Five Generations of Excellence
The MOSCOT story started in 1899, when Hyman Moscot arrived in New York from Eastern Europe and began selling glasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street before opening the first site in 1915. Here, RLI catches up with CEO Harvey Moscot to speak about the company’s evolution and how it continues to be guided by values of fairness, craftsmanship and optical expertise.
Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, each generation has shaped the brand, bringing optical, retail, medical and design expertise to the table, all the while remaining true to their roots.
Today the business focuses on three key pillars: exceptional service, premium frames and lenses and a passion for what they do. Their mission is to deliver timeless eyewear, expert optical care and memorable experiences, all grounded in their Lower East Side legacy.
“We now operate more than 40 MOSCOT Shops globally in cities such as London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Toronto and Melbourne and partner with more than 2,800 speciality retailers across more than 90 countries,” highlights Harvey Moscot, CEO of MOSCOT. “Across our global footprint, each location preserves the warmth and charm of our original Orchard Street location, complete with vintage tchotchkes and signature MOSCOT yellow.”
One of their most recent openings saw them bring a slice of downtown New York City to Florence, in itself an epicentre of art, architecture and culture that naturally aligns with the brand. The shop preserves key architectural elements like its signature arches and warm materials to honour the spirit of the city while showcasing their timeless eyewear.
As a New York City heritage brand rooted in culture and individuality, their expansion is focused on urban locations that reflect the diversity and creative spirit of downtown NYC. It is less about geography and more about energy; they look for communities that share their values of authenticity, boldness and open-mindedness. Wherever you find a MOSCOT Shop, customers will find a reflection of that downtown mentality.
Pairing generations of optical expertise with personalised service, the team is trained to guide each customer through frame selection and lens customisation, offering tailored advice based on lifestyle needs. The business excels in simplifying what can be an overwhelming process, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience from start to finish, whether someone is in-store or online. Ongoing company-wide training helps them to maintain consistent, high-quality service across every touchpoint.
While the business is rooted in brick-and-mortar, their e-commerce arm has grown significantly, in fact tripling between 2018 and 2023 alone. Online insights help them to identify new retail opportunities, but their shops remain the heart and soul of the brand.
“In 2026 we continue to honour our history while embracing modern day innovation. Working alongside my son Zack, our fifth Generation Chief Design Officer and a digital native, we stay mindful of emerging technologies like AI,” comments Harvey. “When we adopt new tools, it is always in a way that enhances the customer experience without overshadowing it. The focus remains on optical expertise, comfort and craftsmanship, with technology serving as a thoughtful complement, never a distraction.”
Discussing the role of sustainability in the business, MOSCOT has operated for over a century and everything they do reflect that multi-decade mind-set. Their frames are sustainable by design and made to last for years, not seasons, reducing waste compared to fast fashion. Customers often come back wearing a pair from over a decade ago. Away from the frames themselves, they are continually refining their materials, packaging and manufacturing processes to be more responsible and modern. For them, true sustainability starts with longevity.
To keep customers engaged and continue to attract new ones after more than 100 years in existence, the company stays true to its core values and focuses on what they know best. Their passion and authenticity continue to resonate with loyal fans who appreciate their heritage. At the same time, they strategically engage new audiences through social media, creating meaningful connections every day.
“Our strength lies in balancing tradition with evolution. Since Hyman Moscot’s pushcart days in 1899, each generation has passed down values of fairness, craftsmanship and customer care. What sets us apart is how we stay true to that heritage while embracing new ways of designing, communicating and retailing – keeping MOSCOT authentic and relevant,” says Harvey.
As we discuss with the CEO what comes next for them amidst the challenges of working in the retail sector today, he mentions that the aim is to grow globally while staying true to the core values that define them.
“I think our biggest challenge is also our greatest opportunity, which is to share our unique, authentic story on a broader scale without losing the warmth, familiarity and personal touch that make this family business so special.”
