Puyi Group’s founder and CEO on starting with a single store in Hong Kong to leading a retail empire—and why eyewear goes beyond vision correction to being a fashion statement
With more than 1,000 employees in 96 shops across 26 cities in greater China and Singapore, Jeffery Yau, founder and CEO of Puyi Group, has cemented his status within the eyewear industry. Puyi Group has its own brands, including Puyi Optical, Glasstique, Reflections, Point de Vue, O-O Shop and O-O Vision; collaborates with leading eyewear brands like Gentle Monster, Linda Farrow and Lotos; and partners with the leading optical care company Zeiss.
But did you know that Yau’s first business was as founder and CEO of Europe Watch Company, the Hong Kong retailer for watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet? Yau speaks to Tatler about the joys of creating a unique luxury retail experience, wanting to design sunglasses for John Lennon and his love of guitars.
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I am the founder of Puyi Group, an eyewear enthusiast, perfectionist, dream realiser, aspirant and musicophile.
My business makes a difference by redefining eyewear in the industry. We go beyond providing a range of eyewear options and offer a full-spectrum experience for our customers’ lifestyles. We believe that eyewear is not just a necessity, but a statement of style and individuality. By elevating the perception of eyewear and providing a luxury experience, we have made a lasting impact in the industry.
I grew up in a family that was immersed in the watch business. I was exposed to the world of entrepreneurship, [which taught me] business sense, retail quality and operational knowledge. This background instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, which is a critical element for luxury eyewear.
My personal passion for eyewear developed at a young age in elementary school and continued throughout my high-school days. I became fascinated by the potential of eyewear—[it is] more than just a functional accessory, but a means of self-expression and style. I noticed a significant gap in the market, where eyewear was predominantly viewed as a necessity for corrective vision rather than a fashion statement. Recognising the untapped potential and growing demand for luxury eyewear, I took the entrepreneurial leap and founded Puyi Optical.
