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Bruce Eyewear
Categories: Shopping Eyewear & Opticians Shopping Fashion Accessories Eyewear & Opticians, Accessories [Edit]
219 Abbott StVancouver, BC V6B 2K7
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
(604) 662-8300
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Thu 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Bruce Eyewear
Review Highlights
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"They have some seriously cool frames in this store." In 12 reviews -
"yes Nadia I am speaking to you." In 4 reviews -
"...consistant and knowledgeable staff are super friendly and..." In 3 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Danny C.
Vancouver, BC
2/22/2012
So my Tom Ford Pablo sunglasses have been through hell and back. They've been to Burning Man and other music festivals, they have been sat on, dropped COUNTLESS times on the patio and then had to suffer the torture of my unskilled hands trying to bend them back into shape. They were a shell of what they once were.
I brought them into Bruce Eyewear and they have never fit/looked so good. I didn't even purchase them there but the ladies were extremely helpful and didn't charge me a penny even though I know they were not easy to bend back into shape.
Thank you very much Bruce Eyewear. THAT is customer service and you will definitely see me next time I am ready to buy some frames. Kudos to you. -
Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012
Perhaps these frames are just too retro or round-shaped for my liking. No doubt it's a stylish store, vintage to go along w/ Gastown but very pricey. Was quoted $800 for Alain Mikli's, no doubt it's a designer name and dont expect to go on sale anytime soon.
guess it's hard to justify these prices when i'm shopping in the states a lot!
but kudos to the lady who tried to help me. -
Review from Trish L.
Vancouver, BC
4/12/2012
Bruce is a fantastic shop for all your glasses needs! The staff are all very knowledgable and will help you find your perfect pair even if it takes multiple visits. They will remember you and what sort of styles you like! Because a lot of their frames are unique, they constantly bring in new styles and are super understanding if nothing at the time works for you. They have amazing customer service. Between my boyfriend and I, we have had a few special orders done with no problems and they are always more than happy to readjust or superclean my glasses when I pop in just to say hi or browse new styles.
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Review from Elaine B.
Vancouver, BC
11/22/2011
I have purchased 3 pairs of glasses and 2 pairs of prescription sunglasses from Bruce. The staff genuinely care to take the time to find the best frame for your face, for your sense of style, and for your price range.
They've got frames you won't find anywhere else - very well-curated selection. The staff are so dope and so stylish. I always feel like I'm in good hands and (unfortunately for my wallet) can always find something that I love.
They even did me a huge favour and sent my glasses to my out-of-town destination, when I'd dropped them off before a trip (with not enough time to pick them up).
Best. -
Review from Janine S.
Vancouver, BC
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Delighted with my experience here. I went in looking for a fun, original pair of frames for everyday; I didn't want to have to sift through the conservative and the logo-covered. They were friendly, offered opinions, were up-front about pricing, and found me a fantastic pair of glasses within my price range.
Note - they have a lot of 'one-ofs' so if you find a frame you like, try and get it fast, as they sell out and disappear. But this also means they are getting new styles all the time! Oh, aaand they made me a latte while I was ordering my glasses. Sweet! -
Review from Lynn K.
Guelph, ON
7/29/2011
This store has an excellent selection. Unfortunately, every pair of glasses is behind glass or in a locked drawer so you always need a salesperson to browse. This means you are often kept waiting for help. On the plus side, the sales people are friendly.
I found a pair of frames I liked here for $695. I found a very similar pair of frames for $170 elsewhere, and ended up with glasses with high-quality lenses for less than $400 altogether.
I'd recommend Bruce to people who have a bit more money to spend than I do. -
Review from Robin M.
5/12/2011
When I was but a wee lass, I was jealous - yes, jealous - of kids who wore glasses. They were of an elite class, belonging to an exclusive group that only a select few were allowed. Try as I might to sabotage my yearly eye exam, this was one nerdy accessory that I just could not get. "Next year," I'd think to myself, "next year will be the year I ace the exam and get the prize."
Fast forward a couple of decades, and here I am, 4 pairs of glasses richer and two eyes for the worse. Age, it would seem, was on my side. What I hadn't considered was the number of hours I would have to dedicate to finding that perfect pair of frames to match both my taste and face. Enter Bruce Eyewear, a shop with enough super cool, high-profile, brand-name frames to appease the masses, and even more entirely obscure specs to please the elite.
