Nothing itsy-bitsy about this shop

Paul Clinton

Only a furniture store can lay equal claim with the Persimmon Tree

for the distinction of Balboa Island’s longest-running business.

The women’s swimwear shop has been a constant on the island since

it first opened in 1965.

“We’re the oldest retail shop,” owner Pam Hubbard said. “The

concept has primarily been the same.”

Hubbard’s sister-in-law Joyce Holder started the shop. At the

time, it was a 500-square-foot shop at the corner of Marine and

Balboa avenues.

In the 38 years since then, Hubbard bought the shop from Holder,

added 2,000 square feet and branched out to include boys’ and men’s

swimwear.

The core business has stayed constant -- two-piece bikinis in a

rainbow of sizes and styles.

Hubbard sells the “swimwear separates,” as they’re known in the

trade, in any combination of sizes of tops and bottoms.

Hubbard grew up in the area, graduating from Newport Harbor High

School in 1960. After attending Arizona State University, Hubbard

returned to Balboa Island and, in the mid-1970s, went to work in

Holder’s shop. By the mid-1980s, Hubbard had saved up enough to buy

the shop from her in-law.

In the early 1990s, Hubbard added girls’ swimwear for the younger

ones, in sizes 4 to 16. In the late 1990s, Hubbard added swimwear for

boys and, more recently, for men.

The pre-teen suits cost about $40. The suits for teenagers and

adult women usually range from $68 to $150.

A side-tie bikini with a halter top is popular at the moment,

Hubbard said. Brazilian bikinis are all the rage, she said.

Hubbard said she emphasizes the personal touch and the importance

of service.

“I have a close relationship with many sales reps,” Hubbard said.

“Many of them feel like family.”

Hubbard runs the business with her mother, June Campbell, who at

more than 80 years old still works in the shop. June also owns the

building, collecting monthly rent from her daughter.