From Israel to West Chester, Artistic Eyewear’s designs are sought-after all over the world.
Originally published in March 2018’s “Family Owned & Operated” issue.
For Artistic Eyewear owner Robert Layman, there’s a reason customers get the best service from family businesses. “When you come in, you’re being treated as part of the family because you’re coming into the family.”
Robert’s mother started the original store in Israel 30 years ago, adding Doylestown when she came to the United States. When she was ready to retire a decade ago, Robert took over the business in Doylestown, and five years later opened the West Chester location. Today, cousins help out at both locations, and his sister still runs the store in Israel.
Customers are Family Too
Customers make their way to Artistic Eyewear from all over Pennsylvania and beyond.
“I send frames to Europe and all over the world,” he said. “Somebody will see a person on the subway in New York City, and they’ll stop that person and ask where they got their glasses. Then they’ll come in one day and say, ‘I saw these on somebody,’ and they end up becoming part of the family.
And family means socializing. “This weekend, four different longtime customers came in, and we ended up ordering pizzas. It became kind of a communal day, with everyone giving their opinion on what looked good or what didn’t.”
“We get to sit and enjoy our clients’ company, and hopefully they enjoy ours,” Robert continued. “We can put a smile on somebody’s face and help them feel confident in a new look. That makes us all happy, and we enjoy doing it.”
