cutting-edge tech solutions and continually refining its online platform, Eyebuydirect has successfully differentiated itself in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Below, we take a closer look at how its tech solutions provide a seamless, innovative, and customer-centric shopping experience.
Establishing a robust online platform
The company’s online platform is a testament to its commitment to accessibility and user experience. Eyebuydirect’s range of glasses and sunglasses includes hundreds of styles — from best-selling classics like St Michel or Vinyl to the latest designer collaborations like the Tan France x Eyebuydirect collection. To help customers make informed decisions, Eyebuydirect has designed its website with an easy-to-navigate user interface (UI). Visitors can quickly access 24/7 customer service, read blog articles that address common questions about eyewear, and even take a fit and style quiz to find the perfect pair.
Meanwhile, the user experience (UX) is further enhanced through strategic partnerships with leading tech companies. Eyebuydirect uses Algolia’s search and discovery capabilities to deliver fast, relevant search results for consumers looking for the perfect frame, which has resulted in a 4% total revenue uplift. Additionally, Eyebuydirect has collaborated with ViSenze, an AWS Retail Competency Partner, to optimize product recommendations through artificial intelligence and machine learning. This saw a return of 29 times the initial investment, with 2% of customers clicking the Similar Styles Results Pages provided.
Embracing reality technology
In recent years, reality technology has emerged as a transformative technology, enhancing the way consumers interact with digital content. Our previous article on Augmented Reality explained how digital information, such as images, videos, or text, is overlaid onto a user’s view of the real world in real-time. This creates an interactive experience that enhances users‘ perception of their physical surroundings.
Eyebuydirect was quick to embrace this technology. In 2021, the company launched its Virtual Try-On feature well ahead of many competitors. This AR-based tool allows customers to see how different frames will look on their faces from various angles. By clicking the “Try On” button on the product page, users can choose a video or upload an image to try on thousands of frames, experimenting with different styles and colors. This allows for a more interactive online shopping experience, giving customers the confidence to purchase eyewear without the need to visit a physical store. Otherwise, this early adoption of AR technology has positioned Eyebuydirect as a leader in digital innovation within the eyewear industry.
Integrating marketing schemes
Beyond its sales features, Eyebuydirect’s marketing strategies are seamlessly integrated into its online platform. Take a look at the customer referral program of Eyebuydirect, which was revamped in 2021 to be more transparent and rewarding. Customers now earn $20 in credits for their first referral, double the previous amount, as well as additional credits for subsequent referrals. The program is prominently displayed on the website, with a sliding tool that shows the exact dollar amount customers will receive for each referral. This new approach has led to a 2X increase in referral-based sign-ups, demonstrating its effectiveness in driving customer acquisition and loyalty.
Otherwise, Eyebuydirect also runs a “Buy One, Give One” program, which allows customers to donate a pair of glasses to someone in need with every purchase. This initiative is automatically logged on the website, making it easy for customers to track their contributions and feel good about their purchases. By promoting social responsibility and charitable giving, Eyebuydirect strengthens its brand image and builds a loyal customer base that values both style and substance.
By continuously investing in technology and enhancing the customer experience, Eyebuydirect remains a frontrunner in the online eyewear industry. For more comprehensive, reliable, and accessible insights on the Internet, check out our other articles on DevX.
