About Us

What started off as a crazy idea between three friends in the fall of 1981, has grown into a collection of several stand alone shops 45 years later.

Inspired by shops visited in San Francisco in the late 1970s, where we saw cheeky humor, design (from the ridiculous to the sublime), and lots of color; as well as the iconography of post punk rock and new wave music of the early 1980s. We chose to offer products that brought joy to everyday life.

Fun and affordable. This tradition continues today, as a second generation discovers our offbeat approach to gift giving. We have extended this to include resort wear stores, and shops with women's apparel, accessories, and items for the home.

We invite you to visit us on the Newport waterfront or anytime online.

Our Stores:

Pleasant Surprise Newport

Brick Market Place 121 Swinburne Row Newport, RI 02840

401.846.1202

PS Gear Division

Brick Market Place 116 Swinburne Row Newport, RI 02840

401.849.1204

Pleasant Surprise Providence

297 Thayer Street Providence, RI 02906

401.273.1202

PS Gear Division 2

359 Thames Street Newport, RI 02840

401.851.1202

Hey Sailor

Brick Market Place 129 Swinburne Row Newport, RI 02840

401.849.1203

Lost At Sea

395 Thames Street Newport, RI 02840

401.619.3303

Good Stuff

Brick Market Place 103 Swinburne Row Newport, RI 02840

401.619.8268

Essentials

162 Thames Street Newport, RI 02840

401.324.5060