With the opening of its flagship retail outlet, Fantom Eyewear, at 1086 West 7th, Fantom Optics Co. continues its development as an integrated resource for the optical industry and beyond. Many remember 1086 as the former boating and marine supply business.

Dan Galles, President, and Partner Mike Pickett are excited about their new initiative. Jan Johnson anchors the retail shop, providing everything from information to eyewear fittings. 

Dan’s grandparents worked at the brewery and his parents grew up in the West End and came up through St. Francis and Monroe schools. His interest in the West End goes deep, and he is the former owner of the Pilney Building, which he sold to deZinnia a few years ago. Mike’s a newcomer to St. Paul, having lived here “only 26 years.”

The Fantom Company has manufactured customized products to the optical industry for 35 years from their factory at 622 Watson. Products include clips, “Excursionwear,” lenses, lens cleaners and other accessories, and many patented products. Their specialty is hand-crafted custom ophthalmic clip-ons that provide sun protection for a fraction of the price of prescription lenses and can be color-coordinated with frames. Fantom has customers in all 50 states and five other countries. 

Marketing is Mike’s specialty. Fantom Solutions creates packaged programs that enable smaller, independent companies to promote their businesses through the use of direct mail and social media campaigns that are innovative and attractive.

With the addition of its retail shop, Fantom is now able to provide individual customers with all the features it has created for other retailers plus the expert personal service and relationships possible with a tangible presence in the neighborhood. They carry many popular brands of frames, and on-site lens manufacturing allows for quick turnaround on orders.