Overwhelming as eye-glass selection is, the staff of Bruce Eyewear are right there to curate a collection entirely for you. Super knowledgeable and ridiculously nice, Nada and the staff all seem to posses the same uncanny ability to choose just the right set of frames for each customer's individual taste. I've left the shop not once, but twice(!) with the most amazingly perfect pair of frames in hand.
Go to Bruce Eyewear, be prepared to spend some dough, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.Listed in: Which town? Gastown., Maybe it's a Girl thing?
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Review from Lisa L.
Vancouver, BC
3/27/2011
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to give this place three stars. I found the service to be friendly but awkward. When we first arrived, the sales people were tied up and did not attend to us. Then, when they did, they did not stop. I like to have a look at the glasses myself and not have the sales rep making suggestions all the time. Although she was friendly, I felt obliged to look at and give feedback on every pair of glasses she brought over, which were mostly unsuited for my needs.
This place is very, very trendy. The store was small but with an impressive and unique collection. The glasses were bright, colourful, and definitely unique. I fell in love with one pair, but the total, at over $700, was quite pricey and I did not want to spend that much for a pair of glasses I would wear for less than two years.
I usually have difficulty finding glasses because of the large disparity between my two eyes, astigmatism, large amounts of reading and computer use, and a non-existent nose bridge. Unfortunately, Bruce Eyewear did not measure up to what I needed and I was disappointed after all the rave reviews. -
Review from Sarah D.
2/19/2011
They have some seriously cool frames in this store. I'm talkin' SERIOUSLY cool. Not only that, the staff are super friendly and eager to have you try on as many pairs as it takes until you find that magical, perfect pair.
I went in there this afternoon to do a little pre-shopping for a new pair of glasses, since my new extended healthcare plan at work kicks in soon. Even though I mentioned that I wasn't actually going to buy the glasses for a few more weeks, the guy that was helping me (I forgot to get his name!) was more than happy to spend a solid chunk of time with me. I must have tried on at least 30 different frames. At the end, he wrote down my name and my favourite styles so that when I come back, all I need to do is give them my name and they'll track down my favourite pair. (In this case, it was a pair of sweet black nerd-style glasses with holograms on the sides. HOLOGRAMS, PEOPLE!)
In terms of prices, many of the frames were in the $400-$500 range, with some significantly less and others significantly more. Although that's a pretty penny, considering that I will have them plastered to my face for the next few years (at least), it's worth it. Also, they only bring in one or two of each frame, so you can rest assured that you won't see lots of other people running around town in the same pair as you. (Although I was assured that they'd order another pair if my top choice were to sell)
All in all, this store is definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for a new pair of glasses. Plus, you'll have MUCH more fun shopping here than if you go to your local Lenscrafters.Listed in: From Blah to Beautiful
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Review from Pearl L.
Vancouver, BC
2/25/2011
Bruce Eyewear gets my very first Yelp review...yes, it was *that* good.
The funky, colorful frames that line the walls definitely dazzle as soon as you walk through the door. But beyond the bright shiny frames, the staff step in confidently with a skilled eye, and right away you know, this place is not just all glossy-gimmicky.
I've been scrounging the city, the suburbs, online, high and low, for the perfect glasses...and have given up the search time after time. But after visiting Bruce, my search may have finally come to a happy end. -
Review from Lindsay E.
Vancouver, BC
1/10/2011
I've only read a handful of the reviews below, but I've already seen everything I wanted to say (Impressive & unique collection! Fantastic service! A+++++) ..even though it may be redundant, my thoughts on Bruce Eyewear are below:
Yesterday I bought my first pair of glasses and Nadia at Bruce Eyewear made it a million times easier then I ever thought possible. At first I thought that it was just how glasses shopping should go - but after visiting another store, recommended by Nadia when she didn't have the style (I thought) I was looking for - I discovered that the service and relaxed no-pressure sales at Bruce was special and just the place I wanted to buy from. Nadia's knowledge about the product she was selling was supieror to most, she understood my face and what I was looking for, even if I didn't. She was patient and charming and didn't mind my endless "oooh, what about those ones???" - even after I'd narrowed it down to three.
