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Press Releases

June 9, 2006

Goodwill Optical opens in Muskegon

MUSKEGON, MI — Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM) announces a new in-store service for its retail customers — quality eyeglasses at deep discount prices.  Goodwill Optical opens its doors to the public June 12. Located inside the Goodwill Store at 1974 East Sherman Blvd. in Muskegon, the optical shop offers a wide selection of frames with on-site eye exams by a licensed Doctor of Optometry by appointment and on a walk in basis. Goodwill Optical will also fill all outside prescriptions for those patients who have already had their eyes examined.

The venture was born out of a unique partnership with Redstone Property Group, the Spring Lake-based company that recently developed and constructed new Ludington and Newaygo stores for Goodwill. Redstone Chief Operating Officer Timothy Westra, who has over thirty years of experience in the optical business, will oversee the new venture.

“In order to offer the optimum lowest price to the customer, we realized we needed a partner. As Redstone’s President Ross Pope was developing these beautiful new stores for Goodwill, the idea dawned on us,” Westra said.  “Having recently learned about all the important things Goodwill does to help the community through its employment services, we also view the partnership as a way to provide jobs and job training opportunities.”

“It’s a benefit and convenience for our customers that we think they will appreciate. Our customers are value-conscious shoppers and Goodwill Optical is offering outstanding values for quality glasses,” said Goodwill President Richard Carlson.

Goodwill Optical offers a large selection of nearly 400 frames, available with scratch-coated prescription plastic lenses for as low as $68 complete. Transition lenses are also available.

“You won’t find any Prada or Gucci,” Westra said. “But they are fashionable and made with high-quality materials.”

Eye exams by a licensed Doctor of Optometry are available on Fridays at the ultra-low cost of just $29. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (231) 739-2126. Walk-ins are also accepted as available time permits. 

Medicare and Medicaid are accepted for eye exams and glasses and other insurances are not accepted but a Goodwill Optical representative will complete the patients’ form for reimbursement.

Goodwill Optical’s in store hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

Contact:
Liz Witzler, Marketing Director
(231) 722-7871 x223

James Cherney, Director of Retail Operations
(231) 722-7871 x227