Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Reporter

Michelle Gordon, owner of Boy O Boy, is deep in thought while being interviewed at her store. She says Boy O Boy offers a total package for babies and toddlers. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/staff photographer

Boy oh boy! It can it be tedious to shop for children but Boy O Boy had the answer. Tucked away on Merrick Avenue in Kingston 10, the store caters for babies up to the age of six years.

Owner Michelle Gordon says the store is often misunderstood as one that caters only to boys because of its name. But that is not the case. Why such a name then? "The name came out of a need to provide clothes for boys but then it later proved impractical as research showed that there were more girls being born. In love with the name, Gordon says she just simply decided to play with the punchline 'Boy O Boy'.

The store was opened in December 2005 and has since been providing numerous services. Of course, one of the priorities is dressing your child in style. "We go for quality here, accessibility and brands that are durable. We choose things that wash well, retain colour and trendy brands." Most of the items she gets come from London or directly from the manufacturers.

Accessories for parents

Other than providing clothes for the little angels, toys as well as accessories for parents can be found at the store. "We have speciality toys for the babies and toddlers and accessories that are not too common. For the accessories, we carry a line-up that is hip and trendy. For example, our bags and diaper caddies (tote for diapers), they are very functional and can hold everything."

Boy O Boy offers special services to customers - custom baby registries, nursery decor and shower planning. Items for special occasions can be done through special orders by Boy O Boy.

"If a customer sees something online, we can order it from the source. Many people select baby shower items online and they are ordered and brought down by the store for people to choose for the mother. We also do furniture order for the children."

A flight attendant who is currently on maternity leave after just having a baby girl, Gordon has two staff members. "I wanted to revolutionise the way customers are treated and this is extremely important to me. My staff try to remember the clients and even remember the children by names. They are very good at that."

Winner of the best booth prize at a recently held Baby Expo, the store will be expanding its services. "In February, among other things, we will be going into baby-proofing homes as well as liaising with authorities to teach parents and siblings first aid for babies and toddlers," said the bubbly entrepreneur.

The proud store owner and mother of two emphasises that Boy O Boy is not only about the aesthetics, but also provides an entire package of caring for the child."

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com