StarBulletin.com

Shima's Market in Waimanalo sold to Times


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POSTED: Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Shima's Market, a family-run grocery store in Waimanalo, has been sold to Times Supermarkets for an undisclosed price.

The 5,000-square-foot store in a plantation-style building at 41-1606 Kalanianaole Highway has been serving the Waiamanlo community at its current location for the last 38 years.

Owner Ron Shima, 62, said it was simply time to retire.

A Hawaiian blessing under the new ownership was scheduled for this morning with the new owners. The name will remain the same, and all 22 employees will be retained by Times.

“;We're pretty established in Waimanalo,”; Shima told the Star-Bulletin. “;There's a lot of value in the name.”;

Over the years, Ron and his wife, Sue, have been running Shima's from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

They recognize customers' faces, and have been a close part of the Waimanalo community.

Ron Shima said the local produce and fish department, including the ahi poke, has been popular, but he's brought in many improvements over the years, including a nice selection of wine.

“;We're real pleased that Times' management has pledged to continue our traditions of working closely with the Waimanalo community,”; Shima said. “;We've told our employees and everyone else that Times will keep Shima's pretty much the same as it's always been. I feel quite comfortable going with Times.”;

John Quinn, president and chief executive of Times, said Times Supermarkets has pledged to continue the good selection and quality service that Waiamanalo residents have come to expect from Shima's.

Times, originally founded by the Teruya family in 1949, was sold to Quinn Supers, a subsidiary of PAQ Inc. of Stockton, Calif., six years ago. Times Super Market today has 12 supermarkets on Oahu, and two Fujioka Wine Times stores in Mililani and Honolulu.

In retirement, the Shimas are going to travel.

“;Oh, I will certainly miss it,”; said Shima. “;When you've been doing something for 38 years, then of course you're going to miss it. But it's time to do other things than run a grocery store.”;