Mark Miller
of Glasses Galore
by Allen Herman

Years ago ... many many years ago ... when I first entered the optical industry ... I met a salesman by the name of Fred Miller. He called on my wholesale business, the Optical Exchange, frequently. We became friendly and would often meet at optical shows that were held in New York, Vegas and Los Angeles. In time, I met his wife Doris and the three of us became fast friends. After several years the company he worked for, Imperial Frame Manufacturing Company, was sold to a South African company which promptly shipped its manufacturing equipment back to Johannesburg.

Fred was unexpectedly out of work. It was quite a surprise. Being resourceful, and knowing the optical business inside out, he decided to open a retail store in the Pennsauken Mart, Pennsauken, New Jersey. He was extremely successful. His vast list of contacts and relationships, plus his "insider" knowledge of the business enabled him to obtain and then offer fabulous products, many of which where factory overruns, closeouts and salesman's samples, at absolutely ridiculously low prices. Business for my friend and his wife boomed, and he and Doris were able to open more stores. They never got greedy ... always offering the best for the least. The business grew to the point where their son Mark joined the firm and together, they opened more stores in other areas of Pennsylvania.

Fred taught Mark well. He came to respect quality and workmanship. He learned to hire the most competent help and provide the most up-to-date styles and lens products available. Mark was schooled in "customer service" and continuing education. Fred tutored him carefully and introduced his son to his many "contacts." And Mark, who was bright and talented, became the "Number Two Maven" in no time. I should add, that along the way, Mark obtained his New York Ophthalmic Dispensing License and New Jersey Optical Dispensing License.

Then the unexpected happened. Without alarm bells or warning, Fred had a heart attack and passed away very quickly. At first Mark helped his Mom in the business. After a short period and as he became more confident, Mark grew into the head cook and bottle washer responsible for the growing company. He did a good job, growing both the firm's business and reputation. Ultimately, Doris stepped back from and then out of the business as the firm continued to expand. And as Mark grew the business he began to realize that there was also a market for more upscale, more stylish, more high tech product.

Mark's "baby," Glasses Galore, flourished, attracting many different and varied types of buyers. Some, he discovered, while not eager to miss a mortgage payment, were willing to spend a bit more for the styles and designers and high tech lenses that were becoming available. So, as the story goes, he began to slowly test the waters, introducing these stylish products and the specialty lenses. And the more he experimented, and the more he offered, the more new customers came to the stores. The business didn't change ... it just grew in new directions while maintaining its loyal customer base with "bread ad butter product at the right price." It was and still remains a winning formula as Glasses Galore now has three stores ... one in Newtown, Fairless Hills and their newest location, Southampton. Glasses Galore has become the area's largest provider of sports specific and performance eyewear.

Years have passed. Mark married a wonderful gal, Joyce. You'll excuse me for being honest if I say she made a real mensch out of him. They, with their two sons, have become very active in the community, joining a variety of organizations. They also enjoy a wonderful condominium they have had for years in Margate, New Jersey.

To add to this optical tale..... Mark has brought his sons into the business where they have also shown evidence of their father's entrepreneurial spirit. Jason and Cliff started breaking their "optical teeth" working at Glasses Galore after school, while attending Council Rock High School. They started a computer eyeglass company called Innersights in 1996. And in 2000, they returned to Glasses Galore in Newtown as co-managers. Jason remains as manager. Cliff went on to open Innervision, a happening frame store in downtown Philadelphia. It's clear the eyeglass business is one of three generations for the Miller family..... and counting!

The business has prospered. The three stores have become known as optical fashion hubs throughout the nation carrying the biggest names and designers, many available exclusively at Glasses Galore. At Mark Miller's "frame mecca" you can see the most avant-garde, leading edge products now on the market. Seldom will you see a politician, a starlit or a high profile person in politics wearing a style or brand name that is not available at Glasses Galore. Best of all, his prices have remained fair and square. And, to this day, his dad would be proud of him for the large collection of reasonably priced product that is also available for his patients who continue to view glasses as a medical necessity for improving their vision. .

So, if you need glasses or sunglasses or an eye exam, ......stop in to Glasses Galore. Tell Mark Miller you read his "review" in The Uptight Suburbanite and ask him for "special consideration" as one of our loyal readers. And bust his cookies a bit. His dad would love it!

Southampton Shopping Center
482 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966
215-355-7SEE (7733)

Fairless Hills Towne Square
451 S. Oxford Valley Rd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030
215-547-5470

Village at Newtown Shopping Center
2842 S. Eagle Rd., Newtown, PA 18940
215-579-1155