A SURF-inspired handmade jewellery brand is due to open its first store in the old Yellow Buses ticket office.
Pineapple Island, a beach and surf-inspired handmade jewellery brand, will be opening its first flagship store at the former Yellow Buses centre located in Bournemouth town centre.
The business was founded by Nathan Jones in 2008, with most of the jewellery still being knotted, strung and cast by hand in small workshops in Bali and Java.
The company's warehouse and office are based in Winton, but keen to open their first customer-facing store, they sought out a permanent site in the town centre.
Nathan stated that they wanted to do 'something different' and described the Yellow Buses building as a 'quirky' site.
He said: "We wanted to do something different and we wanted to be part of the town's regeneration."
The opening of Pineapple Island will be split into two phases, with the first serving as a Christmas pop up.
It will open for a festive pop up on November 14, remaining open in the run up to Christmas and shutting shortly after, to introduce their business to the town before a final refurbishment takes place over the new year.
The site will have seen a complete refurbishment, with a goal of reopening around April 2026.
Alice, the business' creative director, said they're 'excited' and 'can't wait' to welcome customers to the store, eager to hear their feedback and build a relationship with the community.
With the aim to create a friendly and welcoming shop, Alice is encouraging the public to share their thoughts and ideas for the store.
Since announcing the new step on social media, they have been flooded with positive messages and encouragement from the public.
Alice said: "It has been good to see the nice feedback, it has been really positive."
As well a lot of positive comments from the public, many nearby shops have been welcoming them to the town centre.
Despite the aesthetic changes being made to the site, the business is keen to pay homage to Yellow Buses due to its history in the town centre, and it has been well received by the public.
Chelsea, from Pineapple Island, said: "We wanted to keep the story and history alive and we are going to pay homage to Yellow Buses."
The business will be introducing permanent jewellery, and looking to the future, they want to introduce events such as jewellery making sessions.
