Tuesday Style Fashion (TSF) countdown to Mother’s Day commences today with wife, mum, glamma and managing director of Answers for Children Marilyn Beckford (MB).

TSF: How long have you been in the retail business?

MB: Having been a high school teacher for over 15 years and having spent 10 years as a teacher of mathematics at the Holy Childhood High School, I was ready for a new challenge. So some 40 years ago, I entered the retail industry through the establishment of The Answers Corporation.

TSF: Was Answers a result of you being a parent?

MB: Being a newly-wed and moving to Kingston, it became very evident to me that options for selection of Gifts and Home Improvement could be enhanced. I subsequently developed a strong urge to establish the best gifts and home centre in Kingston. We needed a name that would convey the vision. With the support of my husband Elon, we explored different options and “Answers” fulfilled the brief.

TSF: How have your children and indeed grandchildren influenced the layout, inventory, and approach to business?

MB: After the gift store was established, there were several requests from our loyal customers for items for babies and older kids. Influenced by some of my unfulfilled needs as a young mother of two sons, Wayne and Ian, and requests from our customers a few years later, Answers For Children was born. The children’s store brought increased interest from our two young sons, including them being represented in our early television commercials. Although our children and grandchildren are not actively involved in the daily operations of the business, they provide technical assistance and give opinions on market trends.

TSF: What has kept you in the business?

MB: Apart from the genuine love and interest coupled with my passion and commitment, I enjoy shopping for quality, practical and unique products. I listen to my customers especially when they advise me of new items on the market. I always try to source these items for them. I believe in good customer service and because of that we have loyal customers who have been with us for over 40 years.

TSF: How have you maintained relevance?

MB: We have been able to maintain relevance by ensuring that our business brand and identity are consistent, appealing and of course remaining current with market trends.

We attend selective children, home and gifts trade shows. Further, we maintain active relationships with our key international suppliers.

TSF: How have you revitalised the brand and garnered additional support?

MB: I have revitalised the brand and garnered additional support by ensuring regular feedback and reconnection with customers. Reaching out to customers and prospective ones is done by offering special discounts, and giving broad support to community events and activities.

TSF: What can customers look forward to from Answers for Mother’s Day and over the next few months?

MB: We have a vibrant baby registry which will continue to expand with latest practical items for a newborn baby. Pregnant mothers will continue to receive a 25 per cent discount on all their purchases. We will continue to offer the widest selection of products to meet all of the baby’s needs. We have an amazing 50 per cent off storewide sale occasionally for everything for mother and child.

TSF: What are a few seasonal must-haves?

MB: • All sizes bicycles

• Intex swimming pool

• Goggles & floats

• Swimming arm bands

• All types of balls

• Educational toys

• Skating boards

Locations:

Answers For Children

Sovereign Centre

Telephone: 876-978-3498/3499

Answers For Children

Shop #22, Tropical Plaza

Telephone: 876-968-1108, 960-8710

Answers Gift & Home Centre

SHOP #1, Tropical Plaza

Telephone: 876-929-4031

Email: theanswerscorporation@gmail.com

Give your little one the gentle care they deserve with Palmer’s baby skin products, specially formulated for their delicate, sensitive skin. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Sales representative Michael Frater demonstrates why the Graco 3 in 1: Infant Car Seat Carrier, Infant Stroller, and Toddler Stroller is a best seller. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Children’s clothing for every age and occasion from brands like Bonnie Baby, Carter’s, Dapper Dude, and Pure Snug.(Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Answers for Children supervisor Janet Gocoul suggests introducing your little one to playful learning with the VTech Toddler Tech Laptop (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Popular board games span from timeless classics like Scarbble and Monopoly to modern staples such as Dabble, and Yahtzee. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Answers For Children Managing Director Marilyn Beckford (centre) and her team (from left) supervisors Janet Gocoul, Christine Lewis, Stedman Dennis; cashier Gloria Amber Russell, Sales Representatives Michael Frater, Joshua Vernon; Sales Clerk Mila Morris; and supervisor Janet Beckford. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Answers for Children offers a baby registry service for expecting parents, providing a curated selection of essentials. Key items suggested for a registry include, but are not limited to, strollers, nursery furniture, and clothing. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Discover baby bath essentials and potty training toilets designed for comfort and safety. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Elon Beckford (seated, front row) and his wife Marilyn share a family photo with (back row, from left) their son Ian, his wife Gillian and children Lucas and Abigail; and their son Wayne, his wife Monique and children Haley, Mia and Kai. (Photo courtesy of Marilyn Beckford)