LIHUE — Ross Dress for Less is coming to the Kukui Grove Center. Wade Lord, general manager for Kukui Grove, made the announcement before a handful of business leaders Thursday. “I’m here to tell you for certain that Ross is
LIHUE — Ross Dress for Less is coming to the Kukui Grove Center.
Wade Lord, general manager for Kukui Grove, made the announcement before a handful of business leaders Thursday.
“I’m here to tell you for certain that Ross is coming to Kukui Grove,” Lord said, confirming the slew of coconut wireless talk which filled the social media over the past several months. “They will be located right across from Sports Authority.”
Ross Dress for Less, scheduled to open in the fall, will occupy the location formerly filled by Sears. Ross is looking at a fall opening. It offers discounted clothes, shoes, furniture, houseware and toys.
Kauai Chamber of Commerce President Randy Francisco said Ross will add another much requested retailer to Kauai’s retail landscape.
“No longer will residents have to go to Honolulu to stop at Ross, which will provide all of us another added convenience and price points of which Ross is known for,” he said.
Lord said a sign of the improving economy is seen in the mall’s leasing efforts as national tenants are returning, looking to fill voids in the marketplace.
“The signing of these national tenants is exciting for us,” Lord said. “They are going to add so much in terms of shopping choices for our customers.”
In 2013, Kukui Grove Center signed new leases with America’s Mattress, Taco Del Mar, Pier 1 Imports, Sports Authority, and Haleakala Solar.
Over the past 12 months, it has renewed and extended leases with nine tenants. This year, it is in the process to do the same with six more.
Kukui Grove’s stores saw a 3 percent rise in overall sales in 2013.
“The trend led by national retailers is starting to impact decisions made by local and regional retailers wishing to expand, or relocate,” Lord said.
Pier 1 Imports, scheduled to open in May, is reportedly looking to hire 25 people. The Sports Authority, also looking at an opening in May, will hire 80 to 100 people. James Saladin has been announced as the Kauai store manager. Ross will be hiring 60 to 80 people.
These three tenants are projected to generate about $25 million in annual sales.
To accommodate the growth, Kukui Grove Center will be hosting a job fair Saturday and Sunday.
“The retail industry is a great place to build a career, or as a training ground for other areas,” Lord said. “Our stores, 16 of which will be offering employment opportunities at the weekend’s job fair, are looking for more than 200 good people to be a part of something really cool.”
When Sears closed last year, 41 jobs were lost. Within the new stores, Kukui Grove Center employment will increase by 165 workers.
Lord said in retail, change is the only constant.
Of the original six anchor tenants there when the mall opened 33 years ago, none except Longs Drugs are still there.
“Retail moves as a dizzying pace,” Lord said. “Yesterday’s hot trends are gone and replaced by more nimble and forward-thinking retailers.”
Lord said the labor and economic impacts of the mall are an integral part of Kauai’s growth and sustainability. Last year, Kukui Grove’s tenant sales were in excess of $100 million, not including service tenants such as banks.
“The economic activity as a result of these tenant sales at Kukui Grove is more than $400 million annually, in addition to hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual property tax revenues,” he said. “This activity and positive impact on the economy will significantly increase with the opening of Pier 1, Sports Authority, and Ross Dress for Less.”
Francisco agreed.
He said Kukui Grove’s addition of the three new national retailers demonstrates their strong belief and commitment in the long-term economic outlook and viability of Kauai as a positive place to conduct business and contribute to the island.
“While these retailers took a bit of time to finally make their way to Kauai, they conducted their due diligence and analysis. It demonstrates everyone’s efforts to continue to refresh and rejuvenate this 33 years young premiere shopping center and experience,” Francisco said. “My hats off to the owners and the leadership of Wade Lord, the team and all the tenants for adding to Kauai’s business choices.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
