Web Pioneer Warby Parker Bets Future on Hundreds of More Stores

As Warby Parker heads toward becoming a public company, the co-founders of the eyewear brand valued at $3 billion are pitching a growth strategy centered on stores.

It’s quite a turn for a company that last decade ignited a boom in digital brands that convinced investors to bet billions largely on their ability to grow quickly online.

But in this category, where sales of glasses and contacts still depend on customer relationships with eye doctors in physical locations, Warby Parker plans to greatly expand its store fleet. For starters, roughly three dozen locations will open this year, bringing the ...