Event Network to manage retail at Polynesian Cultural Center

The San Diego company plans to review the mix of tenants

The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie has contracted out management of its retail operations to Event Network Inc., a San Diego-based company that specializes in running cultural-attraction retail space for nonprofits.

Event Network will oversee approximately 15,000 square feet of retail space, including three main shops and a handful of smaller shops and kiosks inside the cultural center. The center previously has run the retail space by itself.

Beginning next month, the retail operations will undergo significant renovations, and Event Network will reconsider the tenant mix.

"As part of our contractual agreement, they will be investing a sizable amount to do some refurbishment," said Von Orgill, president of the Polynesian Cultural Center. "They will be looking at how we're approaching guests through the retail operations, through the goods that we carry, our facilities and so forth."

Orgill said Event Network came to the center's attention through a referral. He said Event Network will do its best to maximize retail sales while personifying the mission and culture of the center. It will have the flexibility to make changes that it feels are appropriate.

"This is just the next phase of bringing things up to speed," he said.

The contract does not cover the center's two restaurants and snack bars.

"What we're trying to do constantly is just create a better experience for the guests, whether it's in the villages, luaus, retail or shows," Orgill said.

In Hawaii, Event Network also oversees retail for the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor, which opened in December. On the mainland, its clients include the California Academy of Sciences, the Seattle Aquarium and Philadelphia Zoo.