VOTED "BEST EYEWEAR"
Time for some hard-earned horn tooting.
Current "best of" win count: 90
Richard Golden founded SEE in 1998 with this simple mission: offer high-quality, original SEE brand "designer" frames at a palatable price point. The first SEE location opened in downtown Birmingham, Michigan, and the local response was overwhelmingly positive. Soon after, SEE opened up shop in South Beach, Chicago, Ann Arbor, Boston, Georgetown, and so on.
In 2001, SEE snagged its first "Best of" win in Boston! Here's what Boston Magazine had to say about SEE at the time:
2001 BEST OPTICAL SHOP
"If there were a law of relativity for optical shops, it would go something like this: The cheaper the eyeglasses, the less attractive they are. Bucking this trend, SEE is changing the way we look at specs by offering unbeatable bargains and an amazing selection. The boutique eschews name brands, and trades its own signature style. From unusual plastic frames to classic vintage glasses, this shop’s picks capture the designer look—without the high-end prices."
Boston Magazine
We hate to be braggadocios, but...
Since then, SEE has been voted “Best Eyewear” and “Best Optical Shop” in readers’ polls 90 times (and counting!) from coast to coast. Winning cities include San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Nashville, Charleston, Ann Arbor and roughly a billion others. Who else can say that????
Who are we kidding, we love to brag.
1950's
Richard Realized His Passion in the Family Biz
As a kid in the 50s, Richard Golden realized his passion for sales, selling greeting cards door-to-door while his father, Donald Golden ran a successful chain of optical stores. His father offered him several jobs in the company but Richard declined, instead opting to attend Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Advertising.
Eventually, Richard did find his way into the family business and soon after, the company boomed. The rapid expansion can be attributed to a string of incredibly popular advertising campaigns directed by Richard himself.
1998
Richard Golden Had an Idea
Optical pioneer Richard Golden envisioned the future of eyewear. Fueled by the frustration of licensing existing brands at an absurd cost, Golden was intrigued by the idea of creating a unique, proprietary brand. He, along with his brother, Randal, and expert product development team, crafted an exclusive collection of high quality, one-of-a-kind styles at an affordable price, resulting in reverse sticker shock for the consumer.
The first SEE store opened in Birmingham, MI in 1998 and the rest is SEE history.
2001
SEE is Voted "Best Eyewear"
In 2001 SEE begins to win "best eyewear" nods. First, we win in Boston and in our hometown, Detroit. The Goldens and the SEE family go wild. Fists are pumped and bumped, roofs are raised, mandatory office luncheons are held. Then we win in Nashville, Tampa, Charleston, Orlando and San Francisco! We just keep winning! Since then, SEE has racked up 86 "best eyewear" and "best optical shop" wins in readers' polls from coast to coast, and every win is as exciting as the first.
2002
SEE Ventures into the Coolest Neighborhoods
The SEE brand and concept were a hit! People couldn't get enough of the eclectic collection of frames that was finally offered at a palatable price point. Customers were walking away with 6 or 7 pairs - unheard of in the optical industry!
The Goldens decided to open up shop in a few of their favorite neighborhoods in their favorite cities to see how SEE would fare. Between 1998-2005, SEE shacked up in South Beach, Chicago, Georgetown, Columbus, and Ann Arbor. To the Goldens' delight, SEE was a success.
Today
Maximum Exclusivity
SEE, the purveyor of the most eclectic eyewear in the country, is committed to marrying the highest quality materials with the most advanced designs in prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses and offering them at a true value. SEE's one of a kind collection of men's and women's prescription glasses can be found exclusively in our optical stores, along with the latest technology in prescription eyeglass and contact lenses.