Abdus Samad Shares How Sam & Marshall Eyewear is Shaping Style, Innovation, and the Future of Eyewear

StartupTalky presents Recap'24, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2024 and discuss their vision for the future.

Eyewear is no longer just a necessity—it has become a statement of style, identity, and self-expression. Abdus Samad, the visionary founder of Sam & Marshall Eyewear, has redefined this perspective by creating a brand that merges functionality with fashion. Inspired by his deep connection to eyewear and passion for innovation, Samad has turned eyewear into more than a utility—making it a lifestyle accessory.

In this edition of Recap'24, Samad shares the journey behind Sam & Marshall Eyewear, its unique collections like the "Perspective: India Birthday Launch," and how the brand stays ahead in a competitive market. From facing challenges in 2024 to exploring trends like smart glasses and AR, Samad offers insights into the future of eyewear and valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

StartupTalky: What inspired you to start Sam & Marshall Eyewear, and how does it reflect your vision for eyewear fashion?

Mr. Samad: The foundation of Sam & Marshall Eyewear is deeply rooted in my personal connection to eyewear. Growing up in an environment where my father’s eyewear business was a constant influence, I developed an innate appreciation for the craft. As a child, I was always seen with sunglasses, which evolved into a personal obsession with how eyewear could shape identity and elevate style. This passion, paired with a desire to break free from conventional eyewear, inspired me to create a brand that doesn’t just offer glasses but aims to make eyewear a true expression of individuality. At Sam & Marshall, we are committed to redefining the way eyewear is perceived—where style meets practicality, and design meets self-expression.

StartupTalky: Can you share the key products and features you’ve introduced recently to meet customer expectations?

Mr. Samad: We’ve been working hard to keep up with what our customers want. Our product range now includes everything from sunglasses to prescription eyewear, and even sports sunglasses. One of the most exciting things we’ve done recently is the "Perspective: India Birthday Launch" collection. It’s our way of saying thank you to India for supporting us over the past five years. This special collection is inspired by the beautiful landscapes across India, and each pair reflects a unique perspective. It's a way for us to blend style with meaning while showing our gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve had so far.

StartupTalky: What factors do you consider when designing and curating new collections to stay relevant in the evolving eyewear market?

Mr. Samad: When designing new collections, our primary focus is on blending timeless aesthetics with current trends. We aim to create pieces that don’t just follow fleeting fads but offer long-lasting appeal. Customer feedback plays a huge role—whether it's through reviews, direct feedback, or social media interactions, we take every input seriously to ensure we’re meeting their expectations.

We also consider functionality and lifestyle needs, designing eyewear that’s versatile and practical for everyday use, whether it’s for work, sports, or leisure. Materials are another key factor—we prioritize sustainable and durable options like bio-based acetate and tinted metal to ensure our products align with modern values.

StartupTalky: With over 100,000 happy customers, how do you keep them engaged and ensure repeat purchases as an e-commerce brand? Can you share specific customer retention initiatives or loyalty programs that have proven successful for your brand?

Mr. Samad: In the early days, we took a very personal approach to customer engagement by calling them directly to gather feedback. This not only helped us improve but also built strong, trusting relationships with our customers. As we've grown, we've continued to prioritize that personal touch, even as we scale. We’re currently working on launching a loyalty program that will reward our most loyal customers with exclusive benefits, and it will tie in with a new product line we're preparing to release. We believe these initiatives, along with consistently offering high-quality products and excellent service, will help keep our customers engaged and ensure repeat purchases.

StartupTalky: What are the main strategies you use for marketing your products? Tell us about any growth hack that you pulled off.

Mr. Samad: Our marketing success lies in being consistent with our content and staying ahead with innovative approaches. We focus on creating visually appealing, relatable, and informative content that highlights our products' quality and style. Whether it’s introducing new collections or engaging with trends, we ensure our messaging stays fresh and relevant.

One of our most effective growth hacks has been leveraging seasonal sales and exclusive launches to create excitement and drive traffic. By aligning product drops with customer demand and timing them strategically, we’ve been able to boost visibility and sales significantly. It’s about understanding what our audience wants and delivering it consistently in a way that keeps them engaged.

StartupTalky: What tools or technologies do you use in your e-commerce operations to improve the customer shopping experience and streamline business processes?

Mr. Samad: We rely on a range of tools and technologies to ensure a seamless shopping experience and efficient operations. For logistics and order fulfillment, we use platforms like Logisy to optimize shipping, track deliveries, and manage returns efficiently. Our website is built to prioritize user experience, with features like easy navigation, secure payment gateways, and clear product categorization to help customers find what they need quickly.

StartupTalky: What were the biggest challenges Sam & Marshall faced in 2024, and how did you overcome them?

Mr. Samad: One of the biggest challenges we faced in 2024 was finding the right partners in procurement who could align with our vision for quality and innovation. It was crucial to work with suppliers who understood our commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet our customers' expectations.

This mismatch initially caused procurement issues and delays, but we took proactive steps to address it. By refining our partner selection process, prioritizing communication, and establishing clear quality benchmarks, we were able to overcome these challenges.

StartupTalky: What opportunities do you see for scaling your brand, and how do you plan to grow your products, customers, and team?

Mr. Samad: We see tremendous opportunities for growth by diversifying our offerings and expanding our reach. One of our key focuses is stepping into offline retail to complement our strong online presence. This will allow us to connect with customers directly and enhance the overall brand experience.

We’re also committed to continuous product innovation, ensuring we stay ahead of market trends while delivering better quality with every launch. Expanding into new categories and improving our existing lines will help us cater to a wider audience. As we scale, we also plan to invest in building a stronger, more skilled team that shares our vision and passion. These steps will allow us to grow our customer base while staying true to the quality and values that define Sam & Marshall.

StartupTalky: How has the eyewear space evolved in recent years, and what trends or opportunities excite you most about its future?

Mr. Samad: The eyewear space has evolved significantly in recent years. What was once considered just a functional product has now become an essential lifestyle accessory. People are no longer just buying glasses for vision correction but for personal style, comfort, and self-expression. This shift in perception has opened up exciting opportunities for brands to innovate and offer eyewear that combines both fashion and functionality.

Looking ahead, one of the biggest opportunities is to position eyewear as a tech product that can serve even broader purposes for the masses. With the rise of smart glasses, augmented reality, and enhanced lenses, there’s great potential to integrate technology into eyewear to make it more useful and versatile for everyday life. This is an exciting direction for the industry, and it’s something we’re eager to explore.

The Insights of the Indian Eyewear Industry

The eyewear market in India is rapidly growing and is estimated to reach a size of $7.64 billion in 2027. Learn more about the industry through its SWOT analysis.

StartupTalkyAbinaya Arangarajan

StartupTalky: What’s one piece of advice you’d like to give to other founders from your journey so far?

Mr. Samad: Stay consistent, and if you truly believe in something, take action—just start doing it. The journey won’t always be easy, but progress comes from persistence and effort. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or overthink every detail; the key is to keep moving forward. Trust in your vision, put in the work, and things will start to align over time. Momentum builds success.

Explore more Recap'24 Interviews here.