A WELL-KNOWN woman in Alloa is this week celebrating a decade of business as an optical dispensary on the High Street.

Anne Marie Macklin, owner at Smart Specs, is marking 10 years of business with birthday celebrations starting yesterday, June 1.

The ophthalmic technician is looking to make sure others can enjoy a birthday drink too, by launching a prize draw.

Anyone who buys new spectacles at Smart Specs in June will be entered into the draw for a chance to win one of 10 bottles of champagne with winners to be announced in the first week of July.

Anne Marie opened the business 10 years ago in Alloa "as it was a thriving busy High Street with a great selection of businesses, a wonderful customer atmosphere and fantastic community spirit".

She said: "The original plan was to open a further three branches, but due to the major banking disasters which have badly affected most high streets in the country, I shelved the expansion plans to concentrate on supplying my customers from the Alloa store with a fantastic product at great prices and first-class service.

"With the Covid-19 pandemic over the last 14 months I have no regrets that I have kept to the one premises at 45 High Street as I have been able to continue to provide service to my customers and keep my local staff employed."

As a qualified technician, Anne Marie prides herself in making the spectacles at the premises, offering a wide range at great prices, combined with good old fashioned customer service.

She explained this has kept customers coming back over the past decade from near and far.

Anne Marie said: "I have been very lucky since day one of Smart Specs that so many customers have become so loyal to us, they keep returning year on year.

"I have made some very good friends, even to the extent that some have moved away to France to live and invited myself and my husband over on holiday, which was fantastic."

There were many highlights over the years, including when she was awarded Special Recognition at the Clackmannanshire Business Awards in 2014, just three years after opening the doors.

The award was a testament to her outstanding customer service with nominations flowing in from happy customers.

Anne Marie added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped to make Smart Specs such a special place to own and work. I have been truly blessed with amazing customers, many of whom have become the most fantastic friends and I look forward to many more years to come."