Q: What motivated you to lead John Jacobs, and how has your journey been so far?
Apeksha Gupta: My journey with John Jacobs began in 2018 when I was invited to build an eyewear brand tailored for the digitally native Indian consumer. Coming from a background in luxury fashion and retail, I saw a significant opportunity to transform eyewear from a mere necessity to a fashion statement. Over the years, we’ve focused on offering premium, fashion-forward eyewear that resonates with our customers’ evolving tastes.
Q: How does John Jacobs differentiate itself in the competitive eyewear market?
Apeksha Gupta: John Jacobs stands out by seamlessly blending high-quality craftsmanship with contemporary designs at accessible price points. We source premium materials globally—such as German hinges and Japanese titanium—to ensure durability and style. Additionally, our transparent pricing strategy and commitment to fashion-forward collections, including collaborations with designers like Masaba Gupta, position us uniquely in the market.
Q: Can you elaborate on John Jacobs’ omnichannel strategy and its impact on customer experience?
Apeksha Gupta: Our omnichannel approach ensures a consistent and seamless experience for our customers, whether they shop online or in-store. We maintain uniformity in product offerings, pricing, and promotions across all platforms. In-store, customers benefit from personalized consultations with optometrists, while online shoppers can access assisted buying features. This integration allows customers to view their purchase history and facilitates flexible services like buying online and picking up in-store, enhancing overall convenience.
Q: How does John Jacobs stay ahead of fashion trends in eyewear?
Apeksha Gupta: We prioritize staying attuned to global fashion movements and translating them into our eyewear collections. By launching at least one new campaign collection each month, we keep our offerings fresh and aligned with current trends. Collaborations with fashion designers and celebrities further infuse contemporary styles into our products, ensuring our customers have access to the latest in eyewear fashion.
Q: What role does sustainability play in John Jacobs’ business model?
Apeksha Gupta: Sustainability is integral to our operations. We are exploring circular economy initiatives, focusing on sustainable materials, recycling, and reselling models. Our goal is to provide environmentally conscious options to our customers, reflecting our commitment to reducing our ecological footprint while delivering quality products.
Q: Could you share insights into John Jacobs’ marketing strategies?
Apeksha Gupta: Our marketing centers around authentic storytelling that resonates with our audience. For instance, our ‘Stay Seen’ campaign highlights real-life experiences, emphasizing themes like self-expression and resilience. By focusing on narratives that reflect our brand values, we connect with customers on a deeper level, moving beyond traditional product-centric advertising.
Q: What are John Jacobs’ future growth plans?
Apeksha Gupta: We aim to double our customer base to six million within the next three years, positioning John Jacobs as India’s largest eyewear brand. This involves expanding our retail footprint, enhancing our online presence, and continuing to innovate in product design and customer experience. Our focus remains on delivering value and style to our discerning customers.
