Retail sales gained
statewide in October

Star-Bulletin staff

Statewide retail sales were up 6.3 percent in October, compared with one year ago, as merchants saw early holiday shoppers start making purchases.

The statewide retail sales rose to $1.36 billion from $1.279 billion in October 1996, according to state Department of Taxation records.

At Oahu's malls, October saw the continuation of the trend of suburban malls recording sales increases and two top tourist-related malls having declines.

Here's a look at the major Oahu malls' results for October, the most recent month available, provided to the Star-Bulletin by the malls.

Pearlridge Center: Sales climbed 16.8 percent, said Heidi DiEugenio, marketing manager.

"This is the 12th consecutive month of sales increases," DiEugenio said. "Some of this was due to early holiday shopping."

October business also was helped by a sidewalk sale, and entertainment which included a magic show.

Strong categories were: specialty retail, up 69.3 percent due to six new stores; music, records, and home electronics, up 36.1 percent; specialty apparel, up 30 percent; women's apparel, up 17.7 percent; and jewelry, up 7.2 percent.

Ala Moana Center: Sales fell 11.8 percent, said Dwight Yoshimura, general manager.

"This is due to the continued soft local economy, changes to the Japanese visitor market and turmoil in the Asian economy," he said.

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center: Sales dropped 19 percent, said Charlian Wright, marketing director.

"The center had a number of activities highlighting the French Festival which helped to increase sales for some of our merchants but other merchants did not do as well," Wright said. "Though the visitor count showed an increase of visitors during the month, the yen-to-dollar ratio and the economic situation in Japan continue to play a big part of decreased sales."

Kahala Mall: Business climbed 8.96 percent, said Laurie Hara, events coordinator.

"We had a Halloween event with free pumpkins with a $50 purchase," Hara said. "And we also had a trick-or-treat wheel game which helped bring in shoppers." The mall also had a sidewalk sale and fund-raiser for Aloha United Way during October.

Top gainers were: specialty food, up 40.38 percent; specialty retail, up 34.52 percent; and women's apparel, up 33.72 percent.

Island Treasures of Hawaii opened in October, Hara said.

Windward Mall: Sales were flat for October, said spokeswoman Wright.

"The temporary Monster Halloween store helped to increase sales for the month," Wright said. A Halloween gift-with-purchase program and sidewalk sale boosted sales.