Shopping for a Body Roller
This extra firm body roller looks like a good mix of price and reviews, j/fit Super High-Density Foam Roller, Black, 36×6-Inch
shopping
Nordstrom Ala Moana Moving
Wow, didn’t see this coming. Nordstrom in Ala Moana is not just renovating their six-year old store, they’re moving the entire location to the new expansion formerly occupied by Sears. Yes, Bloomingdales will still be there as well, but now so will Nordstroms.
I have to re-evaluate my coffee strategy with the migration of Nordie’s two eBars and their Mexican and Italian Mochas. What happens with the great “secret” parking of the Nordstrom structure? Will there be a dedicated parking structure in its future spot? Maybe now the Marketplace Cafe will have a better view than the bus stop.
Update: Astute Pulpy reader @dkMOMUS points out that the new rail system will be on Kona St, neighboring the existing Nordstrom location. High class couture and rail don’t mix assumedly. 😉
Gilly Hicks Ala Moana Closing
The unthinkable is approaching in 2014. Gilly Hicks is closing its doors, and not just the Ala Moana location, but all its stores. While the GH line of intimates will live on virtually, the physical stores will be extinct.
It was a short run for Gilly Hicks in Hawaii with a dramatic opening in 2012. Last Christmas, the store seemingly toned it down. Even though, the store is still young and full of vitality, apparently it couldn’t compete against the “jugs of nought” known as Victoria’s Secrets. Aren’t you going to miss the distinct scent of Gilly Hicks that permeates that wing of Ala Moana?
Your Pre and Post Black Friday Spot
Black Friday shopping craziness is at an all time high with stores opening before Black Friday. But just know this. Before, after, or even both, this 24-hour Starbucks drive thru in Kaneohe is your Black Friday ally. You know you’ll need that coffee to get in gear or to stay in gear to push through all that shopping.
Good hunting!
Ala Moana Unveilings
In the upcoming weeks, there’ll be some “unveilings” done at Ala Moana. Of course, there’s the grand opening of the new Microsoft Store on Thursday, June 13, 2013. Following the store’s launch is their exclusive concert featuring Macklemore & Ryan Lewis + Neon Trees (at Kakaako however).
The following week on June 19, this mysterious Lexus will be uncovered. It’s a reddish maroon IS model that’s completely covered over, including the wheels. Kinda gimmicky but if the car looked as is, then it’s kinda fascinating.
Even with these unveilings, do not forget the titans.
Where Titans Once Stood
It’s somewhat saddening to see these locations vacated and boarded up. Both stores were long time tenants at their respective shopping malls, Sears at Ala Moana and Cinnabon at Kahala Mall. Now, both are mere shells of these ancient titans.
Won a Tote Bag at Kipling Grand Opening
Trendy bag maker, Kipling, has come to Hawaii with its grand opening at Ala Moana. For a limited time, you can win various prizes by participating in in-store games and giveaways. Guess who won something?
Purely by luck, we beat the odds and won this Kipling tote.
Stop by the new store and test your luck. Thanks Kipling!
At the Coach Outlet
I think I’ve only been inside the Coach Outlet at Waikele once or twice since they’ve been in business, so I didn’t know what to expect. I found some interesting things.
Overall, I was flabbergasted by the prices. I expected expensive handbags and wallets but was blown away by the cost of the accessories. How much better can a $60 umbrella protect you from rain? A basic iPhone case on sale for $48?! And it’s only for the older iPhone 4/4S, not the newer 5. What costs more, a colorful hat or a pair of mittens with a leather strap? It’s a trick question; they cost the same at nearly $100 each! I need to get that fur lined hat – just because everyone in Hawaii needs one in his wardrobe.
Okay, the store’s interior is great. It’s clean, sleek, spacious, organized well, and very bright. I have to give kudos to the store’s “deejay.” I loved all the upbeat songs played which (I think) helps get people in the buying mindset. I had never heard of Surfer Blood or I Blame Coco before, but listen to these songs to convince yourself you need that $60 umbrella.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSeAwowu8GE&w=480&h=360]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j6VoW6vv9Y&w=480&h=270]
At Ala Moana Again
One more week closer to Christmas means one more shopping session at Ala Moana. This time, we went early to capitalize on Macy’s sale and early opening. The crowds are tolerable at 8am (that’s one hour after Macy’s opened), but the parking cones in the structure were blocking the stalls nearest Macy’s for some reason.
