Independent opticians eyes bright future with new store
23 June, 2026
The last remaining independent opticians in Sunderland city centre has opened a new store on a popular shopping thoroughfare.
Gardners Opticians, which has been trading in the city for over 50 years, opened its new store at 41 Blandford Street on 18th May.
Taking on the entire 1,900 sq ft building, the move has provided the business with the space required to increase its product range and invest in new technology.
Moving from the upstairs of 17 Blandford Street, the relocation to a ground floor unit has also helped the store attract new customers and make it more accessible, particularly to elderly and visually impaired customers.
Simon Birtwisle, Director and Optometrist, said: "The new store has been really well received since we opened in May.
"Our previous unit, which was upstairs at number 17 Blandford St, was hidden and was quite challenging for some of our customers to access.
"By being on the ground floor, we have seen a lot more people pop in and we've been pleasantly surprised by how busy and friendly the street is.
"We've even had people stop us on the street to help us out when carrying items to the new store. Everyone has just been so lovely and supporting."
A third-generation optician following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Simon acquired Gardners Opticians in 2024 after the retiring owner, Mr Robert Gardner, was keen to find someone to carry on the practice's legacy.
Simon has since continued to invest in the store, launching a new website and brand and overhauling its product range, as well as partnering with an audiologist to offer hearing care.
Among the new product lines are designer frames from sought-after brands such as Canada Goose, Lindberg and a number of European designers, as well as the company's own 'North See' label.
Simon added: "Growing up in a family of opticians, optometry is in my blood, so I was keen to ensure the city centre retained its last remaining independent opticians as soon as I heard Mr Gardner was retiring.
"We've really tried to bring the business into the 21st century with a new website, branding, social media presence and product range, all of which have been really well received, particularly the stocking of Canada Goose, which has been a huge hit.
"One of the most important things I think we have achieved however is retaining the independent, family-feel on which the business has been built and has served it so well over the past 50 years.
"A main part of this has been our fantastic staff who really build a rapport with our customers and this is evident in the number of people who stop by just for a chat, even when they don't need their eyes testing.
"It's a really unique business which is hopefully now in a position to serve the people of Sunderland for another 50 years."
The move to the new store was supported by the business investment team at Sunderland City Council who provided signposting to the Business & IP Centre North East's Citylife Business Support Grant programme and the North East BIC's Digitising the High Street initiative. Both programmes form part of Sunderland's Business Support Programme for the current year and are funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority through its Integrated Settlement.
Councillor James Jackson, Cabinet Member for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see Gardners Opticians continuing to invest in Sunderland and benefiting from the business support offer that is in place to help the city's firms realise their potential.
"It's always really positive when homegrown businesses such as Gardners choose to continue to invest in the high street, creating a stronger offer for customers and helping to regenerate the area. Small businesses are key to the city's economy, and it's important we do whatever we can as a council to ensure the city's businesses have everything they need to grow and prosper."
For more information about available commercial space in Sunderland, visit https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/commercial-properties
