By Allie Murray
Specs on Pearl first opened in Burlington as a one-woman show, inspired by a passion for sunglasses and eyewear. Celebrating the store’s 15th anniversary, the now six employees take pride in how the store has become a continuously thriving business.
The luxurious eyewear shop is immersed in the busy streets of downtown Burlington. Store owner Beth Norton says she loves the location and has enjoyed being a part of a growing and vital community.
“I decided to open my own boutique 15 years ago and it has been an incredible journey,” she said. “It’s great to be self-employed doing something I love to do.”
The optician with over 25 years of experience in the industry is no stranger to success, with Specs on Pearl serving as a two-time finalist for the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence award. She has also received her fair share of love from the media and has been featured on CHCH and The Marilyn Denis Show.
For Norton, the true highlights of her career have been rediscovering her passion every day while helping someone pick out the perfect pair of frames, and the relationships she’s made with her clients. She explained that while someone may walk through the door as a customer, they leave as a friend.
“My passion for providing our clients with funky, unique frames is reignited every time someone raves about how many compliments they’ve received on their frames, even years after purchasing them,” she said. “I’ve always said that frames are truly your most important accessory.”
Norton jokes that many of their customers often get “voluntold” what frames they should get. The confident decisions made by Norton and her staff is backed up by years of expertise and knowledge of what goes with every individual’s style.
“Our clientele don’t just get glasses; they get an experience with the help of our team to make them look and feel their absolute best,” she said.
As she reflects on the past 15 years in business, Norton predicts the store still has many years of success ahead.
“I envision Specs on Pearl still thriving 10 years from now,” she said. “Downtown Burlington has changed so much since the store opened, and our customer base is fantastic and continues to grow each year.”
She added the business will continue to focus on bringing in high-quality eyewear and sunglasses, with Specs on Pearl mainly carrying lines that are individualized and more exclusive.
Another priority for the Specs team is to remain community-minded and participate in local fundraising events. Norton says she enjoys supporting the community she lives and works in, which includes supporting other local business owners whom she calls friends.
Specs on Pearl is located at 414 Pearl St., Burlington.
For more information, visit specsonpearl.com.