In an attempt to make Kukui Grove Center the “center of Kaua‘i,” the shopping center is expanding to include everything from sushi to more shoes. The island’s largest mall could include within the year: a Genki Sushi restaurant, a Famous
In an attempt to make Kukui Grove Center the “center of Kaua‘i,” the shopping center is expanding to include everything from sushi to more shoes.
The island’s largest mall could include within the year: a Genki Sushi restaurant, a Famous Footwear store, more restrooms, a women’s clothes shop, personal-care services, another jewelry store, another restaurant, and more activities.
“Kukui Grove Center is going through a true renaissance,” said Wade Lord, asset manager for Grove Farm Land Corp., which owns the mall.
“We tried to emulate what’s new and exciting in malls across the country and, at the same time, keep it local to suit our community’s unique character,” Lord said. “Once it’s completed, Kukui Grove will be a thriving community hub that everyone on Kaua‘i can enjoy.”
The new shops and attractions are the result of in-depth demographic analysis, customer requests, and studies of national shopping-mall trends, Lord said.
“Once we sign leases with these tenants and they open, Kukui Grove will be about 95 percent occupied,” Lord said.
Sparked by the success of the nearby free-standing Home Depot in Kukui Grove Village West, Lord said that more retailers and business owners are seeking space in the mall’s extended campus.
“Home Depot spurred a lot of interest from other retailers, so we’ll soon be witnessing how Kukui Grove Center is indeed becoming the center of Kaua‘i,” he said.
AT&T Wireless will also soon come to Kukui Grove.
Genki Sushi, which was voted by customers as having the “best sushi” in Hawai‘i, plans to pump “a couple hundred thousand dollars” into their new Kaua‘i restaurant along the main mall concourse across from Deja Vu, Lord said.
Kaua‘i’s Genki will offer the same plethora of sushi on revolving conveyor belts already enjoyed at its three O‘ahu restaurants. It’s expected to produce at least 10 to 15 jobs.
Famous Footwear will open a 4,900-square-foot store here, making it the fourth store in the state, along with hundreds of stores nationwide. The national chain provides top-quality, brand-name shoes at value prices.
After the new stores are in, minor work will be done to common areas and tenant locales, Lord said.
The mall’s anchor tenants including Macy’s, Sears, Longs Drug Store and Star Market, along with recently added trendy chains like Starbucks Coffee, Jamba Juice, Quiznos Sub, Blockbuster, The UPS Store, Cold Stone Creamery, Nextel, and Otsuka’s Mattresses & More.
The mall has recently added 24-hour guard service, a state-of-the-art video surveillance system, a cardboard and cooking-oil recycling program for tenants, new trash compactors, and energy-efficient lighting. The mall has a high-tech center stage with a new, $25,000 sound system, which should attract community and big-name performances.
“We’re really suited now to do any quality level and attract any group we want,” Lord said.
Kukui Grove Center leaders and merchants will be celebrating the renaissance throughout August, September and October, beginning with a grand reopening this Saturday, Aug. 7, when the guest of honor will be none other than internationally renowned Grove Farm owner Steve Case, founder of America Online.
Entertainment will include live music by the Brothers Cazimero, Kapena, Rohotu, Taiko Center of the Pacific, Kasibulan, and The Rubies, along with a guess-the-price contest, food samplings and more. Festivities begin at 12:45 p.m. with a chant by members of Na Hula ‘O Kaohikukapulani, and culminate at 8 p.m. with a fireworks extravaganza. Everyone on Kaua‘i is invited to attend.
The 2004 Kaua‘i Job Fair happens Saturday, Aug. 14, and the Ms. Aloha Queen Pageant happens Nov. 27.
Kukui Grove Center is owned and managed by Grove Farm Land Corp., and also managed by CB Richard Ellis. As the island’s largest shopping center, Kukui Grove has more than 50 stores and eateries and an extended campus that includes Home Depot, Borders Books Music & Cafe, Kmart and other retailers, activities, and office suites. Kukui Grove Center hours are Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, please call 245-7784.
Phil Hayworth, business editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or phayworth@pulitzer.net.
