The core Australian focus for the New York-born eyewear brand Moscot is building stronger relationships with local partners and customers.
This is according to fifth-generation and chief design officer Zack Moscot and fourth-generation and CEO Dr Harvey Moscot, who are also hoping to see more retail opportunities ahead following its store opening in South Yarra in Melbourne.
“We are just getting started in Australia,” the pair said. “The response to our first shop in Melbourne has been incredibly encouraging, and we’re excited about the opportunity to connect with more customers across the country.
“While we’re taking a thoughtful, measured approach – just like we always have – we’re certainly exploring what’s next. If there’s demand and the right fit, you may just see another Moscot shop pop up in Australia sooner than later.”
Despite this recent debut in Australia, Dr Moscot and his son say the eyewear brand has had a loyal following in Australia for years, buoyed by long-running relationships with local stockists – predominantly in the optometry space. This includes the likes of Zoom Optics and Macleay Optics, with its website showcasing a handful of other smaller-scale optometrists as authorised dealers spread across the country – notably more in Melbourne and Sydney.
“Australia has always been a strong market for us – particularly Victoria and New South Wales,” the pair added.
“We’ve seen consistent demand through both our e-commerce and local wholesale partners, and Melbourne stood out as the natural next step.”
Moscot now has a total store count globally of 34, including 11 across NYC, and others across Europe and Asia. The brand is also gearing up to make its retail entry into China at Guangzhou, with three other store openings pitted for France, Italy and another in Chicago, USA.
The eyewear business was founded in 1899 by Hyman Moscot who sold eyeglasses via a pushcart in NYC. The brand itself was officially launched in 1915 through the opening of its first retail store in the USA.
Dr Moscot and his son say the secret to its ongoing success is staying true to the brand’s DNA.
“As a family-run business, we’re personally involved in every decision – from product to messaging to customer experience,” the pair said. “While each city [we’re in] has its own culture and style, we’ve found that people everywhere respond to authenticity, craftsmanship, and a good story.
“Our heritage grounds us, and our team – many of whom have been with us for years – helps ensure that the Moscot voice remains clear and consistent, whether you’re in New York, Melbourne, or Milan.
The pair added that they don’t chase trends or grow for the sake of growing. “Every decision we make is guided by the values passed down from the generations before us. That steady foundation allows us to scale while maintaining the heart and soul of a family business. It’s about building something lasting, not just big.”
Beyond the opening of its Melbourne store, the pair intend to scale locally through local community events and exploring new cities.