Bar Stools Anyone?

No, I am not selling off my furniture!  But I am doing a post for CSN stores and wanted to share with you their amazing selection of bar tables and stools that they have available online.  For those of you not familiar with CSN Stores, take a look at their website where they have over 1 million products available to purchase - you could literally spend all day window shopping!  And with Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales fast approaching, now is the perfect time to pick up a bargain or two.  Happy shopping and now I am back in Seattle, I'll be sharing my latest and greatest Hawaii adventures between now and Christmas, to help keep you (and me) occupied as the winter months finally kick into high gear.

Need a Job in Waikiki? Forever 21 is Hiring!

Fashion retailer Forever 21 is holing a three-day job fair this week to hire more than 200 employees for its much-anticipated Waikiki store at Royal Hawaiian Center slated to open in November. For those not familiar with the store, the store is aimed at teen/young adults, and priced accordingly.  They have some amazing bargains - but beware, you get what you pay for and I don't expect my purchases from there to last any more than about one or two seasons!

The company is conducting open interviews this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., at Royal Hawaiian Center’s Level 4 Nightclub and Ultralounge. They are looking for retail managers, visual merchandisers, cashiers, sales associates, stockroom workers and housekeepers.

Forever 21’s three-level store next to The Cheesecake Factory (my favorite)  at Royal Hawaiian Center has been under construction for almost a year. The space previously was to be the location of Hilo Hattie’s flagship store but those plans fell apart when the company filed for bankruptcy last year.
The Los Angeles-based Forever 21 also has stores at Pearlridge Center and Ala Moana Center. The Waikiki location will be its largest in the state.

**Image Courtesy of Forever 21**

Anne Klein at Waikele to Close

A great place for outlet shopping on O'ahu is Waikele Premium Outlets. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from Waikiki but the shopping is cheap, and there are some great brands to choose from.  However, just announced is that women’s apparel retailer Anne Klein is closing its only Hawaii store at the Waikele Premium Outlets on August 27. This is part of a retail improvement plan for the brand, and is one of the 200 under performing stores that they are planning to close nation-wide.

Anne Klein has fewer than a dozen employees at the Waikele outlet store, and rumor has it that Waikele Premium Outlets is close to securing a new tenant for the soon-to-be-vacated space; let's hope it's an improvement on Anne Klein!  Any suggestions for what's still missing at Waikele?

Shopper's Delight at Ala Moana Center - Seven New Stores!

Some more great news for shopaholics in Hawaii.  Ala Moana Center has just confirmed seven new retail stores, two new eateries and a travel agency to Hawaii's largest shopping complex. Woo hoo!

There are some retailers who are new to the Hawaii market! Tory Burch, offering woman's sportswear and accessories is opening in the fall; Australian-based Gilly Hicks lingerie store, owned and operated by Abercrombie is opening in July; Pandora Jewelry, known for its charm bracelets is opening in August and Q-pot, a Japanese accessory and art emporium is opening in July.  All will be open by the time I next visit the Islands!

In addition, the center has added JTB USA travel agency, which handles nearly 300,000 travelers from Japan each year, and Regis Salon, which opens in May. 

But wait! There's more! Other businesses that have recently opened at Ala Moana Center include Crocs, Island Vintage Coffee, Saigon Garden, Local Motion and Central Pacific Bank. 

News of these new stores is most pleasing for businesses and consumers alike.  Does this mean that the economy is finally starting to shift?  I hope so; I'm tired of sticking to a budget!

Travelers Like the iPad?

I read an interesting article this morning on MediaPost about the iPad and why it might be the next 'must-have' for travelers. Writer Kevin McKenzie talks about the importance of the iPad to travelers, who up until recently have used their laptop and smartphone to stay connected. But now, consumers are looking for a greater mobile experience; they want faster downloads, quick browsing, a range of mobile applications and more entertainment options. The iPad allows travelers to check their email and stay connected to their work, but also provides users with plenty of things to play with. Read the complete article here - do you agree?

Will travelers be the first to adapt to the iPad and what does that mean for companies who are trying to reach consumers? I'm a traveler and unless the price of the iPad comes down, I'm unlikely to be joining the bandwagon any time soon. With my laptop and smartphone I can do just about anything. Combine that with some juicy gossip magazines and a Wi-Fi enabled plane ride and I don't think I would have time for the iPad! I look forward to seeing how the technology evolves and the change in consumer habits and tastes as a result.

