One of the unique characteristics of Winston-Salem is our community’s love for the arts. With the nickname “City of Arts and Innovation,” it’s little wonder that our town is full of creative entrepreneurial spirit!  And for one-year-old business, Eyes on Trade, it’s not just about an eyewear store. It’s a place that embraces everyone’s inner artist…where creative and fashionable eyewear come to be discovered…and where small business supports other small businesses.

About Eyes on Trade

“Eyes on Trade offers up the friendly service and inviting atmosphere that confirms the adage that shopping local is the way to go!”

~ William C.

Eyes on Trade is a business with a unique approach to vision.  Located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, Eyes on Trade opened in 2018 to provide affordable and stylish eyewear in a boutique setting.  With a special emphasis on style and showcasing the wearer’s personality through eyewear, Eyes on Trade has carved out a niche for themselves in the community.

Eyewear at Eyes on Trade

“I had the best experience at Eyes on Trade. Maggie was so kind and helpful from the minute I walked in. She patiently helped me find the best frames and made the process fun and enjoyable! My glasses were ready in no time, and they look and feel wonderful. Plus, great prices!”  ~ Molly M.

Visitors at Eyes on Trade should not expect to see the standard frames they see at most eyewear stores. But with that said, fashion is truly the name of the game!  Patrons enjoy the fun colors and whimsical styles that complement not only the face but are stylish and fashionable, too!

The truly distinctive difference, though, is in the price point. Long-time eyeglass wearers are likely familiar with the problem—you go to pick out frames with a budget in mind, and too often, the pair you pick out is the most expensive in the store!  It makes it hard to budget for frames that you’ll want to wear every day!

With two price points at Eyes on Trade, frames are affordable for everyone!  The shop offers the “Essential” line for $150 and the “Luxe” collection for $250. Both price points include the frame, SV lens, and anti-glare.  It’s a wonderful solution for the budget-conscience fashionista who wants variety in their eyewear at affordable prices.  They offer transparent pricing, plus unique frames to create a win for the wearer!  And, bonus!  They accept most major vision insurance!

Eyes on Trade has frames for everyone in the family, and the majority of the frames are unisex.  The staff is extremely knowledgeable about how to match frames to lifestyle and personality.  And if someone has a specific frame shape in mind and isn’t sure they can pull it off, the team at Eyes on Trade take it as their personal mission to find exactly what the wearer wants.

Small Business Supports Small Business

“It’s easy, it’s affordable, and you’ll have an amazing pair of new glasses in two to three weeks, built from a massive, well-curated selection—and fitted to you for optimal wear, comfort, and stability.”  ~ Christopher C.

As a local, woman-owned business, the Eyes on Trade business model is also interested in supporting other small businesses.  So while the end result is fashionable frames for glasses wearers, the merchandise that is offered is all sourced from small, independently owned eyewear manufacturers.  The business doesn’t support high-end designers, but that does not mean there isn’t plenty of style.  But if supporting small business is cool, then Eyes on Trade is a business to be considered.  By supporting them, shoppers support small businesses around the world!

More than Eyewear

“Wonderful experience. I was in and out in 30 minutes with an eye exam and ordered new contacts, etc. I would highly recommend!”

~ Cecile S.

While the emphasis is on the retail aspect of the business, Eyes on Trade is also a full-service and independent eye shop, with an optometrist on staff. Dr. Warsi-Zehri’s specialties include contact lens fittings, anterior and posterior ocular disease management, and overall eye health evaluations.

But for those who don’t want to leave their current eye doctor, outside prescriptions are welcome!

Downtown Convenience

“A little bit kooky, a whole lot of cool. The ladies are amazing and friendly.” ~ Manda E.

The location of Eyes on Trade is truly by design.  They wanted to be located in the heart of the community, accessible to anyone who wanted affordable, fun, and unique eyewear.  Their shop is unlike any eyewear store you’ve likely visited with an edgy and contemporary vibe that is also warm and inviting.

Visit Eyes on Trade at 604 Trade Street NW in Winston-Salem.  Call the shop at 336.727.3727 or visit online at www.EyesOnTrade.com. Note: the store is closed on Sunday and Monday. They are open Tuesday—Saturday from 10 AM–7 PM. Be sure to follow and like them on Facebook and Instagram.

[SIDEBAR # 1]

The COVID-19 Impact

COVID-19 has changed the world and the way we interact with one another. At Eyes on Trade, several important safety measures are currently in effect for the foreseeable future, including*:

• Shop, or get a frame adjustment by appointment only. Call the store to schedule.
• All shoppers and employees will have a temperature check.
• Patients should wear masks, though masks may be removed long enough to see how frames look on a face.
• Shoppers are discouraged from “looking with their hands.” All frames are handled by store employees and disinfected before they are returned to the shelf.

*Note, these are the policies as of June 2020, when this story was written. They are subject to change. Please contact the store with any questions or updates to this policy.

[SIDEBAR # 2:]

Wearing masks is extremely frustrating for eyeglass wearers, who struggle not only with the breathing factor, but the seeing factor. After all, one can’t see through foggy glasses!  The Eyes on Trade team have some great tips for glasses-wearers who struggle with their vision while wearing a mask.

• Try to wear a mask with a wire around the nose.
• Invest in medical-grade tape to create an adhesive for the fabric, so the mask will fit closely to your nose.
• Wash your lenses with a gentle detergent every morning before wearing.
• Set the glasses on top of the mask to help close the gap.