Rec Specs at Walmart Optical

**mrmac** · 08-29-2013, 10:13 AM

It looks like Liberty Optical is turning its back on independants. Walmart Optical is now selling Rec Specs for a lower price than we can buy them for. When I called Liberty to ask why, their response was basically "too bad". In my opinion, there is no reason to deal with Liberty any more..

Besides Leader, what sport glasses do you carry?

**Barry Santini** · 08-29-2013, 10:22 AM

Just another version of maufacturers "crossing over". Like we did a few decadeds ago when we turned our back on frame, lens and lab distributors to buy direct and save money.

No difference. It's about $$$$...right?

I've converted to the new Hico sport specs. Much better pricing, frame customization and flexbility for helmet applications.

Take a look.

Barry

**mrmac** · 08-29-2013, 10:29 AM

Good suggestion Barry

**Rialeigh** · 08-29-2013, 10:31 AM

I was told that the Rec Specs sold at Walmart do not offer the lifetime warranty like the ones sold at independents.

**mrmac** · 08-29-2013, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Rialeigh

I was told that the Rec Specs sold at Walmart do not offer the lifetime warranty like the ones sold at independents.

The warranty does not matter when you can buy them for that much less than we can sell them. They retail a Rec Spec for 48.00

**Johns** · 08-29-2013, 10:48 AM

This is nothing new. They've been selling around ECPs for years now, but don't think ECPs care. In fact, most of them don't, as proven by the number of opticals that still sell rec specs, and the number of opticians and optometrists that shop at WalMart and Sam's Club.

**mrmac** · 08-29-2013, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Johns

This is nothing new. They've been selling around ECPs for years now, but don't think ECPs care. In fact, most of them don't, as proven by the number of opticals that still sell rec specs, and the number of opticians and optometrists that shop at WalMart and Sam's Club.

This was news to me ( I seldom shop wal Mart )...Now that I know, ALL Rec Specs are going back. With all the changes coming (Eyemed), it is time we stop being sheep being led to slaughter. We need to stop doing business with ANY company that will not let us play on an even playing field.

**CME4SPECS** · 08-29-2013, 11:18 AM

It's nothing new...they've been selling to Walmart for YEARS!

**Slim** · 08-29-2013, 11:22 AM

Thats lovely timing on this... LS rep was here tuesday to visit... grrr

**kat** · 08-29-2013, 11:26 AM

Acuity also has great sports frames

**MikeAurelius** · 08-29-2013, 11:49 AM

That's why I dropped Liberty about 5-6 years ago. Hilco has all my business now. I'm sad that the venerable Zoom goggle is discontinued, but I'm really liking the new C2 and Metrix styles. A lot.

**DickR** · 08-29-2013, 11:58 AM

Agreed mrmac, eyemed is in the process of cutting providers out of the lens portion of the eyeglass transaction. Now more than ever do independents need to be more aware of vendors who were " built" by us,then turn their backs on us. Has anyone called Liberty to get the details of what walmart is actually selling? Are they called rec specs?

**mrmac** · 08-29-2013, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by DickR

Agreed mrmac, eyemed is in the process of cutting providers out of the lens portion of the eyeglass transaction. Now more than ever do
independents need to be more aware of vendors who were " built" by us,then turn their backs on us. Has anyone called Liberty to get the details of what walmart is actually selling? Are they called rec specs?

That's a great idea. Maybe we all should call Liberty and voice our concerns

**Java99** · 08-29-2013, 12:34 PM

We use Progear by Acuity on Johns suggestion. Good stuff.

**Uncle Fester** · 08-29-2013, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by mrmac

That's a great idea. Maybe we all should call Liberty and voice our concerns

Call your rep first.

They have the ear of management and a skin in the game.

**Johns** · 08-29-2013, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Uncle Fester

Call your rep first.

They have the ear of management and a skin in the game.

Heck....go to VEW and talk to mgt in person. I've done it often. They smile, nod then try to sell you a 12 piece display.

They don't care.

**Judy Canty** · 08-29-2013, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by mrmac

That's a great idea. Maybe we all should call Liberty and voice our concerns

Why bother when there are alternatives? There are alternatives for every product that any of the big boxes carry. You just have to look harder. Go to the Expos, eschew the parties and the photo ops and look for your next big "find".

**MikeAurelius** · 08-29-2013, 02:30 PM

For me, the final straw was when they opened their own internal lab to process sports Rx's. When the frame manufacturer starts competing with the lab, something's wrong.

**Uncle Fester** · 08-29-2013, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by MikeAurelius

For me, the final straw was when they opened their own internal lab to process sports Rx's. When the frame manufacturer starts competing with the lab, something's wrong.

OW!

I just bit my tongue.

**MikeAurelius** · 08-29-2013, 04:30 PM

*grin*

**LENNY** · 09-01-2013, 11:16 AM

Liberty does not manufacture Rec specs.
The consumer warranty comes from manufacturer!
I had a mother that replaced a pair of rec specs more then10 times by just paying shipping and handling!
So it might be the manufacturer who sold to Walmart not liberty, not that I care much...

**MikeAurelius** · 09-01-2013, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by LENNY

Liberty does not manufacture Rec specs.
The consumer warranty comes from manufacturer!
I had a mother that replaced a pair of rec specs more then10 times by just paying shipping and handling!
So it might be the manufacturer who sold to Walmart not liberty, not that I care much...

Say what?

http://www.libertysport.com/products_rec.asp

Liberty may not be the place where the factory is located, but they are the sole supplier of the Rec Spec product line.

http://www.libertysport.com/products_rec.asp

Every warranty card I've ever seen from them goes direct to Liberty.

Its been pretty well documented that Liberty sells direct to Walmart. And since Libert owns the the Rec Spec name...

**David_Garza** · 09-02-2013, 03:31 PM

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1910397 (They've had it since at least 2008-2009 per this thread)

**EyeCare Rich** · 09-05-2013, 01:19 PM

Progear here as well. If WM carries it, I don't!!! Happened with JLO a few years ago. Have never carried RecSpecs, cause I knew you could get them dirt cheap at WM. Do something different, and better.

**Johns** · 09-05-2013, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by EyeCare Rich

Progear here as well. If WM carries it, I don't!!! Happened with JLO a few years ago. Have never carried RecSpecs, cause I knew you could get them dirt cheap at WM. Do something different, and better.

Price aside, Progear are more popular than RecSpecs. Because of WM liberal return policy, I've had a few people try on the Progear, and return their RecSpecs for a refund. They are not as bulky, and make great looking sunglasses when you add the transitions.