Ron Johnson (businessman)

Ron Johnson is an American businessman known for his significant contributions to the retail industry, particularly through his roles at Apple Inc. and J.C. Penney. Johnson's innovative approaches to retail, especially his work in developing the Apple Store and its Genius Bar, have marked him as a transformative figure in the way technology products are marketed and sold.

Early Life and Education

Ron Johnson was born on October 15, 1959. He pursued his higher education at Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Following his undergraduate degree, Johnson continued his studies at Harvard Business School, receiving a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Career

Early Career

Johnson's career began in retail with a position at Mervyn's, a mid-scale department store chain. He then moved to Target Corporation, where he was involved in merchandising and marketing. At Target, Johnson made a name for himself by contributing to the launch of the store's affordable yet chic housewares line, which was a collaboration with renowned architect Michael Graves.

Apple Inc.

In 2000, Johnson joined Apple Inc., where he was tasked by CEO Steve Jobs to develop the company's retail strategy. Johnson's work led to the creation of the first Apple Stores in 2001, which were revolutionary in their design and approach to selling technology. The stores featured wide, open spaces, hands-on product areas, and the Genius Bar, a concept that provided in-store technical support and repairs. Under Johnson's leadership, the Apple Store became highly successful, significantly contributing to Apple's global brand recognition and sales.

J.C. Penney

In November 2011, Johnson became the CEO of J.C. Penney, a traditional American department store chain. He sought to revitalize the brand with a bold transformation strategy that included eliminating constant sales in favor of everyday low prices, introducing new brands, and remodeling stores with a "store within a store" concept. However, Johnson's strategies for J.C. Penney were met with resistance from customers and critics, leading to a significant decline in sales. He was ousted from his position in April 2013.

Later Career

After leaving J.C. Penney, Johnson continued to be involved in the retail and technology sectors. He founded Enjoy Technology, a company focused on providing a personalized retail experience by delivering products directly to customers' homes and offering expert help to ensure customer satisfaction with their purchases.

Impact and Legacy

Ron Johnson is widely recognized for his innovative contributions to retail, particularly through his work with Apple. His vision for the Apple Store and the Genius Bar redefined the technology retail experience, setting new standards for customer service and store design. Although his tenure at J.C. Penney was less successful, Johnson's career reflects a willingness to challenge traditional retail models and experiment with new ideas.

See Also

• Steve Jobs
• Apple Inc.
• J.C. Penney
• Retail
• Innovation in retail