Eyes on First Ave Switching Gears

[Gerry Zagorski]

This from Jamie at Eyes on First Ave.

First off, I would like to thank everyone for your years of continued support. Unfortunately since Costa was bought by Luxottica a few years ago they no longer support their independent brick and mortor stores and the service, quality, lens technology, turnaround time etc.. has gone downhill. I strongly believe they are trying to put us independent retailers out of business that have payroll, rent, overhead expenses etc...

You have all seen the online discounting for both prescription and non prescription Costa's. These discounts were never extended to me so that I could pass them along to all of you giving me a chance to compete and still keep your business. Luxottica/Costa has not been honest with all of you with their advertising. Specifically Prescription Costa's. They are advertising 40% off RX Costa's in Lenscrafters and online but what they dont tell you is that they raised the prices to approx $1100.00 then apply the discount of 40%. This has been going on for 2 years and is completely deceitful. Costa RX prices range from $400 for single vision to $600 for progressives and up depending on what lens material and mirrors you choose. In order to save and protect my business of 14 years and my 9 employees I am changing direction and can no longer support a company that does not support me.

Eyes on First Ave is still going strong and will continue to do so. I am looking at some new independent brands that have the quality, service, newest lens technology, loyalty, warranty, etc...that made Costa so successful when they originated in 1983. It is very sad to see a once amazing, independent company that I loved destroyed by a giant corporation. I will keep everyone posted.

Sorry for the lengthy message but felt the need to explain. Thank you again for your business and support over the years.

[Broad Bill]

Very well written, I've never met Jamie but I wish her the very best and certainly sorry to hear her story. It's a shame these big corporations could care less for what was always the strength of our communities, enterpenurial spirit, small businesses with fantastic customer service and someone you could actually talk to and have an honest conversation with. Video killed the radio star but the virtual economy and corporate greed, mergers and acquisitions, have killed customer service and too many very successful brand name companies and community businesses. Hopefully some day soon we wake up and realize just how important brick and mortar retail, social interaction and customer service is to business communities across this country. Jamie I wish you and you employees the best, you obviously have a very successful business and following on this site. We need more boutique stores like yours in this country, not less.

[EyesOnFirstAve]

Thank you for your post and kind words. As a small, independent business owner I go out of my way to support the same. Big corporations seem to be buying up everything. I think its more important now then ever to get behind and support small businesses so there does not come a day where we do not have any. Thank you again to everyone that has been rallying around me and my team as we make some changes. We are very excited about our future and our continued relationship with all of the members of NJFishing.com.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Picked up my new pair of Bajios a few days ago and wanted to wait until I fished with them to give a review...

I got the readers which I was a little concerned about getting used to... The readers were unobtrusive and seemed like they were only there when I needed them while tying knots and not when unwanted.

I really like the larger frames and wide side bars that block the side sun and they are light as a feather. Really like the fact that they don't have those nose guards on the metal stem that always seem to fall off . Instead they are integrated into the frame.

The lenses I got which are blue mirrored, hard to explain but they make things pop both on the water and on land...

And get this.... Our own Chris Gjertsen and his wife Theresa, long time members here and former Costa model and mate on on the Fishermen, are now a reps for their line.

All good so far and I have no doubt will be in the future with the service you get from Eyes On First Ave.

[shrimpman steve]

What line are you speaking of ger?

Where can we check them out.

If Chris g is involved I want in!!

I have met Jamie but it has been many years and Christmas parties ago. She is a great person. I wish her the best in her new endeavor

[Tuna Tales]

Same here

Gerry. Are you referring to the new Bajio brand? I would be very interested in checking those out.


Steve. Hope all is well


Joe T.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Yes Bajio and they are based in Florida Steve…

[EyesOnFirstAve]

So happy you love your new BAJIO's Gerry and thank you for the post.

Some info for everyone on this site! I have decided to bring in the BAJIO Sunglass brand. Some of you may not have heard of this brand before as they are relatively new, just a few years old.

-BAJIO is an independent brand based out of New Smyrna Florida.
-BAJIO was created by the original COSTA guys that either left or were let go once acquired by Luxottica, a huge Italian Frame Manufacturing Company.
-BAJIO is owned by the creators of the brand.
-I would say the lens technology is as good as if not better then Costa. Remember these are the guys that created the Costa lenses. But don't take my word for it. Come see for yourself. I have both Costa and BAJIO in the store. So you can stop by and try on both.
-More lens options. BAJIO offers 7 lens options for variable lighting conditions and offshore/inshore fishing.
-Lifetime warranty for non prescription and prescription eyewear for defects. Costa switched to a one year after Luxottica bought them and we all know the issues with the rubber falling off of the frames.
-You can put any lens color in any frame. Costa stopped this after being bought by Luxottica.
-You can put a reader in any frame in any lens color. And most of us could use a little help in this department these days. LOL +1.50, +2.00, +2.50 available.
-Every style is available in RX. Single Vision and Progressive.
-A large variety of styles and really cool colors. Collections - Tech Angler, Tight Lines, Wide Body, Surf, Beach, Aviators. Something for everyone.
-When I decided to bring in the line I requested that Chris GJertsen and his wife be my BAJIO reps. They interviewed and got the job. I knew that Chris and Theresa could help me grow the brand and would be great ambassadors/reps. Theresa has worked with me since I opened the store 14 years ago and Chris has always been a huge supporter and was the one who told me to bring in Costa. I knew nothing about fishing or Costa at the time.
-Many of my customers, Captains, Mates etc... have made the switch from Costa to BAJIO and are very happy.
-Eyes on First Ave currently has the largest collection in the country that can also do prescription. Go big or go home! Once we get behind something we are all in and we love this brand and everything it stands for.

I am sure that I have missed some information. Please let me know if you have any questions. As always, we appreciate your support.

Jamie

[EyesOnFirstAve]

Originally Posted by shrimpman steve

What line are you speaking of ger?

Where can we check them out.

If Chris g is involved I want in!!

I have met Jamie but it has been many years and Christmas parties ago. She is a great person. I wish her the best in her new endeavor

Thank you Shrimpman Steve. I remember meeting you at the Christmas party years ago. Hope all is great with you and yes Chris G and his wife Theresa are my BAJIO reps. Locals/friends supporting eachother and an independent, quality brand. It's a beautiful thing.