Dundee is blessed with some wonderful designer shops and businesses.
And tucked away on a cobbled lane in the heart of the city is one of the very best.
SPeX PisTOls is an example of an optical boutique service right at the very top of its game.
Richard Cook - who opened its doors on 2012 - has quickly built up a hugely loyal local following that has since developed into a coveted international client base.
He is the brains behind the operation with over 30 years experience in lens making and created SPeX PisTOls from a desire to curate a frame selection that differed from high street chains.
He partnered this with a team ethos of providing ‘good old fashioned customer service’.
Richard also has a passion for vintage frames and their preservation and believes that good frames should live for as long as possible.
It’s one of the reasons why he offers a repair service on all frames which saves customers time, heartache and money.
Speaking about the shop Richard said: “Over the years we’ve become known for more than just spex.
“Our shop is filled with curiosities - vintage stoneware jars, cameras, record players and collectables.
“We’ve also created our own merchandise - we now have Spex Pistols’ branded sweatshirts, aprons, badges and tote bags too.
“This means you can also take a little more Spex Pistols home with you.”
Talking about the impact of Covid and how he and his team - that includes Hazel, Sooz, Cara, Eve, Lucy R, Eva, Holly, Kara and Peggy - have coped, he added: “Like most small businesses we’ve felt the effects of covid restrictions and have taken on the challenges - adapting our business where we needed to.
“At Spex Pistols we always prefer to focus on the positives, so amongst all the challenges, our focus was always making sure our customers still had the best shopping experience.
“Social distancing restrictions may have meant fewer customers in the shop at one time but for us it was an opportunity for one-on- one time with customers and a chance to make an even bigger fuss of them.”
And talking about his ambitious plans for this year he said: “In 2022, our focus will again be on offering the best service to our customers but also expanding our product offerings and working with more Dundee based businesses to support and uplift our local community.
“This year we’re excited to launch an opportunity for local businesses – that will allow them to join a scheme where they can offer Spex Pistols’ eyewear packages, bespoke discounts and services to their staff.
“Plus as restrictions hopefully relax, we’ll be planning some special events in the Spex Pistols’ shop.”
Check out the shop’s Facebook page here and its website here.
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