Retail sales slip at
most isle malls

Star-Bulletin staff

Bad economic news, problems in Asia, and the spreading out of back-to-school spending because of year-round school schedules hurt sales for August at many of Oahu's major retail malls.

However, two malls that rely more on local residents than tourists -- Pearlridge and Kahala -- showed slight increases, compared with August 1997.

Furthermore, statewide retail sales for the month grew to $1.256 billion, up 8 percent from $1.165 billion in August 1997, according to state Department of Taxation records.

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

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center: Sales sank 29 percent, said Charlian Wright, marketing director. "The Asian and Pacific arrivals were down by 10.6 percent in a month, which in past years, has been one of the best arrival and sales months during the year," she said. "Over 65 percent of the visitor arrivals were repeat visitors."

Wright said this is the reason the center continues to look for "new and exciting" tenants such as the Ukulele House which sells ukuleles, apparel and accessories, musical tapes and compact discs.

Ala Moana Center: Business dropped 24.8 percent, said Dwight Yoshimura, general manager. "Local traffic was very strong but spending was soft," Yoshimura said. "Basically, it's the same story. The Asian crisis is hurting sales."

He said the food sales were basically flat.

Victoria Ward Centers: Sales slipped 4.7 percent, said Valery O'Brien, managing director of marketing. "It's all because of Comp USA coming (in Kakaako) and the effect on sales at Computer City (which closed Sept. 8)," O'Brien said. "If it hadn't been for that we would have been up for August."

Kahala Mall: Sales rose .77 percent, said Laurie Hara, marketing director. "We were basically flat," Hara said. "It was a month for back-to-school sales. Some of that was felt in July, as well. Local traffic remained good and there was a slight increase in Japanese tourists."

Software Etc. opened in September and Godiva Chocolatier is expected to open before Christmas, Hara said.

Pearlridge Center: Business gained 2.6 percent, said Heidi DiEugenio, marketing manager. "The big event in August was the World of Wonder Science Fair with 18 interactive exhibits and a giant maze," DiEugenio said. "We had 70 school groups come in and Bishop Museum sent people to answer questions." Back-to-school sales was a big part of August business, she added.

Opening this month are Footlocker Tri-Plex, which joins Footlocker, Lady Footlocker and Kids Footlocker; LIDS, an athletic hat store; and Local To Da Max, a gift store.

Windward Mall: Sales fell 5 percent, said Sandi Oguma, marketing director. She noted that back-to-school spending is now spread out among several months with the year-round schools in place. "I also think people are pulling back on spending, knowing that the holidays are coming up," Oguma said.

Oguma said that the temporary Christmas tenants like Day-by-Day Calendars and the Mary Z clothing store are opening this month.