Anyways, what did I see this past weekend? Even the high traffic (and slow throughput) Starbucks in Macy’s had a few free-coffee-in-January tumblers still available. I wonder if these will be discounted at some point?
Macy’s sells Kitchen Aid mixers in a variety of colors. From the looks of things, the pink version is “hot.” I can’t imagine anyone trying to shoplift these heavy mixers.
Chilewich placemats. Never saw them before, but I liked the designs, but no, I didn’t buy any.
Wandered downstairs to ride the not-often-seen flat escalator. Where else in Hawaii can you ride one of these?
Since I was nearby Champ’s Sports, I figured I’d stop by to see any new releases. Champs was about to open at 9:30, and there was a small line waiting to get in. I learned that this new Kevin Durant KD5 colorway dropped.
But the KD5 wasn’t the real prize. This was.
The Air Jordan 11 “BRED” are releasing next week and with all the chaos that’s recently accompanied Nike releases, there are new policies in place. Instead of lining up for the release, Champs and Foot Locker implemented a raffle system where random shoppers are picked to purchase the new release. Since I was there, it was kismet that I got myself a ticket. 🙂
Shopping at Nordstroms is so much fun. I don’t actually think I’ve bought anything from this upscale retailer, but you definitely get a different point of view shopping here. Here’s a great example.
Okay, okay, it really says “Gifts We Love Under $100,” but I read it as “Gifts Under $100.” Under a $100?! Only at Nordies!
What’s probably not under $100 at Nordstroms are these sequined (bedazzled) UGGs.
And definitely not under $100 is this special edition Viktor & Rolf Bugaboo Chameleon stroller. Yes, its handles are leather bound for the driver.
What was supremely surprising walking Ala Moana Center? The number of out of order escalators. Still. I encountered a few in the past few weeks, and they were still broken. Not just one or two, but four were busted.
Will there be one more visit  to Ala Moana before Christmas? I doubt it since I think we’re done shopping. But you just never know…
Here are even more pictures from our shopping spree.
Seen at Ala Moana
With Christmas approaching quickly, we’ve been spending more time at Ala Moana. Surprisingly, things are changing just as fast at the mall as I’ve noticed new things each time. Â Here are some shots.
I’m sure I’ll be heading to Ala Moana one, maybe two more times before the big day so I’ll see what else changed in this short time.
Name These Stores
Can you identify these stores by the billboards in their entryways?
The first one is easy to find with the #sochill So Cal taglines. Lesson learned from Store #1, in your next photo session, all you Bettys be sure to lift up your dude’s shirt just because.
And honestly, I don’t remember what Store #2 is.
Gilly Hicks Toned It Down
Maybe only because it was early on a Sunday morning did it seem like Gilly Hicks (Ala Moana) was toned down. There were no models greeting us at the doorway (nor did I find @abaggy). All the youthful employees were quietly busy folding and refolding clothes.
Overall everything seemed more muted. There was still that dramatic tone within the store, just not as acute as before. The store looked better lit, and the music not as loud, or maybe because the store wasn’t packed with people? Anyways, this shopping experience wasn’t as disorienting as my first visit.
During this quieter time, I observed a few more things. Each room is equipped with several ceiling mounted speakers. Some are small, but it looks like midrange or even powered Tannoy subwoofers are in each room.
The lighting inside while dramatic is confusing. What color are these clothes?
I also realized there is only one area to ring up your purchases. Yep, the set of registers all the way in the back is it. During this toned down Sunday morning, basic business etiquette was forgotten. There was a lone clerk working a single register with a long queue forming. And the single clerk was tied up ringing up a monstrous order but did not call for backup. Why? I don’t know. So I wandered the store looking for other workers and feigned ignorance asking where the checkout line was. When the young employee told me where I knew the registers were, I not-so-cunningly replied back, “You mean the one with the real long line?!”
She asked, “There’s a long line?” and I had to ask the rhetorical question if there were any other checkout lines to drive home the point. Needless to say more employees started streaming out of the Gilly Hicks catacombs and all three registers were now in action.
On the way out, I had to spritz some Gilly Hicks perfume in the air for victory. 🙂