Two new directors Caroline Angell and Emma Nicol have invested in Specsavers South Shields store in King Street, and will jointly own and run the branch with existing retail director Mel Moore.
Mel, who was store manager for 22 years, stepped up as store director and part owner in May 2020, alongside Bryan Clark, who has now decided to retire.
Mel, Caroline and Emma now have full ownership of the store and will run the North East store as a trio.
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"It has been bittersweet with Bryan retiring however the changes within store are all very exciting and I’m proud to work alongside these two brilliant women,” said Mel.
‘I think it is very fitting for us to have finalised the directorship of the store on International Women’s Day too.
‘We are completely dedicated to our staff, the business and the South Shields community so I am excited to see where this investment will take us."
Specsavers said the three directors have years of experience in the brand and the community.
Caroline joined the high street retailer in 2013 as optometrist before leaving to work for an independent business.
A vacancy in the South Shields store opened up in 2018 and Bryan got back in touch and Caroline has been part of the team ever since.
Emma also started at Specsavers seven years ago as a locum optometrist working across several North East stores.
The permanent move allows her to be based in South Shields full-time.
Mel will continue to be retail director while Emma and Caroline will both be ophthalmic directors of the store.
Specsavers’ 1,200 stores in the UK and Ireland are locally owned and led by their directors in a joint venture partnership, offering a range of optical, audiology and home visits services.
During the last five years there has been a 142%increase in female store owners and more than 15,000 women are employed by the company, who make up 70% of its workforce.
Anyone wishing to book an appointment should contact the South Shields store on 0191 4277272 or visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/southshields.