Star-Bulletin graphic

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center saw its numbers drop 11 percent from last year, according to marketing director Charlian Wright.

Ala Moana Center, which also depends on Japanese visitors, reported "steady" sales but also had a downturn in its Golden Week business, said Dwight Yoshimura, general manager.

Golden Week, an annual spring holiday period in Japan, is traditionally a time when many Japanese travel. It lasted from late April into early May this year.

Hawaii travel industry officials reported that Golden Week numbers were lower this year compared with 1995.

Suburban malls also saw mostly stagnant sales for the period, according to data compiled by the centers for the Star-Bulletin.

Here's a breakdown:

Ala Moana Center: Sales were up 7 percent, Yoshimura said.

"We had a sales event from April 19-21, called 'April Showers Savings' and steady traffic from the Japanese visitors and local people," he said.

Strong categories were: gifts, art and specialty, up 19.7 percent; men's wear, up 17.2 percent; and shoes, up 17.1 percent.

Kahala Mall: April sales were flat, rising 0.42 percent, said Susan Pinter, marketing director.

"We did have a Spring promotion in April highlighted by a fashion show and I think that helped the women's category," she said.

Good performers were: services and recreation, up 30 percent; jewelry, up 22.5 percent; and women's wear, up 9 percent.

Pearlridge Center: Sales were also sluggish, climbing 0.1 percent, said Marty Lastner, general manager.

Top gainers were: services and recreation, up 11.8 percent; and specialty apparel, up 8.1 percent.

"Next month we will have a dinosaur promotion, from July 5 to Aug. 4, with the animal (replicas) from Dinamation Inc.," Lastner said. "We will have eight dinosaurs and displays."

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center: Sales were off 11 percent, marketing director Wright said.

"Part of this is due to the difference in the yen and dollars," she said. "It's now about 108 yen to the dollar, but last April it was 84 or 85 yen to the dollar. The difference means that Japanese visitors don't have that extra buying power."

Despite the decline, Wright said 15 carts, which sell novelty items at the center, were up 5 percent and restaurants were up 4 percent.

Windward Mall: April sales were down 2 percent as the center remains in transition with some empty spaces, spokeswoman Wright said.

"We are finding people to fill in those spots," Wright said. "The ball is rolling to get new tenants."

Top April performers were: recreation, up 115 percent due to the addition of Kids Sports; and gifts, art and specialty, up 44 percent.