File Photo / Tim Greenway
Pete Harrington
October 11, 2024
Eyewear chain Warby Parker plans to open Portland store, first in northern New England
Photo / Courtesy, Malone Commercial Brokers
The 184 Middle St. building is known as the William Widgery Thomas Block.
Warby Parker, an eyewear manufacturer and retailer based in New York City, has signed a long-term lease for a 1,977-square-foot ground-floor retail space at 184 Middle St. in Portland’s Old Port.
The building is owned by East Brown Cow, and the lease was brokered by Pete Harrington of Malone Commercial Brokers for East Brown Cow.
The space is due to become Warby Parker’s first store in northern New England.
“We are thrilled to welcome Warby Parker to the growing retail corridor along Middle Street,” said Tim Soley, president of East Brown Cow.
Soley said East Brown Cow’s mission includes stewarding historic buildings.
“By carefully preserving their architectural heritage while welcoming modern tenants, we ensure these storied spaces evolve and resonate with today’s visitors,” he said.
Founded in 2010, Warby Parker Inc. (NYSE: WRBY) was initially an online-only retailer. It now has over 270 stores across the U.S. and Canada, and employs 3,500 people. Revenue in 2023 totaled $670 million.
Photo / Courtesy, East Brown Cow
Initially online-only, Warby Parker now has over 270 stores across the U.S. and Canada, and sells a broad variety of eyeglass frames and other optical products.
The Portland store will offer the brand’s optical and sun products, contact lenses, accessories and more.
“As part of our continued retail expansion and meeting customers where they are, our Middle Street location will allow us to connect with our Portland area customers in person and offer them affordable, holistic eye care,” said Sandy Gilsenan, the company’s chief retail and customer experience officer.
The plan is to open the store in early 2025 and to feature artwork by Maine artist Christopher David Ryan.
Originally built between 1867 and 1874, 184 Middle St. is known as the William Widgery Thomas Block.
East Brown Cow acquired the building and neighboring 178 Middle St. in 2021.
The upper stories are slated to become part of East Brown Cow’s one- and two- bedroom “urban home” concept as part of its Docent’s Collection hospitality offering.
The collection also includes 178 Middle St., 121 Middle St. and 115 Middle St.
The concept is to combine the hospitality of a hotel stay with mobile service and personalized amenities more typically associated with a luxury residential rental.
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