Jean Scott has a long and well-established history in the eyewear business. Having been vice-president of the Luxottica Group for over ten years, she knows what she's talking about when it comes to eyewear.
The first thing that impresses about Jean is her strong presence and in-control attitude. As our interview begins, she calls one of her sales assistants and explains that the sunglasses on show at the front of the shop should not be positioned at an angle, but rather be facing straight on.
“These little things make a big difference,” assures Scott, owner of the Jean Scott luxury eyewear boutique at The Venetian Macao.
When a deal fell through back in the US, Scott took a chance and invested in Macau, taking over several shops at The Venetian right from the very beginning.
“I am a risk taker,” says Jean. “When the [US] deal fell through, we were just learning about Macau and decided to make the move, and it was right time too, as the economic crises hit right after. We were lucky in a way”.
Jean has a very clear idea of what her boutiques should look and feel like. Her store décor, with deep red walls and bright lime green ceilings, has become iconic in a way.
“People recognise my shop because of the colours,” she laughs.
But what really makes Jean Scott’s boutique stand out?
“While other eyewear shops in Macau will stock a few pieces from each collection, we have whole collections available,” she explains.
The shop also stocks a variety of brands, from the more fashionable designers such as Tom Ford and Prada, to the more commercial Ray Bans and a few more special pieces like the carbon fibre Porsche glasses. Having been in the business for so long, she knows what works and what doesn’t, and she chooses all the pieces herself.
About business in Asia, Scott says it is very different from in the west. Shoppers in Asia tend to pick the pieces they see in magazines and advertising, more than other items. Gesturing to a big Salvatore Ferragamo campaign poster, she notes, “People will always ask to try on the glasses advertised in the media, even if they aren’t the ones best suited for their face shape”.
A rule of thumb when choosing the right eyewear for your face shape is “Round faces should opt for square frames, while square shaped faces should go for rounder glasses instead,” explains Scott.
With a new venture in Singapore and plans of expanding elsewhere in Asia, what’s next for Jean Scott?
“We have plans to open a shop in the Old Taipa area quite soon. And we might keep the same colour scheme,” she says with a smile. “I am a risk taker!”
Salvatore Ferragamo
Tom Ford
Miu Miu
3/F 2007a
The Grand Canal Shoppes
The Venetian Macao
