The MOSCOT optical roots were first planted in America by Great Great Grandfather, Hyman Moscot, who arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899. Hyman began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street.
Meet the Moscots
5 Generations & 109 Years of Eyewear Excellence
5 Generations & 109 Years of Eyewear Excellence
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The MOSCOT optical roots were first planted in America by Great Great Grandfather and family patriarch, Hyman Moscot, who arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899. Hyman began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street on Manhattan's famed Lower East Side.
By 1915 having amassed a following of loyal customers, Hyman opened the family’s first retail shop, at 94 Rivington Street.
In 1925 Hyman’s son Sol, at the tender age of only 15, joined the family business and helped take over the reins.
By 1936, MOSCOT was settled at 118 Orchard Street, on the corner of Delancey Street, which would be its home for the next eight decades.
The original peg and groove chairs, purchased by Sol in 1938, were used by fans and customers to pop a squat…let’s just say, these chairs are just as comfortable now, as they were back in the day.
The MOSCOT Finishing Lab, 1938. The company’s 100-year (and counting!) expertise in eyewear began right in our very own shops, with the latest equipment of the time.
Sol and Grandma Sylvia with their three children, Danny, Beverly, and Joel, dressed in their finest to celebrate Joel’s thirteenth birthday in 1948.
In 1951, Sol’s son, Joel, began presiding over the House of MOSCOT. Charming, educated and devoted to his customers, Joel quickly made his mark – overseeing the shop and conveying the family’s values to his sons.
By the 1970s, MOSCOT expanded their 118 Orchard Shop to include the ground-level space below the retail shop. MOSCOT would continue to occupy the corner space, later hosting MOSCOT Music events, until their next big move in 2012.
In 1986 Joel’s son, Dr. Harvey Moscot, entered the family business as the head of eyecare, where he was a practicing Doctor of Optometry for over thirty years. He is the current CEO, leading MOSCOT into a global future.
Joel’s youngest son, Kenny Moscot, followed suit, joining the business in 1992.
In 2013 Harvey’s son, Zack Moscot, a formally trained industrial designer, came on board, making him the fifth generation Moscot to join the family business. He is the current Chief Design Officer for the brand and heads all creative and design for the company.
From 94 Rivington to 94 Orchard, after over a century in business, the Moscot Family secures it’s fate in the Lower East Side. To this day, MOSCOT remains a five generation, family business. Hyman would be proud.
A Global Community Built On Neighborhood Values
Visit Us
While now recognized as a global fashion brand, MOSCOT remains, at heart, a neighborhood optical shop.
Live From The Shop
MOSCOT Music originated in 2004 at the Orchard Street Shop, when 4th Generation Harvey Moscot grabbed his guitar and started jamming out on a rainy Saturday. Guests lined up, staff members and 5th Generation Zack Moscot joined and since then, MOSCOT has added a music element to its repertoire, by connecting fans worldwide with emerging and established musical artists.
Eye Spy
As a NYC staple, rooted in the Lower East Side, MOSCOT has a cult following of superfans. Get inspired with MOSCOT in the wild.
The MOSCOT Mobileyes Foundation Inc.'s mission is to preserve sight and improve lives by providing free quality medical eyecare and eyewear to New York City's underserved populations.
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