35 pairs in & 40 mins later, we managed to find a great pair of glasses. I am eternally grateful that Nadia & her staff could not only find me awesome frames for my teeny tiny face, but that they could also do it for under $250.
So this is my Thank-You Bruce Eyewear. Keep up all the good work. We'll see you next week when I pick up my glasses! -
Review from Jenna L.
1/2/2011
I had so much fun picking out my new pair of sunnies and glasses with Paul. It was pretty busy when I walked in on Tuesday late afternoon. I was encouraged to open the drawers to look for interesting pairs.
I was really open for anything, and Paul recommended dozens of frames and sunnies to try on. My sister is my biggest critic, and we had so much fun trying all of them on!
Service is great, staffs like to have fun, and so do I. So it was a great experience! Thank you! -
Review from shain r.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2008
Two things to say about this place
one: Is hands down one of the coolest places to buy unique and unusual glasses from all of your most favorite designers.
two: The customer service in this place is fantastic ... yes Nadia I am speaking to you. The many times I have been in you never made me feel pressured, you were informative.. and darn right funny!
however my visits have become less frequent now that I have had a laser shot into my eyes and my days for spectacles are over.. sigh! -
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
1/13/2009
I am shocked more people haven't reviewed Bruce...If it's because you have yet to discover it them get your butts down to Gastown and pay them a visit..whether you need glasses or not..just go!
For the most part I hate wearing my glasses and I used to hate shopping for them until I discovered Bruce..which used to be part of Bruce Clothing on Alberni St. years ago and then they opened their own shop in Gastown..
They sell the funkiest.. most original..make a statement..geek chic glasses..you name it they have it..brands like Tom Ford...Oliver Peoples..Philip Stark..Calvin ...John Varvatos..Theo..and sooooo much more..
The staff are incredible...the BEST service you could possibly imagine..like..they should teach other retailers how to give customer service..Nadia is amazing..she is very knowledgeable about the frames and know how they fit..and know how to find the ones that will suit you and your lifestyle..I can't say enough amazing things about them!
Now...be prepared to open your wallets wide..it ain't cheap to look good in specs...but once you find that perfect pair it's an investment that will pay off every time someone tells you how great you look in your new glasses!!
They do have some wicked sales..get on there email list and they can let you know when!Listed in: Super Great Service.
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Review from Richard J.
North Vancouver, BC
The hippest, coolest eyewear in town plus Nadia and her staff are the hippest, coolest eyewear experts in town. Do not buy glasses anywhere else!! I always leave here wanting more....more glasses. People come here and want to buy glasses even though they don't need them.
Great sunglasses, too....of the non-prescription kind.
At Bruce they work with you to find a look and fit that works. No pressure, no gimmicks....quality service and quality products. In Gastown on Abbott so you can hop into Inform and buy a chair while you're in the area. -
Review from Simon G.
Vancouver, BC
2/2/2011
After many years with contacts, I decided to "diversify" and have a pair of glasses, to give my eyes an occasional break. After reading the reviews here, I went to Bruce - and was not disappointed.
Fabulous selection of frames, superbly friendly and helpful service. After checking plenty of frames, I went back to the very first one that jumped at me. Got the frames, and then took it to my optometrist for the lenses (because they have my whole history anyway). The staff at the store had no problem with it at all.
My only wonder is the price of the frames, which - even after the substantial discount - were not overly "cheap." But then, what do I know... have not bought frames for about 10 years. One does pay for quality and good taste... -
Review from Pennylane S.
Vancouver, BC
6/28/2010
Wow! So far, a set of flawless reviews. Well, I'm going to follow suit and write another one.
Unless you're quite well off or spend on your money on a glasses collection, most of us have can only spend $200-500 for a pair of specks that will hopefully last us for at least a year or two. This is why the selection process can be so difficult.
As a contact wearer/glasses-only-before-bed kind of person, this pair was going to be my transition into the glasses-all-the-time world. It took me about 3 months to lock down the pair that I wanted. I visited all the well known botiques but kept coming back to Bruce.
