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Warby Parker opens its first Canadian retail location

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(Instagram/warbyparker)

If you haven’t already heard, Warby Parker will be opening it’s first international retail location in Toronto on Aug. 6.

The prescription eyewear company was founded in 2010 by Neil Blumenthal, Andrew Hunt, David Gilboa and Jeffrey Raider, four guys in the Venture Initiation Program of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania who wanted to make stylish, affordable glasses for the masses.

“The eyewear industry is dominated by a single company that has been able to keep prices artificially high while reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options,” the website states. “We started Warby Parker to create an alternative.”

As an added bonus, the company also helps provide vision to those in need using the popular one for one model. Every time you buy a pair of frames, they cover the cost of sourcing another pair for someone in need through one of their non-profit partners. It’s the feel-good way to stock up on trendy frames.

And now the stylish eyewear has landed on Canadian soil.

“We’re going international!” say co-founder and co-CEO Neil Blumenthal. “And where better to start than with Canada? We’re excited to set up shop in one of the biggest, most diverse, and most cosmopolitan cities in North America. Pass the maple syrup.”

A photo posted by Warby Parker (@warbyparker) on Jul 26, 2016 at 11:01am PDT

A photo posted by Warby Parker (@warbyparker) on Jul 22, 2016 at 5:44pm PDT

While shipping to Canada has been available since 2012, the new bricks and mortar location will be the first opportunity for Canadians to try the frames on in person without having to cross the border. And there will be some Canadian exclusive perks for those who make the trip out.

To celebrate the launch, a selection of exclusive frames will be offered online and in-store to Canadian customers including the Durand in Moss and Chamberlain in Jet Black. Those who make it into the store will also have access to the popular Haskell frame in Crystal with mirrored lenses.

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(photo: Warby Parker)

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Limited edition Haskell frames (photo: Warby Parker)

The brand will also be collaborating with Toronto-based artist Micah Lexier and Canadian artists Maggie Groat, Mark Laliberte, and artist collective VSVSVS on a collection of books that will be available for customers purchase or peruse in store.

“Toronto’s appeal is sky-high, and we’re so glad to have gotten such a warm welcome from our customers. See you in the 6ix,” says co-founder and co-CEO Dave Gilboa.

What do you think of Warby Parker coming to Canada? Let us know by tweeting to @YahooStyleCA.