Eyeglasses company Warby Parker has announced the opening of its Short North location, at 601 N. High St.
Warby Parker Co-founder and Co-CEO Dave Gilboa says the Short North’s “creative energy and culture” is what brought the brand back to the neighborhood. In 2011, Warby Parker opened a small showroom inside of the shop Milk Bar Boutique. The store on High Street will be the brand’s first permanent space in Ohio.
“We’re always collaborating with artists around the country—be it on the design of our stores, new products, or nonprofit partnerships,” Gilboa says, “so we’re happy to move into a neighborhood with as much artistic history and spirit as the Short North.”
The store itself features a bit of Columbus art as well. A bright, original mural by Columbus illustrator Andy J. Miller—also known as Andy J. Pizza—sits behind a reference desk, and framed illustrations by Miller can be found near the store entrance.
Designed to resemble a library, the store also features marble-topped tables, colorful book displays, and oak shelving for Warby Parker’s full collection of eyeglasses and sunglasses. The store will also have a selection of books in stock from a few independent presses.
To celebrate the store opening, Warby Parker is releasing a pair of sunglasses exclusive to Columbus customers. And, as with every Warby Parker location, for each pair of glasses sold, a pair is given to someone in need through Warby Parker’s Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program.
Warby Parker’s Short North location opens on Saturday, May 19. For store hours and other information, visit Warby Parker’s website.
