Q&A with Oliver Serrant, retained agent for IOLLA
Name:
Oliver Serrant
Role:
Retained agent for IOLLA
Who are IOLLA?
Established in Glasgow in 2015, IOLLA have changed the way people buy eyewear.
They sell high quality prescription eyewear direct to the customer for a single price point, with an incredible experience thrown in.
How many locations do IOLLA currently have?
Three (Finneston/West George Street, Glasgow and St James Quarter, Edinburgh).
Target locations?
Prime Shopping Centres and High Streets across the UK.
How many new locations are you targeting?
10+ stores over the next 3-4 years.
Size requirements?
1,000 – 1,500 sq ft.
Additional requirements?
White boxed units are the preference.
Planning consent?
Class E
Freehold or Leasehold?
Leasehold
Recent openings or new locations in the pipeline?
We have a handful of northern city centre locations in the pipeline with more to follow across the UK.
Additional Questions:
What are the main challenges you face when acquiring new property?
I’m finding the legal process the most time-consuming element to any transaction at present. Post covid hangovers, ongoing world issues and an increase in activity are all contributing factors.
Favourite occupier and why?
IOLLA of course!
Favourite restaurant has to be Time Out’s 2021 restaurant of the year and local hidden gem, Singburi in Leytonstone. Perhaps not a hidden gem for much longer.
What is your favourite building?
I may be biased being a Bradfordian but the Waterstones in Bradford is probably the most beautiful building and bookshop in the world.
Favourite retail or leisure destination?
London. There isn’t a city like it for shopping and eating.
Contact details?
Email – oliver@stance.london
Tel – 07850 205928
