The grand opening of the latest apparel store on St. Thomas, Eccentrix Kloset, kicked off on Saturday in Crown Bay, showcasing name-brand shoes and clothing. The grand opening was a day-long celebration featuring music, food, and drinks.
Store owner Randall Donovan said he was motivated to open Eccentrix Kloset because of the shortage of fashionable items available on the island. He said most of the stores don’t carry products that are newly released.
“I was inspired because of the lack of clothing and shoe items. Footlocker doesn’t have things in stores. Items come out every week, [but] we get a lot of leftovers,” said Donovan.
Donovan said that one goal for Eccentrix Kloset is to provide an avenue for people to shop in-store on the island. He wants customers to be able to walk into the store looking for an item and to walk out with an item that they were looking for. Essentially, he wants Eccentrix Kloset “eliminating the need for people to order off-island.”
“Eccentrix Kloset will feature all the latest fashions and shoes,” said Donovan. “All the new Jordans and all the new Yeezys and Dunks. All of the things [other stores] don’t have.”
The latest Nike shoes and Adidas apparel were on display for the grand opening, along with limited edition Jordans.
While Donovan is the sole owner, Eccentrix Kloset is a family-based business. Store hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm.
When asked why he decided to open his store in Crown Bay, Donovan responded, “This is my second home due to Mocko Jumbie. I felt it would do great with the cruise ship passengers and locals.”
Donovan, who has been a moko jumbie for almost 30 years, is also the owner of Eccentric Mocko Jumbies.
Though Eccentrix Kloset has its premier store in St. Thomas, customers can anticipate an Eccentrix Kloset opening in other locations in the future.
“My ultimate goal is to expand and have it go out of the territory,” said Donovan. “St. John, St. Croix, the BVI; different Caribbean islands. My ultimate goal is to keep us updated with the latest trends and fashions. Non-locals have been starting businesses and are actively winning by giving us cheap items.”
The items in Eccentrix Kloset are inspired by Donovan’s style of fashion. He added that so far, having two businesses is not easy, but it is a task he is willing to take on.
“It’s a road I’m willing to go down and see what happens,” said Donovan. “It’s a local business. The first ever to exist with these types of clothing options and shoes. I’m willing to collaborate with my people to bring clothing, shoes, and other options they’re interested in.
Donovan wanted to give a special shoutout to all his family members and friends. You can check out Eccentrix Kloset in Crown Bay building A.
