While at the Inc. GrowCo conference in New Orleans, I was able to hear from one of my favorite brands, Warby Parker.

Founder Neil Blumenthal’s speech taught me a lot!  I think that the most important takeaway as a marketer and integrated marketing communications fanatic was about integrating consumers on and offline experiences.  Warby Parker reminds us that technology can only take our product so far, and that sometimes we need to think beyond the computer screen.

When they created a web-based eye glass company, they originally only created a virtual try-on center where people could upload photos.  Then, after a little bit of time, and slow consumer response, they took a step back and thought, “I wouldn’t buy glasses that way.”   Hence, their offline counterpart and at- home try on program was born.

As a Warby Parker eyeglass wearer, let me say thank you for bringing the online try- on home.  What I liked on a virtual try-on was definitely different from what I liked at home.  Even in an ever-more virtual world, it’s important for brands to take a step back and put themselves in the consumers’ shoes.  As the Warby Parker case shows, there are just some things that technology can’t replace … like trying on glasses.

Always wonder what you have looked like in the most fashionable glasses? Go ahead – now it’s your turn to try a pair online or at home thanks to the Warby Parker online/offline experience.

Make sure to follow @WarbyParker AND @nuphorIQ on Twitter!

Post By: Jamie Pritscher