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Pamela Brill -- Gifts and Dec, 12/10/2010 3:04:36 AM
Genius Jones: a lifestyle store for little ones.
A passion for design, strong business acumen and most of all, perseverance. Put them together and what do you get? The makings of Genius Jones, a thriving specialty retail operation poised to reach international notoriety, thanks to the work of owner Daniel Kron.
The South Florida juvenile-products stores are the brainchild (pun intended) of Kron's love for design. He set out to fill an obvious void in the retail landscape one decade ago. "I grew up in a family where design matters a lot," he tells PLAYTHINGS. "But 10 years ago, when my first child was born, it wasn't easy to find anything I wanted to buy in typical kids' stores. That's when it dawned on me that this was a great business opportunity."
With a keen eye toward finding unique children's products that would appeal to discriminating consumers, Kron scours the marketplace for items that are aesthetically pleasing -and that couldn't be found at the local Target. "We look at every possible product category for parents and kids, and if we can't offer a better-designed alternative to what you'll find in the big-box stores, we don't carry it," he said.
Top right, Miami Design District store. Above and right, Genius Jones offers high design kids’ products from bath toys to bedding.
Genius Jones merchandise ranges from bath toys to big-kid bedding, with an emphasis on quality and an appreciation for the environment. "We have a social conscience that influences all our buying decisions, including the materials that are used to make the products we choose to sell," says Kron. Genius Jones carries a number of children's apparel and soft goods made from organic cotton and other eco-friendly fabrics.
"We often bring new products to market before they're available elsewhere," he adds. Genius Jones was notably one of the first specialty retailers to bring the fashionable Bugaboo stroller to the States.
And while Genius Jones is known for carrying such high-end items, Kron is careful to point out that his inventory contains a broad spectrum for all budgets. "Our customers appreciate that we have products starting at under $5 and ranging to over $5,000. Nobody wants to overpay for anything, especially in today's economy," he states.
Keeping Up With The Joneses
With brick-and-mortar locations in Miami's Design District, Miami Beach and Boca Raton, bolstered by a burgeoning Web presence, Genius Jones has garnered the attention of a celebrity clientele, as well as regular Joes. No matter the customer type, a universal rule of business - provide stellar customer service - applies. "Our A-list customers expect and receive top-notch service, but we really do treat all of our customers exactly the same," says Kron.
As such, he doesn't see a need to distinguish selling baby gear versus baby gifts. "We don't draw a line between gifts and essentials. That's because all our products are special enough to make great gifts," he notes.
Given his extensive customer reach and diverse merchandise selection, Kron believes Genius Jones offers consumers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. He characterizes his store as a place "where parents can find stylish and functional solutions to their everyday needs... and where new surprises await every day." His formula for success integrates four main factors: "great locations, great product selection, great customer service and loyal customers who appreciate what we do."
In fact, repeat customers are vital to sustaining Kron's personal momentum in his day-today routine, and helping position his company as a potential global retail brand down the road. (Though there are no definite plans at this time, investment bankers have shown interest in helping take the company name overseas.) "I love seeing how people react when they come into our stores for the first time," he enthuses. "I love showing new parents how they can satisfy their passion for great design and enrich the lives of their kids, all at the same time. I love when customers come back to see us after six months, a year or two years and tell us how happy they are with all the things they purchased from Genius Jones."
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