Sterling Optical offers comprehensive eye care services, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and vision health assessments, for clients seeking clear vision.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
92
+
-4%
-4%
Franchise fee
?
$30,000
Investment
?
$33,000 - $2,094,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Upgrade
Sterling Optical is a leading U.S. optical retail franchise offering comprehensive eye care services. Founded in 1914 in New York City's Financial District, the brand has over a century of experience in the industry.
It is headquartered in Garden City, New York, and operates more than 50 locations across the United States. The company began franchising in 1992, expanding its reach through both new openings and acquisitions.
Sterling Optical provides a full range of eye care products and services, including prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and designer sunglasses. Each location offers professional eye exams conducted by licensed optometrists, ensuring quality care for customers.
The brand's commitment to affordability and fashion-forward eyewear sets it apart in the competitive optical market.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Sterling Optical franchise is
$33,000 - $2,094,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Nonrecurring Franchise Fee
$10,000 to $30,000
Lease Security Deposit and Legal Fees for Review of Lease
$0 to $35,000
Rent for First Month
$3,300 to $30,000
Leasehold Improvements
$0 to $250,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment
$0 to $100,000
Professional Equipment
$0 to $150,000
Computer Equipment and Software
$540 to $11,250
Inventory
$10,000 to $100,000
Signage
$0 to $10,000
Insurance
$0 to $10,000
Financing Payments
See terms
Utility and Tax Deposits
$0 to $5,000
Grand Opening Advertising Fee
$0 to $5,000
Document Preparation Fees
$0 to $2,500
Legal Fees
$0 to $10,000
Acquisition of Business as a Going Concern
$10,000 to $1,500,000
Additional Funds (Working Capital)
$5,000 to $90,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$32,840 to $2,093,750
Create a free account to access this table and more. For more information see our plans here.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Nonrecurring Franchise Fee
$10,000 to $30,000
Lease Security Deposit and Legal Fees for Review of Lease
$0 to $35,000
Rent for First Month
$3,300 to $30,000
Leasehold Improvements
$0 to $250,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment
$0 to $100,000
Professional Equipment
$0 to $150,000
Computer Equipment and Software
$540 to $11,250
Inventory
$10,000 to $100,000
Signage
$0 to $10,000
Insurance
$0 to $10,000
Financing Payments
See terms
Utility and Tax Deposits
$0 to $5,000
Grand Opening Advertising Fee
$0 to $5,000
Document Preparation Fees
$0 to $2,500
Legal Fees
$0 to $10,000
Acquisition of Business as a Going Concern
$10,000 to $1,500,000
Additional Funds (Working Capital)
$5,000 to $90,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$32,840 to $2,093,750
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Sterling Optical's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Sterling Optical had 109 total units in 2023, of which 92 were franchised-owned and 17 company-owned.
Sterling Optical provides a variety of training programs for its franchisees to ensure proper operation and brand consistency. The key components of the training include:
Initial Training: Franchisees, including principal stakeholders and designated operators, must complete a comprehensive initial training program before starting the franchise. This program covers operations of a Sterling Optical Center, including classroom sessions and on-the-job instruction at existing locations.
Refresher and Ongoing Training: The franchisor may require franchisees and relevant staff to participate in refresher or other training courses implemented periodically. These courses are mandatory and designed to maintain operational standards.
On-Site Support Training: A member of the Franchise Support Team may provide hands-on training at the franchisee’s center. This includes guidance in sales, merchandising, POS systems, and day-to-day operational procedures.
Optional Additional Training: Franchisees can request further training, which the franchisor may provide at its discretion. The franchisee bears the cost for such training, including instructor fees and related expenses.
Territory Protection
Sterling Optical offers limited territory protection to its franchisees through what is termed a "Designated Territory." This territory generally corresponds to a radius determined by lease provisions or population density in the area. For example, in densely populated urban areas, the radius may be as small as four blocks, while in rural areas, it may extend to three to five miles.
Although Sterling Optical will not authorize another Center under the same tradename within this specified area, the protection is not absolute. Franchisees do not receive exclusive marketing rights, and the franchisor may still operate or franchise other stores using different tradenames within the same territory.
Moreover, franchisees may face competition from other Sterling Optical franchisees, company-owned locations, or even different retail outlets operated by the parent company under alternative branding.
.png)