Get Shopping at Ward Centers – Honolulu

I love to shop and have always found Honolulu to be a great shopping destination. In addition to Waikiki and the well-known Ala Moana Center, Ward Center is also a great local shopping destination, which continues to expand (great news for the economy!). To get there from Waikiki you can catch the number 8, 19 or 20 bus – or just walk from Ala Moana Center.

It is most pleasing to confirm that a number of new retailers are opening at Ward Centers this spring, adding to the more than 135 shops and restaurants at the open-air complex.

Stores to be opened are:

• Abracadabra at Ward Entertainment Center: Offering embroidered baseball caps, vintage hats, handmade hats, and children’s hats, as well as jewelry, key chains and handbags.

• Downtown Gifthings at Ward Warehouse: Offering personalized jewelry, eco-friendly products, stationery, and travel bags and accessories.

• Jewel Flair at Ward Center: Offering jewelry from local, national and international designers.

• Discount Mobile & Computer Repair at Ward Center: Offering cellular phone equipment and accessories and offering computer technical assistance and repairs done at an off-site location.

For more information and a full store directory visit the Ward Center website. Happy Friday and Happy Shopping!

Forever 21 Heading to Waikiki

Forever 21 is making its way to Waikiki! The fashion retailer specializing in trendy clothing for young women and men has leased a large retail space at the Royal Hawaiian Center that had been originally planned for bankrupt Hawaii retailer Hilo Hattie.

Forever 21 plans to open a 42,580-square-foot, three-level department store at the Waikiki shopping center next summer!

The store, which will be located between The Cheesecake Factory restaurant and fashion boutique Bebe at the Diamond Head end of Royal Hawaiian Center, will be Forever 21’s third Hawaii store. The Los Angeles-based company also has stores in Pearlridge Center and at my favorite mall of all time - the Ala Moana Center.

The size of the store will give Forever 21 the opportunity to introduce more of its brand labels to the Hawaii market, including men’s and plus-size clothing.

For those that have been in Waikiki recently, you may have noticed that things are looking pretty impressive in regards to shopping and overall glamour. It makes me wonder if I will ever need to visit the Ala Moana Center again, as almost everything you need is right in the heart of downtown Waikiki. There's only one store missing.....a Hello Kitty Store!

So Much To Do, So Little Time!

I am heading to O'ahu next Sunday to meet my mom for a quick stay in the sun, before we both head back to Seattle for some vacation time. The problem I am experiencing is....I don't have enough time to do all the things I want to do! I am trying to get an itinerary planned and if I had 30 hours in each day it would work just great. So, I have to squeeze some things out and save them for my next trip. So far, I have the following planned - what should I cut out? Or should I sleep less? Any feedback would be appreciated. I have 3 nights and 3 days to get this done!

Shopping at Ala Moana Center

Shoe Shopping at Nine West in Waikiki

Waikiki Shopping in general (I like to shop)...

Dinner at Alan Wong's on King St (This is the only thing that can't be taken off the list - its a necessity!)

Dinner at Roy's in Waikiki (we could make this a lunch?)

A meal of some sort at the Moana Surfrider and the Cheesecake Factory

Beach/swimming/tanning/cocktail drinking/at least one novel read (this will likely take up most of my time)

Pearl Harbor

Diamond Head

Ala Moana Center Adds New Stores....Again!

Oh I love shopping. Someone asked me the other day what it was that I loved about shopping, and my answer: the act of exchanging money for goods and services. The feeling I get when I hand over my credit card and I get something special in return is great! This not only applies to clothes and shoes, but even the grocery store is fun for me!!

Ok I am getting off track. I wanted to share the news that Ala Moana Center is opening seven new stores! They are:

• LEGO - opening July
• Victoria's Secret - opening in fall
• Links of London - opening July
• Ala Bella - opening July
• Taco Del Mar - opening July
• American Apparel - just opened
• Lin's Market - just opened

Ala Moana Center is one of my favorite shopping experiences - you can get almost anything you need (including my favorite, Louis Vuitton!) Happy shopping and see you in August Ala Moana Center.

Authentic Hawaiian Souvenirs

The first time I visited Hawaii, I bought so many souvenirs that I could barely close my suitcase. When I returned home and examined all these souvenirs, I was shocked to find that most of them (ok all of them) were not made in Hawaii. How did this happen? Well, there are so many places to buy souvenirs and they are all competing for your business, so they entice you with their cheap prices. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that many items I had purchased were "designed in Hawaii" but made in China.

