Strong Island opens new store

Strong Island Clothing Co – formerly in Highland Road – has relocated to 87 Marmion Road.

It launched a summer range, including new products, designs and colours, at the store’s opening on Saturday.

Brand director Paul Gonella said: ‘As a company, Strong Island Clothing Co has grown so much since we’ve been at in Highland Road.

‘We’ve gone from a small range of designs and only being open three days a week with us taking turns manning the store.

‘We now have a large range of men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, prints and so much more.’

The store first opened its doors in 2014 and stocks clothing, homeware and accessories.

Paul added: ‘We’re looking forward to getting involved with the many independent stores and cafes.’

Store manager Lara Dinus-Inman, from Eastney, said: ‘The opening went really well. It’s been fantastic. We are humbled by the support.

‘We were so busy, which was great.’

The store now employs four people.

Lara, right in picture, added: ‘It’s a lot busier here. When we opened the shop in Highland Road it was more like an office that you could collect online orders from but the shop took off, and we thought that if we were busy there, then we would be even busier in a better location so we decided to move.

‘On the last day of the Highland Road shop we held a yard sale and it was really busy so we’ve had a great month.’

She said the range of products has expanded as the business grew.

Lara said: ‘When we first started we just had a few T-shirts and hats, now we have a whole range of men’s and women’s clothes, with a kids’ range, mugs, candles, everything – we even sell socks. We now have in-store sellers such as Southsea Bathing Hut, Island Feather, Southsea Trading Post and Raw & Auburn.’