RUTH: We originally opened St. John Kids at Wharfside Village across the hallway from St. John Spice for a number of reasons. The spot was continually turning over, and we were tired of having an empty spot across from us. We thought there was a need for a store dedicated to kids on St. John, and the children’s items we sold at St. John Spice had always been well received. But we also wanted to try to build a second business that we could eventually sell. We also knew we’d be good neighbors.
OSJ: Fast forward to the new Dockside Building move.
RUTH: After we moved St. John Spice, we decided to move [the Kids store] to the Dockside Mall to re-establish the relationship between the two stores, since it had worked well in the past. Also, since the front space of the second floor at the Dockside Mall had been empty and shuttered for the first year we were here, we wanted to have it open and thriving. Again, we knew we’d be good neighbors.
OSJ: So why sell it?
RUTH: After almost a year in the new spot, we were convinced that the plan [to build a business we could sell] had worked and that the business was well positioned for marketability.
OSJ: Why’d you sell to Claire?
RUTH: Claire heard that we were “thinking about” selling and came to us right away. We are pleased to have her as our new neighbor and will help get her up and running.
OSJ: What kind of consulting fee are you charging?
RUTH: I am sure that after an initial period, based on her experience, there will be no need for consulting fees!
OSJ: Congratulations on your new business, Claire. What’s your retail background?
CLAIRE: My first job was in a WT Grants in Staten Island. (You may have to ask an elder about WT Grants, since they’ve been out of business for a while.) I moved on to the technology field for many years before giving up the bits and bytes and moving to Jost Van Dyke to help manage the Soggy Dollar, including the Sandcastle Hotel, Soggy Dollar Restaurant, Bar and – here it is – the Soggy Dollar Boutique. I loved it on Jost and I learned A LOT during my 5 years there. While working at Colombian Emeralds I had been scouting around for possible retail opportunities. When a little bird mentioned that St. John Kids might be available for purchase, the idea struck a cord in me.
OSJ: What attracted you to the Kids retail concept?
CLAIRE: Kids stuff runs in the family. My son is a toy designer and my daughter manages a day care center, both in NYC. I guess it’s in the blood.
OSJ: So how do you feel about owning a store right next door to one of Cruz Bay’s biggest retail successes?
CLAIRE: I consider STJS and STJK as sister stores. We will be successful together; what one store doesn’t have the other probably does and if not, of course I will try to make sure they find whatever they're looking for somewhere else. Remember, Macy’s and Gimbels did it. Why shouldn’t we? (Boy am I dating myself or what?!) I look forward to meeting more of the community through the store and working with them in various ways.
OSJ: Are you planning any changes?
CLAIRE: I plan to keep the store pretty much as it is. Of course I’ll add a few things just to keep it fresh. I know several of the vendors and suppliers and St. John and St. Thomas and I look forward to renewing those relationships.
OSJ: Anything else?
CLAIRE: I have been so very lucky to have connected with Ruth and Ron and have the opportunity to own the St. John Kids store. I think that they recognized in me a kindred spirit regarding St. John and my parallel feelings about serving the local community. I expect we will be great neighbors and become quite good friends in the years to come. I’m taking lots of pointers from Ruth on just about everything. I’m working on getting the basics under my belt and hopefully we will be able to help each other to limit the need for any consulting fees in the future!