When I visit any destination I want to buy gifts for my friends and family that are from the actual place that I travelled to. If you are going to Hawaii, you need to look carefully before making any purchases if you want to buy something of quality that is made in the Islands. One place to get authentic Hawaiian gifts is at Shop Pacifica at the Bishop Museum. If you head downtown there are also a number of locally-run stores that have Hawaiian food products available for sale. Instead of taking a bunch of plastic flower leis home,why not buy a fresh lei and keep it in your hotel room so you can enjoy the beautiful scent of the flowers for the same price?

When buying souvenirs, be sure to ask if the product is made in Hawaii before purchasing (and check the label too). Granted, the items will cost more but they are more authentic and you will be supporting the local Hawaiian community.

VS.

My Hawaiian Shopping Secret is....Nine West

I don't really want to share my shopping secret with the world so if you are a size 7 1/2 shoe, please close this page now! I have always been a big shopper and I love the thrill of scoring a good bargain. Here in the US there are so many stores that are always on sale, that it makes it very hard for me to say no. In Hawaii, there is some amazing shopping, particularly in Waikiki, and at Ala Moana Center. As one of my favorite colleagues at work, Jordana has a thing for a pair of my shoes, so I had to tell her that I got them from Nine West in Waikiki. It got me thinking about just how many pairs of shoes I have actually bought from this particular Nine West Store....when I lived in Waikiki I would buy at least one pair of shoes there every month, and every time I have gone back for vacation I have picked up at least two pairs....leading me to a very big collection of Nine West shoes. The reason I visit so often - their prices are amazing. Every time I go there, they are having the sale of all sales and I can often pick up two pairs of shoes for under $40. I think the reason that they are always on sale is because people don't usually visit Waikiki Beach to go shoe shopping (the store is right across the street) - but I do! Here's a pic of all the shoes I have purchased from this Nine West store in the last 2 years - yes I am addicted to their shoes, but I am very addicted to the price!

Honolulu Cookie Company to Open a New Store in Pearlridge

When I was in Hawaii in February, I noticed that there were a few more Honolulu Cookie Company stores around Waikiki - it seemed like there was one on almost every street corner! Well that is good news - the cookie business is booming and the Honolulu Cookie Company is opening another store on Thursday at Pearlridge Center, the store being a free-standing 100-square foot kiosk located near the main entrance of the shopping center.

Honolulu Cookie Company started in 1998 and now has 11 stores on O'ahu and Maui. My favorite cookies: The Chocolate-Dipped Macadamia Cookies. For Valentine's Day, they also had the Lilikoi (passionfruit) Mango cookies, shaped in hearts - so cute!

New Store to Open at Waikele - True Religion

I am a bit of a shopaholic, and this became more apparent when I moved to Hawaii. Compared to Australia, the US is so much more affordable for shopping, specifically clothes, shoes and accessories. Outlet malls are very popular in the United States, which is great for those looking for some good bargains. The Waikele Premium Outlet Mall in west O'ahu has a great selection of stores, and in May True Religion will be joining the list, located between the Ever Blue Factory Outlet and AX Armani Exchange. True Religion already has a store at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, and this will be their first outlet store on the Island. True religion was established in 2002, and is is known for its line of premium denim and casual sportswear for women and men.

If You Love Shopping - Head To Ala Moana Center!

March 23-29 marks Shop a Le`a - 7 blissful days of shopping euphoria at Ala Moana Center. The week brings seven days of in-store events, special discounts, product demos and a big one-year celebration for the new Nordstrom wing. I am sad that I will miss this as I love Ala Moana Center - their selection of stores is amazing and it just keeps getting bigger and better. Happy shopping for those of you in the Islands. Check out the full calendar of events here.

Cheeseburger Beachwalk Opens at Waikiki Beach Walk

Great News! Another restaurant has opened at the Waikiki Beach Walk - appropriately titled, "Cheeseburger Beach Walk". The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails, and is located on the center's second level at the top of the escalators on the mauka end of the building. The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Operated by Cheeseburger Restaurants, the chain is known for its gourmet burgers and fries, as well as its selection of sandwiches, salads and seafood. There are also a number of vegetarian options for patrons looking for alternative menu choices.

You can out more information about the growing list of great restaurants at Waikiki Beach Walk here. I love that Lewers St. has had a face lift and now offers a great selection of great dining and shopping choices for all visitors to the Islands.

