shipping, copying, key cutting and postal box company -- yesterday opened at its third Island location.

The new Mailboxes, in the Phase One Plaza at Collector's Hill, has been opened to respond to the "increased demand'' on the Island for our services, said owner Mr. Stephen Thomson.

"Mailboxes has doubled business each year,'' since it started at its Hamilton location in 1990, said Mr. Thomson, who opened the second outlet in Warwick 15 months ago.

"In addition to mailbox rentals, the real growth in our company has been in our packing, shipping and courier service...we represent the six major couriers and are happy to have our customers drop off items to be sent overseas and we will do the rest, pack, gift wrap, insure and assure delivery door-to-door in one to three days,'' he added.

The new Mailboxes office represents an investment of about $100,000, he said, noting that while the investment was "significant'' he was confident the Island could support a third store.

The new Smith's Parish store will also serve as a drop-off point for Mr.

Thomson's other business, Just Shirts, started eight years ago.

Just Shirts will become a full service dry cleaning operation, effective March 1, he added.

Laundry and drycleaning customers will be able to use the Smith's location as a drop-off spot.

"With parking in Hamilton becoming more and more difficult, our customers are delighted they no longer have to travel into town for these kinds of services,'' he noted.

THIRD LOCATION -- Mailboxes owners Mr. Stephen Thomson and Mrs. Norma Thomson, centre, as well as shop assistant Ms Mandi Nevill, opened the doors to the business' third location yesterday. The new shop, located in the Phase One Plaza, will also be a drop-off point for the Thomsons' other business, Just Shirts.