Hello Hilo

Hilo Hattie, the Honolulu-based resort and casual wear retailer, will relocate its flagship store to the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki in early summer 2007.

The two-level, 29,000-square-foot store will be a central feature of the center’s $84 million revitalization.

The company said the new flagship “will have a strong emphasis on culture in its design as well as a dynamic retail mix that will appeal to both visitors and kama'aina. It will offer Hawaii's largest selection of Hawaiian fashions, gifts, souvenirs, t-shirts, personal care products, home furnishings and accessories, and stunning island jewelry.”

“We are thrilled that after months of discussion and strategic planning, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center will be the new home of Hilo Hattie's flagship store,” said Rosalind Schurgin, principal of The Festival Cos., which is developing and managing the center.

To landmark the new megastore, the storefront facade design will feature a signature tower that will be the centerpiece of the storefront facade. The tower element and ground floor area of the store will house three escalators and an elevator for easy and convenient access to the store from the Kalakaua Avenue sidewalk area.

“Hilo Hattie's new Waikiki store will treat all the senses,” the company said. “Live Hawaiian music will fill the store with excitement. Tropical colorful artwork and props will decorate and delight. The sweet scent of fragrant flowers from candles and nourishing bath and body products will soothe a stressful day. Hilo Hattie will be expanding its exclusive private line of fashions for the entire family, including soft and supple silks and cool and crisp cottons and cotton blends, all comfortable to the touch.”

“Moving to Waikiki represents a new chapter in the 43 year history of Hilo Hattie,” said Paul deVille, president and ceo of Pomare Ltd. (Kailua Kona, Hawaii), which operates Hilo Hattie, “Waikiki is the hub of the visitor industry and we are committed to be part of the growth of this dynamic business. We will be sticking to our golden formula in creating this new store. We are extremely pleased to be building our new flagship store in the center of the action in Waikiki and joining the prestigious Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.”

Hilo Hattie is Hawaii's largest Hawaiian retailer and the world's largest manufacturer of Hawaiian, resort and casual fashions. It operates seven stores on all the major islands in Hawaii and has stores in Orange County, Calif., San Diego, Las Vegas and Orlando.