Oahu malls post
jump in sales

Star-Bulletin staff

Major Oahu shopping malls all recorded higher sales in May compared with May 1998, continuing an overall rebound in the local retail market.

While overall sales have been better this year, this past May was the first month since January that all six malls in the Star-Bulletin poll showed gains. Statewide retail sales, meanwhile, equaled $1.043 billion for the month, up .4 percent from $1.039 billion in May 1998, according to state Department of Taxation records.

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

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center: Sales rose 8 percent, said Charlian Wright, marketing director. She said this increase was despite a drop in Waikiki hotel occupancy and the closure of the Legends in Concert showroom. Japanese tourists exchanging yen for dollars had more buying power and this helped the May figures, she said.

"The yen to dollar rate for the month of May 1998 averaged 138 to 1 vs. May 1999 of approximately 121 to 1," Wright said. "This also contributed to more sales being done in May of this year."

Ala Moana Center: Sales advanced 7.86 percent, said Dwight Yoshimura, general manager. He said Japanese shoppers are coming back and spending more, and the new summer merchandise also contributed to the increase.

With the opening of the center's third level in late May, new stores include Dapy, selling notions and gifts; the Hawaiian Quilt Collection and the Mai Tai Bar.

Victoria Ward Centers: Business was up 23.0 percent, said Valery O'Brien, managing director of marketing.

"Mother's Day and graduations were the big things in May and you can see that with the 68 percent increase in sales for stationery and gifts," O'Brien said.

Kahala Mall: Sales climbed 19 percent, said Laurie Hara, marketing director. "We had great traffic through the whole month and every weekend we had a major promotion." The women's apparel category gained 78.4 percent, due largely to the opening of the Ann Taylor store in late April.

Hara said the sales increase was helped by the re-openings of the Compleat Kitchen, which moved to a larger space, and K.B Toys and Eyewear Hawaii Inc., which were renovated.

Pearlridge Center: Sales were up 5.5 percent, said Holly Laser, marketing manager. "Of our 25 merchandise categories, 22 posted increases in May," Laser said. "Mother's Day and Memorial Day sales, supported by events and promotions and an increased focus on customer service, contributed to May's sales performance."

Windward Mall: Business was up 2.1 percent, said Sandi Oguma, marketing director. "Mother's Day drove the sales increase for the shopping center," Oguma said. "You can see that because jewelry sales were up 21 percent."