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www.theconnectionsnj.com
908-432-1884
www.lightinggenie.com
80 Somerset Street, Somerville
HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10am-5pm • Thu 10am-8pm • Sat 10am-5pm
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Fine Lighting &Accessories
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OUR ALREADY
DISCOUNTED PRICES
Limit 1 coupon per customer pe visit.
May not be combined with other offers.
Expires 11-15-17.
Chandeliers
Ceiling Fans
Lamps
Bath Lighting
Outdoor Lighting
Landscape Lighting
LIGHTING GENIE
80 Somerset Street
Somerville NJ 08876
908-432-1884
www.Lightinggenie.com
By: Rachel Ricucci
Robert Wiggins
Follow the lights downtown to a
lighting store called the
Lighting
Genie
.
Lighting Genie
sells all types
of lighting including chandeliers,
table and floor lamps, and ceiling
fans. The owner, Robert Wiggins,
brings over 30 years of experience to
his store; he used to work at Circle
Lighting for 25 years until they
retired. Robert maintained many of
the same loyal customers from Circle
Lighting. He has a following of his
own now that has kept him afloat
and has many thanks to extend to
Circle Lighting for the continuous
flow of business. He mentioned hav-
ing a very good working relationship
with them.
Lighting Genie
began out of
Robert’s house until it landed in its
new home (near downtown Somer-
ville) where it has been for one year.
The location on Somerset Street is
very visible as it’s a busy street. The
store itself is an eye catcher and very
welcoming with its glowing lights in
the windows which seem to call out
for attention.
Lighting Genie
can get all of the
same products and brands that the
larger lighting stores can. Robert said
if he has a resource he will find a way
to get it. This store also offers heaters,
pendants, bathroom exhaust fans and
medicine cabinets. The mirrors he
carries can be ordered in different
sizes and finishes. There is variety in
the products that are sold there. For
instance, Robert sold a large chande-
lier to the Brook Arts Center in
Bound Brook; he also sells commer-
cial lighting that is suited for parking
lots and offices.
Robert provides very prompt and
personalized customer service. He
also handles the shipping, which is
free for Somerville customers. As for
the lighting and electrical expertise
that he brings to his customers,
Robert commented “There’s a lot
you have to know – it’s a big deal.”
There’s a technical aspect to knowing
how the lighting fits with electricity
and Robert said he’s still learning.
Robert advertises in local maga-
zines and specifically in one called
Blueprint Magazine. He said his main
targets for the business are interior
designers, electricians and home
builders; he would like to bring in
more of the repeat business that
these professions provide. He’ll also
contact designers directly by e-mail
and introduce himself. Robert also
advertises via word of mouth, refer-
rals and business cards. He’ll also use
technology to his advantage by
adding listings in online directories.
Keeping in touch with customers
happens via phone, e-mail and text,
per Robert. He understands that peo-
ple are on the go. Robert will answer
his customer’s questions quickly and
stresses that he can provide excellent
customer service and prompt help
unlike the larger lighting stores. “I’m
different from the competition –
communication is the key.” Talking
to customers outside of business
hours and being reachable is some-
thing he’ll do often to provide quali-
ty service.
Looking ahead at the growth of the
company, Robert said it won’t be long
before he hires some part-time help.
“Business is starting to snowball – I’m
getting a lot of positive feedback.”
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