Could a Pearle Vision franchise be a profitable business opportunity for you in 2022?
The optical retail industry generated more than $36.05 billion in the United States in 2021. That number is expected to rise as the population ages and seeks quality eye care.
Fransmart is the leading franchise development company for emerging brands in the U.S. It provides updated information on franchising, how to start a franchise, franchise fees, and more. This post is a complete guide to Pearle Vision’s franchise taken from their updated FDD (franchise disclosure document).
How much Investment is Required to Buy a Pearle Vision Franchise?
Opening your own Pearle Vision EyeCare Center is not a cheap venture. You’ll need to invest up to $4.6 million into this optical business, including the money you’ll need to spend on inventory to get started.
Estimated Pearle Vision Start-up Costs Breakup
As shown in the table below, it will cost $460,000 to open your own Pearle Vision store. This doesn’t include buying fixtures and equipment, like eyeglasses and sunglasses, and training costs.
| Type | Low | High | Due Date | Payee |
| Initial Franchise Fees
New Licensed Owner |
$30,000 | $30,000 | Upon signing a license agreement | Pearle Vision |
| Initial Franchise Fees
Existing Licensed Owner |
$20,000 | $20,000 | Upon signing a license agreement | Pearle Vision |
| Real Estate | $14,560 | $20,555 | As billed | Landlord |
| Construction | $130,000 | $200,000 | As billed | Pearle Vision or a third-party vendor |
| A&E Fees | $16,300 | $16,300 | As billed | Pearle Vision or a third-party vendor |
| Equipment | $12,892 | $17,515 | As billed | Approved Vendor |
| Signage, Fixtures, Furniture & Decor | $93,200 | $117,200 | As billed or upon signed license agreement | Pearle Vision or third party |
| Inventory | $40,000 | $84,000 | As billed or upon signed license agreement | Pearle Vision or approved vendor |
| Point of Sale & Computer System | $11,395 | $23,519 | As billed | Approved Vendor |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $15,000 | $15,000 | As billed | Pearle Vision |
| Training Expenses | $0 | $2,000 | Before and during attendance | Pearle Vision, airlines, hotels, restaurants, and other third parties |
| Security Deposits | $1,300 | $15,000 | As billed | Third-party |
| Insurance | $7,000 | $9,000 | As billed | Approved vendor |
| Additional Funds | $45,000 | $100,000 | As needed | Pearle Vision approved vendor or third-party |
| Total | Low | High | ||
| New Licensed Owner | $416,647 | $650,089 | ||
| Existing Licensed Owner | $406,647 | $640,089 |
Locations Available
Pearle Vision is one of the largest retail optical chains in North America with more than 550 Vision Care Centers. The company is aggressively expanding by opening new retail locations across the U.S. and Canada, and franchise opportunities are available for sale.
Is Pearle Vision Profitable?
The average Pearle franchisee makes just over $1.01 million per year in revenue.
As per their website, the average income per location includes:
- Locations where optometrists are employed by the licensed owner– An average of $1.03 million in revenue, $824,000 in sales.
- Locations that subleased space to optometrists –Average $764,000 in retail revenue.
- Locations owned by optometrists or ophthalmologists– Average $1.01 million in revenue, with $782,000 in average retail revenue.
What To Know Before You Buy
- High capital is needed to open a Pearle Vision
- The training focuses mainly on four theories of learning and instructions: subject-centred, objective-centred, experience-centred, and opportunity-centred.
- Franchisees must comply with accessibility requirements such as those set by the ADA.
- Hiring and training are one of the biggest challenges of running this eyecare franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is previous healthcare or insurance processing experience necessary to become a franchisee?
A. It would be better if you have healthcare experience to become a franchise owner of Pearle Vision.
Q. Can I be utterly absent from day-to-day operations?
A. The franchise owner can have complete or partial absenteeism if you hire trained staff.
Q. Is it possible to convert an existing optical store?Â
A. Yes, you can apply for a franchise with an existing optical store.
Q. How many employees will I need to hire?
A. It depends on the kind of franchise organizational structure you have decided on for your location.
Q. What sort of assistance can I expect from the Pearle Vision franchise?
A. They provide financing options and site selection assistance to the franchise owner. You can also expect extra benefits if you are a military veteran.
Is it a good decision to buy a Pearle Vision Franchise?
With its high start-up costs and need for highly trained staff, Pearle Vision is a franchise for a very specific type of buyer. For an investor looking to build wealth through franchising, there are other industries and brands that could return a stronger ROI than Pearle Vision.
Fransmart has a portfolio of emerging brands with lower start-up costs, easier operations and the opportunity for better ROI including:
- RISE SOUTHERN BISCUITS & RIGHTEOUS CHICKEN
- BROOKLYN DUMPLING SHOP
- CURRY UP NOW
- IKE’S LOVE & SANDWICHES
- JARS BY FABIO VIVIANI
- PAYMORE
- SLAPFISH
- THE HALAL GUYS
- TAFFER’S TAVERN
- SAVANNAH SEAFOOD SHACK
- DUFFS CAKE MIX
If you’re ready to explore all your franchise options, contact Fransmart today for help choosing the ideal franchise for your goals.