Hawaiian Holiday Shopping Guide

Can you believe it's almost Christmas? Time has flown this year, and I don't know about you but I have been tardy with purchasing my gifts for the holidays. In recent years, I would start buyings gifts around September, and spread them out so I didn't have a nasty credit card bill at the end of the year. But this year, for a number of reasons, I have not done my shopping and expect this bill to arrive under the Christmas tree (along with a bunch of presents I hope!)

Have you thought about buying Hawaiian gifts for your friends and family this Christmas? If you read this blog, its probably because you like Hawaii, so why not share the Hawaii with those you love? My good friend Catherine was kind enough to send me this blog post from Two Japanese Bruddahs , which is a great compilation of Hawaiian gifts that you can buy during the holiday season - thanks Catherine! My picks on this list: SPAM Cookbook and Royal Kona Coffee. Thanks to the Bruddahs for this great story.

Friday, November 21, 2008
Two Japanese Bruddahs’ Holiday Shopping Guide

"Budget" may be the theme of this year's holiday shopping season for many of us. But that just means we may need to be more creative in our gift giving.

Unfortunately, "creative" isn't often mentioned in the responses I get when I give presents, so I turned to the wonderful Bay Area members of GlobalPauHana.org for advice on Hawai'i-related gift ideas.

My college buddy Kim Shinjo recommended Kimochi's Silver Bells Arts & Crafts Faire on Dec. 13 as one place where you might be able to find island style items. "Mostly cute stuff for women," said Kim. The fair is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Event Center at St. Mary's Cathedral, 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco.

Kim and Curtis Otaguro both mentioned CyberSnacks.net, the website of Wholesale Unlimited, Inc., where you can order hundreds of items, ranging from kakimochi, arare and senbei to specialty cookies, dried seafood, jerky and candies.

My absolute favorite on CyberSnacks.net is the "hurricane popcorn" - popcorn, furikake, arare and butter. If you haven't tried it, get some. It's almost better than spam.

One of Hawaii's best known local snacks purveyors, Wholesale Unlimited got started by Betty Honma in the 1960s by selling beef jerky wholesale to local bars and markets out of the trunk of her car.

And at about the same time that Betty was driving her goods around Honolulu, Bryan Li's family was starting their own local snacks shop focusing on crack seed, also known as li hing mui or see mui. Visit CrackSeedCenter.com to see their gift baskets and other items.

Curtis also recommended Nikkei Traditions in San Jose (nikkeitraditions-sj.com) as a stop on your gift hunting trail and the website for Bess Press (besspress.com), publishers of books like Ann Kondo Corum's "Hawaii's 2nd SPAM Cookbook;" the classic "Pidgin to Da Max" by Douglas Simonson, Pat Sasaki and Ken Sakata; and the newly updated version of "Japanese in Hawaii: Okage Sama De" by Dorothy Ochiai Hazama and Jane Okamoto Kemeiji.Corum's SPAM cookbook has almost every imaginable recipe for SPAM, including Green Eggs and SPAM Musubi, Easy Cheesy SPAM Crisps, Local-Style SPAM Burritos and Japanese SPAM Loaf.

Satomi and Byron Goo's The Tea Chest (TeaChest.com) was on Davina Lam's list. "They carry the plantation iced tea blend that Alan Wong's Pineapple Room serves," she said, referring to the restaurant in Macy's Ala Moana. On their website, the Goo's mention that they're the exclusive distributor of Shin Cha from Onoen Farm, which began tending the Japanese Emperor's private tea plants a century ago.

Davina also likes RoyalKonaCoffee.com for their seasonal holiday coffee blends, Island-Collections.com for the beautiful koa pieces and TajClubhouse.com for all the kids in the family.

Alyce Lee recommended Taj Clubhouse as well. She also likes buying holiday gifts from MadeInHawaiiStore.com, especially their jams, honey, mochi and interesting Japanese snack items. She also likes Honolulu Cookie Company (HonoluluCookie.com).

Honolulu Cookie Company is a good alternative to the perennial chocolate-dipped shortbread cookie maker, Big Island Candies (BigIslandCandies.com), which recently introduced a line of truffles that includes Mocha, Hibiscus, Dark Chocolate, Yuzu and Coconut flavors.

A big mahalo to Alika Hollister, Terry Akiyama, Myron Ho, Kendall Lee, Kevin Sakuda and Katherine Eslao for their gift ideas. I couldn't fit all the great ideas into this column, but appreciate their suggestions.

Keith Kamisugi and Kyle Tatsumoto are the Two Japanee Bruddahs. Read past stories at TwoJapaneeBruddahs.com.