Teddington High Street staple Sims Opticians celebrates a remarkable landmark this November as it reaches its 120th anniversary.

Since first opening its doors back in 1902, Sims has established itself as a firm favourite in Teddington with the fourth-generation family practice renowned for its unparalleled customer service and state of the art eye checks, classy frames, first class eye examinations and advanced range of lenses for children and adults alike.

Melissa Sims is practice owner of the renowned Teddington opticians, which was first opened by her great grandfather Albert George Sims as a watchmakers and jewellers.

After Albert's passing, ownership was passed down to Melissa's grandfather, also Albert George Sims, who during his time as owner expanded the business from 4 The Causeway to 2, 4 and 6.

Tragically, Melissa's grandfather died of a heart attack in the late 40's when he was just 49, leaving her grandmother Dorothy juggling the day-to-day operations whilst raising two boys, with the help of a few employees outside of the family.

Once Dorothy's two sons, Graham (Melissa's father) and Ian reached their mid 20's, the brothers took control of the store. Ian as an optometrist and Graham as a dispensing optician.

Melissa's interest in the family business began in the late 80s as a teenager when she would help around the store on a Saturday for some extra pocket money.

By 2001 she had become a joint partner alongside her father Ian and following his passing in 2010, Melissa became the sole owner of Sims.

Reflecting on Sims remarkable milestone, Melissa told Nub News: "When my great grandfather founded the business back in 1902 I think he would be immensely proud to know that some 120 years later we would not only still be open, but that we would have developed and grown so much!

"Despite the many challenges we have faced over the last few years I look forward to continuing to grow and develop the practice and – as always – remain firmly committed to delivering a truly excellent experience for all patients."

When questioned on what Melissa believes has been key to Sims' success over its established stay in Teddington, the practice owner explained staying true to the businesses ethos since it first opened has been key – really getting to know each and every customer and looking after them in the best way possible.

Melissa added: "When I took over the business the most important thing to me was keeping what was in place, protecting and sustaining the established reputation with our customers. We have looked after generations of the same families over the years because of the relationships we have built.

"A wonderful example of this would be when a lady came into the store a few years ago and explained how my great grandfather had pierced her ears when she was just a little girl!

"It's stories like this which reflect the nature of Sims and why we are so embedded within the Teddington community."

Sims is Teddington High Street's oldest retailer and celebrates its 120th anniversary this month.

Melissa also payed testament to the Teddington community, adding: "We are fortunate that in Teddington we have a very vibrant and proactive business community, we stick together and look after one another in the best ways we can, and I think that's so incredibly rare in the world we live in today, it couldn't be more important to protect that communal relationship."

Today, Melissa runs the day-to-day operations alongside her two fellow dispensing optometrists Jas Laly and Pinda Memhi. Adnan Malik and Jaimini are the two optometrists and Pauline Bond, Lisa Turner and Heidi Fillingham make up the three receptionists.

Melissa was quick to stress that the team she has around her has been vital to the store reaching its 120th anniversary and is looking forward to celebrating with current and past employees over a glass of champagne once they have made their way past the busy Christmas period.

Sims are extending their anniversary celebrations to their customers and currently have a host of offers available on luxury frames.

To find out more visit sims.uk.com

From everyone here at Teddington Nub News, we wish the team at Sims a very happy anniversary!