(Photo above L-R: Todd & Roberta Johnson, Phil & Joann DeYoung | by CBN Staff)
New Owners Phil & Joann DeYoung Bring Wealth of Industry Experience
Local eyewear favorite Sports Vision Bend, which has been a downtown staple for almost three decades, has changed hands – with new owners Phil and Joann DeYoung bringing a wealth of experience and looking to continue a family business legacy.
The company was originally established in 1988 by Todd and Roberta Johnson, who for many years operated out of a space on the corner of Wall St and Oregon Avenue in the old “Penney Galleria” multi-tenant building, which was eventually renovated and underwent an extensive facelift.
The Johnsons’ moved the business to its current location at 1002 NW Bond Street some five years ago after acquiring and transforming the unique modernist 60’s-vintage building – which formerly housed the Antiquarian Bookstore at the intersection with Oregon and Irving – into a prominent showcase for the specialist sunglasses and prescription eyewear retailer.
At the time, the Johnsons’ highlighted the site’s combination of commercial traffic and visibility, and the associated benefits from a number of more contemporary factors, including proximity to the parking structure and post office, as well as hotspots like the expanded Deschutes Brewery pub and restaurant, and a mix of newer and more established businesses.
Since that time the area around Bond Street has enjoyed something of a continuing renaissance, including the renovation of another nearby historic downtown locale into a Prohibition-era style hotspot serving as a downtown tasting room for local spirits specialist Bendistillery.
Following the acquisition of the Sports Vision business, Phil DeYoung said, “We are excited to continue the legacy of a great well-established and respected business in the heart of Bend.
“Previously, we had built up to operating four Eye Styles locations in the Portland area but were looking to scale back and lay down some new roots, so after we sold the practices to our physician partner we came across this opportunity which proved to be an ideal fit.
“One of our daughters lives in Redmond and will be helping out, and another has graduated Oregon State University and has worked in the optometry field, and will be getting involved too, so this is a real family affair in a business which we are looking to build for the long haul.
“Joann and I in have been in the optical business since the early 1980’s, primarily around the North West, and have run the gamut of experience in the industry including a heavy focus on the retail aspect.
“Plans in the short term include not changing a winning formula too much! We have a lot of optical technical experience so may look to expand the prescription side of operations, while also re-focusing on the online presence in terms of increasing e-commerce activity, and have already expanded our Ray Bans range, which is an iconic and very popular brand.
“We have always loved Bend and enjoyed visits here when we would have family vacations in Sunriver and are very happy to have made the move and be running a great business in the vibrant hub of downtown.”
Sports Vision Bend, 1002 NW Bond Street.
541-388-1972
www.sportsvisionbend.com
