Most businesses try to solve everyday problems or provide basic services. Not exactly the most exciting prospect, and that’s fine. You know that if you run a paper business, you’re not going to be serving more than a functional utility that people depend on. That can be enough, and you can do your job well.
Yet some lucky owners get to spend their days creating pure joy. These places don’t just sell products (though that’s often the main intent) – they can help make those magical childhood moments that kids remember forever. It’s why Disney is so litigious – to protect their image and sustain the image of the worlds and characters they create.
Lots of people dream about running a kid-focused business to share some of that. Some look into Lego franchise opportunities and are inspired to do so thanks to the “cool factor”, while others might have children’s divisions in their otherwise grown-up-focused business.
Either way, making kids smile while running a successful business takes some careful thinking, because you don’t want to mess around with childhood joy! Here are some ways to do that:
Create Spaces That Feel Magical
Kids can find wonder in the simplest things (and luckily, they’re quite easy to impress). A quiet corner with some cushions becomes a reading castle in a bookstore, for instance. A regular room turns into a space station with just a few decorations or can be themed as per the event. The best kid-focused businesses know how to create these special spaces where imagination takes over, and hiring staff who take pride in these displays can be a great choice. It doesn’t always need fancy equipment of course, as sometimes simple touches work best.
Make It An Experience
These days, parents often prefer giving their kids cool experiences rather than just more stuff. While toys and games still matter, the memory of an amazing afternoon usually lasts way longer than most presents. That’s why smart business owners mix products with activities – maybe craft sessions, building challenges, or storytelling afternoons to help inspire the overall idea of your brand and not just what it says on paper. This gives families reasons to keep coming back and even make you a day out or a place to always drop by while in the area.
Think About The Grown-Ups Too, Of Course
Happy parents usually mean happy kids, and happy families mean happy spending. The best children’s places remember that adults need to feel comfortable too. Comfy seats, decent coffee or tea and clean bathrooms matter more than you might think. When parents enjoy being somewhere, they’re much more likely to visit again, they’ll feel happy bringing their little ones, and they may even pay more for the privilege. That also means they’re likely to recommend you to other families. It’s why even in the most bombastic toy advertisements you see, there’s always language that appeals to how a parent might enjoy the toy, such as emphasizing how easy a messy product is to clean up.
With this advice, we hope you can sell childhood joy and yes, you get to have fun doing so!
