Denver is taking another step forward in its retail evolution this weekend with the opening of its first Warby Parker.
The trendy eyewear chain opens inside the Cherry Creek Shopping Center on April 28.
“Nearly six years after first stopping in Denver with our Class Trip — a mobile store in the form of a yellow school bus — we’re excited to finally put down roots in such a notable junction of innovation, alongside many like minded startups and companies we admire,” co-founder and co-CEO Neil Blumenthal said in a statement. “With all the art galleries, events like the Cherry Creek Art Festival, and great shops in the area, our newest location is in good company.”
In honor of the occasion, Warby Parker is releasing of Denver-exclusive sunglasses: Downing Large in Crystal Aqua with Flash Mirrored Silver lenses. They are indeed very Colorado:
This is the state's second Warby Parker location. The first one opened on Pearl Street in Boulder last year. There are more than 64 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
The Cherry Creek Warby Parker is designed to feel a bit like a library, with wood shelves displaying the glasses and a "reference desk" for frame adjustments, order pickups and other services. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The steady change in retail chain options has been an interesting, if imprecise, way to mark Denver's growth over the last five-plus years — signs that outsiders increasingly see it as a cosmopolitan place.
Remember when Denver got its first H&M? Everyone lined up around the block. And it seems like only yesterday Denver got its first Uniqlo. Now it's getting its first Warby Parker and talking about its first Zara?
They grow up so fast. What's next, Topshop?
