Shopko Optical has big expansion plans

Shopko has gone out of its business as a discounter, but its optical division is not only alive but expanding.

Shopko Optical, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., has opened 11 free-standing optical centers in the Wisconsin area after transitioning from their previous big-box locations on July 22. The company expects to open 80 locations in 2019 with further growth expected in 2020 and beyond.

Shopko Optical formerly operated under Shopko Stores Operating Co. It is the trade name of Shoptikal LLC, an affiliate of private investment firm Monarch Alternative Capital LP.

"We are proud to continue to serve our patients at our new optical centers in Wisconsin," said Jim Eislen, interim CEO, Shopko Optical. "We have been a part of these communities for many years, and we look forward to continuing to provide our patients with the same high-quality eye care services, frames and lenses they have come to expect."