Retailers grateful for customers’ support

If word of mouth is the best form of advertising, Macy's will reap big benefits as a result of voting by Star-Bulletin/MidWeek readers. They have awarded Macy's first place in three categories: Best Men's Apparel, Women's Apparel and Department Store.

"Receiving this award is a wonderful vote of confidence from our customers," said Lavina Wong, director of special events for Macy's. "We continuously listen to the needs and evolving expectations of our customers and strive to meet them."

The history of Macy's dates to 1858, when Rowland Hussey Macy arrived in New York City to open his "fancy dry goods" store, RH Macy & Co. In 2001, Macy's finally arrived in the Islands when Federated Department Stores bought Liberty House and converted the stores to Macy's West. Now there are 11 Macy's department stores and four specialty stores in the state.

And coming soon: Martha Stewart. "Legendary home design diva and icon of good taste Martha Stewart is moving into Macy's this fall," Wong said. "The all new Martha Stewart Collection includes bed and bath textiles, housewares, casual tabletop, cookware, and holiday decor and trims."

For five years in a row, Hilo Hattie -- The Store of Hawaii has been voted Best Aloha Wear. Locally owned and managed, Hilo Hattie has been in business for 44 years and is the largest retailer and manufacturer of Hawaiian fashions and gifts.

"I think (this award) shows the kamaaina support for Hilo Hattie, and we're thankful," said Carlton Kramer, vice president of sales and marketing.

There are two Hilo Hattie stores on Oahu (Ala Moana Center and 700 N. Nimitz Highway), two on Maui, two on the Big Island, one on Kauai and three on the mainland, as well as an online shop at www.hilohattie.com

"I think that our customers want a lot of variety and quality garments that are going to last," added Kramer. "We have our exclusive Hilo Hattie label and we carry about half a dozen other name brands. And we just are launching a new Duke Kahanamoku fashion line with T-shirts and aloha shirts inspired by the surf and Duke's legend.

"In addition to our fashions, we also have more than 100 of our own Hilo Hattie specialty food products, such as macadamia nuts, cookies, syrup, coffee, candies, sauces, etc. Also, we have a huge selection of home accessories and we guarantee the lowest prices on thousands of Hawaiian products."

During the past 12 months, Ala Moana Center has added more than 20 stores and restaurants, offering Hawaii residents a more diverse array of brands, merchandise and experiences, all in one locale. And, with its retail expansion scheduled for completion in spring 2008, customers can look forward to the opening of Nordstrom and 35 new retailers at the shopping center.

"Ala Moana Center is truly honored to have received the distinction as Hawaii's favorite shopping center," said Matthew Derby, director of tourism and public relations for Ala Moana Center, which won for Best Shopping Center.

"With nearly five decades of history in the Islands as Hawaii's largest shopping destination, Ala Moana Center is proud to have celebrated a number of special occasions with island families. Whether it's buying baby his or her first clothes; finding that right gift for a graduation, birthday or anniversary; attending Ala Moana Center's annual Fourth of July or Christmas celebrations with ohana; or just chilling after hours with friends at a favorite center restaurant or night spot, Ala Moana Center has proven to be Oahu's great gathering place establishing a sense of community for those who visit."

Recent additions at Ala Moana include Tsukiji Fish Market & Restaurant, which offers a great lunch and dinner buffet that highlights the very best in Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisine and fresh seafood. There's also a sushi bar, yakitori bar, robataki bar and a small fish market selling the fresh catch of the day.

And Loree Rodkin, known for her nonconformist, visionary approach to jewelry making, celebrated the opening of her first Hawaii store at Ala Moana Center at the end of May.

"Ala Moana Center had first opened in 1959 with the distinction of being the largest shopping mall in the United States, featuring just over 800,000 square feet of retail space, 87 stores and 4,000 parking stalls," Derby noted. "Today, the center has 260 stores, including 70 restaurants, about 9,000 parking stalls and welcomes nearly 42 million customers a year.

"After the completion of our retail expansion project, Ala Moana Center will be home to nearly 300 stores and restaurants and will feature approximately 2.1 million square feet of retail space," Derby said.