KAPA‘A — Crazy Shirts, one of the state’s most successful sportswear retailers and manufacturers, Thursday celebrated the official grand opening of its 37th store at the Coconut Plantation shopping mall on Kaua‘i. The Coconut Plantation store is the fourth Crazy
KAPA‘A — Crazy Shirts, one of the state’s most successful sportswear retailers and manufacturers, Thursday celebrated the official grand opening of its 37th store at the Coconut Plantation shopping mall on Kaua‘i.
The Coconut Plantation store is the fourth Crazy Shirts store on Kaua‘i, and the 22nd store in the state of Hawai‘i. It is the newest store in the state in almost three years.
The Kapa‘a store actually opened on July 26 but a blessing was held on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. with various officials from the Crazy Shirt franchise and Coconut Marketplace on hand.
“We are thrilled to be back,” said Crazy Shirts co-owner Mark Hollander. “When we had an opportunity to come back (after Hurricane Iniki), we were very excited about the chance. This store gives us another strong presence in the state.”
Other Kaua‘i Crazy Shirts stores are located in Po‘ipu, Koloa, and Anchor Cove.
“Kaua‘i has been a wonderful fit for Crazy Shirts over many years. The new store was modeled after a plantation era home and reflects our respect for and admiration of the islands colorful past,” said Hollander.
He added, “There was a lot of time taken in selecting the furniture as well as the decor for the store (which is approximately 900-square feet).”
A traditional Hawai‘ian blessing was held on Thursday by Kahu Leilani Kaleiohi, following by a coconut-themed reception for invited guests which included a a short presentation by Hollander.
In addition to Hollander and co-owner Todd Taniguchi, Crazy Shirts was represented by Regional Manager Bonnie McKinnon along with Coconut Marketplace manager Stephanie Hiranaka.
In all, approximately 30 guests, business owners and Crazy Shirts managers and officials were on hand for the celebration.
The new store manager is Monica Kunioka who has been a Kaua‘i resident for 24 years.
“We have had good business here,” said Kunioka. “For the short time that we have been here, our sales have been strong.
“We have our diehard customers who know where we are.”
Crazy Shirts, founded in 1964, is among the first companies in the Hawai‘ian Islands to design, manufacture and sell the “T-shirt” as we know it today.
The company has the largest printing facility in Hawai‘i and employs over 375 people.
Crazy Shirts owns and operates 37 retail stores in Hawai‘i, Guam, California, Nevada and Florida, as well as successful online and catalog, operations.
The Crazy Shirts legacy began in the early 60s with the airbrushing of designs on sweatshirts and T-shirts on the sidewalks of Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
Customers stood in line as grinning monsters, improbable hot rods, and surfing scenes were hand painted on what was then considered “underwear.”
More information on the Crazy Shirts history and product line is available on the Internet at www.crazyshirts.com.
Business Editor Barry Graham can be reached at 245-3681 Ext. 251 or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net