Their humble sized store is packed with innovative selections (don't be afraid to pull out the many drawers for perusal). Their styles are non-conservative and their colours are unconventional. Mostly, their consistant and knowledgeable staff are super friendly and non-pushy. They totally don't mind you spending tons of time in there just trying on everything (trust me, I know) and although I've purchased my spectacles (LA Eyeworks) I continue to visit Bruce Eyewear just for kicks - that should say something! -
Review from Wayne L.
Vancouver, BC
9/29/2011
I really liked my experience at Bruce Eyewear. They called a rep and brought in a few styles that they didn't have in stock so that I could try them on. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable but not pushy. I didn't feel rushed even though I tried on tons of frames.
I usually just by frames online sight unseen because I hate trying on glasses. I can never find what I'm looking for. This is not a problem at Bruce. They've got something for everyone. One word of caution, the lines that they carry tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2009
Couldn't agree more with the praise for Bruce. Bruce has such wide praise that, when I purchased some glasses in Edmonton and remarked that I lived most of my life in Vancouver the saleswoman said "My god, you should just buy all your glasses at Bruce".
It's not, I suppose, like they have crazy brands nobody has ever heard of but they do have a commitment to having the more stylish and interesting modern styles in glasses available. Vancouver has a lot of crappy glasses stores masquerading as 'hip' by displaying a few kooky frames, but when you get inside the stock tends to be much less interesting overall.
At Bruce, you're going to get whackloads of crazy styles, but alongside those there are very likely to be the styles you're looking for. I love to go in here and just see what the trends are nowadays and dream about my next pair of glasses.
The sales staff are also so nice and down to earth. Getting glasses is a bit like getting a haircut so it's tough to have a salesperson pushing you to buy and not caring about the style or fit. Here you can almost just go "what's good on my face" and they'll come back with about 10 pairs. They know it's a big financial and style commitment and really treat it as such.
Definitely, if you're looking for glasses in the city head to Bruce first. I doubt you'll want to head anywhere else. -
Review from Jessica D.
Edmonton, AB
6/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Can I be in love with a business? I think so. Glasses are my ultimate favorite accessory. I hunted down Bruce Eyewear before I headed to Vancouver because getting a new pair last year is too long without getting a new pair. Bruce is in the famous hip district of Gastown. These trendy frames will set you back quite a bit but you won't regret it in the end. The associates here are extremely helpful and gave you undivided attention until you met your match. They don't mind taking out 8 frames, having you say no to all of them and then grabbing you another 8. I can feel myself about to become a regular here everytime I visit Vancouver.
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Review from Alex T.
Vancouver, BC
4/4/2011
Cool store! Walking in was like entering a film montage where the heroine puts on every piece of clothing in the store in what seems to be a matter of moments. Except I'm a male, so uh, slightly different.
I eventually found the perfect pair and nervously asked the price.
Yikes!
Not a good place for anyone on a student budget or a modest health insurance plan. I politely said I would return later with a friend and then turned on a heel and bolted out of the store before any nabbed my credit card number. -
Review from Sam L.
3/28/2010
I'd been looking around a bit for new frames, but most places all seemed to have the same D&G, Versace, Chanel, etc. mainstream type stuff and I wanted something a bit more out of the ordinary. I'd been by Bruce a few times, and remembered their clothing shop on Alberni had been pretty cool, so I decided to check it out. I'm so glad that I did - the moment I walked in I knew I was in the right place. All the frames were so unique, ranging from the conservative to the wacky, and the staff were super helpful and laid-back, not trying to push anything on me. I selected a few that I liked, and they made a few suggestions as well. I finally narrowed it down to about 3 pairs but still couldn't make up my mind, so I came back the next day to look at them again. Still not able to make up my mind, Nada pulled out a pair I never would have selected myself and suggested I try them on "just for fun". As soon as I did I knew they were the ones.
Thanks guys! -
Review from tanis p.
Vancouver, BC
11/23/2009
Its all true, this is the best place to buy glasses. I was ridiculously spoiled to get my first pair of glasses ever from Nadia and her crew at Bruce. Not totally sure of what I wanted, they were pros at interpreting my vague descriptions ("ah, like kind of men's-like, pretty dorky, you know.. Ira Glass-esque?") into the perfect pair. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to go anywhere else ever again. Secretly, I'm actually amped my eyesight is getting worse and I'm going to need new glasses soon; Bruce is just that awesome.
