If you think your newsagency world is challenged by disruptive and challenging changes, consider what optometrists are dealing with. Opernative is a startup business in the US offering online and app based eye tests – bringing to your desktop and tablet computer a service you hitherto had to go to a medical professional for. They are targeting a cost of $20 for an exam.
In newsagencies today we sell off the shelf reading glasses for usually between $9.95 and $29.95. Opernative fills the market between these cheap glasses and full prescription model except that they cover the majority of what an optometrist will offer today.
This move is relevant to newsagents as it illustrates the extent of change being wrought on traditional businesses by technology. It reinforces the importance of flexibility in your business plan. It reminds us that no business is insulated from disruption.