PS Imports Inc. Information

PS Imports was founded in 1989 as a concession selling custom jewelry within a Puerto Rico based department store. The company's founder Paul Shames had recently graduated from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts when the concession opportunity was presented. With a $15,000 investment which was his entire savings he opened the first kiosk. After three years, 10 such outlets had been opened. In 1992 the first opportunity to open a full scale store within a prominent regional mall presented itself. The new brand would be known as "Exentrix" and occupy 900 square feet. PS Imports purchased the store without inventory for $40,000 from the ailing public company Edison Brothers. The new inline store would require product expansion from custom jewelry alone into a fully diverse accessory concept. Instant success allowed the model to rollout into 19 stores by the year 2000. That year the company was given the biggest opportunity to date which enabled it to open a large concept store in the highest grossing mall in Puerto Rico. With the new store brand "Pozzazz", the company combined higher end product to the mainstream collection it already carried. Recognition received from Pozzazz paved the way to obtain privileged locations in all other major malls on the Island allowing the company to open its 30th store by 2006. The new bright white backgrounds with purple accentuated lighting in a highly feminine setting with an industrial feel allowed the stores to expand into the more demanding Florida market. The Florida stores would need a new brand, one that appealed more to the new regions demographics. The brand "Beya" was chosen for its Latin sound and its short easy pronunciation benefits. The store took the attention of many developers in Florida and allowed the company to grow faster than ever. By 2010 the company has opened 50 mall stores and is now eyeing opportunities in other US states as well as international sites.