In the span of 72 hours, the Kauai community learned that Sears — which has been on island for more than 25 years — was closing its stores on island, and that Safeway, Jack in the Box, Walgreens and Petco
In the span of 72 hours, the Kauai community learned that Sears — which has been on island for more than 25 years — was closing its stores on island, and that Safeway, Jack in the Box, Walgreens and Petco were going to move into a yet-to-be-built Puhi shopping center in 2014.
The news of national chains leaving our island isn’t new — in a few short years, Blockbuster, Borders and Cold Stone Creamery have left the island, and its Lihue storefronts still remain vacant.
Others have pointed out that Jack in the Box used to have a Lihue location, where No. 1 restaurant is currently along the Kuhio Highway.
The turnover of storefronts has not been limited to the big-box stores.
Local businesses have felt the economic crunch, too. Among the casualties include Tutu’s Soup Hale in Wailua, a popular breakfast spot; Aloha Kauai Pizza, which was in operation for 20 years; Big Save in Lihue; and Del’s Feed and Farm Supply, a popular farm and pet supply store.
Or you can just walk through the Coconut MarketPlace and count the empty windows.
It’s never fun to have see your mother, brother, neighbor, auntie or friend laid off, or forced to close up shop.
Businesses here face many challenges — exorbitant freight costs, expensive leases, dependence on tourism, and accessibility.
The lesson here is that no business is too big or too small to fail. To survive, they must offer excellent service and products, and have a strong financial plan. Most do. That’s why their doors are open.
But we can make a difference.
Whether you prefer the discounts at the big-box store, or in favor of the attentiveness of an independent business owner, what we can do as consumers is vote with our wallets — and hope it’s enough to keep our favorite places here.
