The announcement of the closing of Sears at Ala Moana Center evoked nostalgia and resignation as well as excitement over possible successors.
"I want Target, Kohl’s, Applebee’s, Olive Garden — I want what Hawaii never had," said Kammi Koza of Honolulu.
The arrival of Trader Joe’s, outdoor sporting apparel and equipment retailer REI, Powell’s Books, Krispy Kreme and In-N-Out Burger would be great news for Baron Sekiya. A new, state-of-the-art Sports Authority, with the latest exercise equipment and personal trainers, seems like a good fit to Mike Spain of Hilo.
The owner of Ala Moana, General Growth Properties, hasn’t said what will replace Sears, but did say it is in talks with retailers ranging from national department stores and big-box chains to boutiques.
The Star-Advertiser put out a call over the Internet to readers for suggestions on what they would like to see occupy the Sears space at Ala Moana. Here’s the response we got with the number of votes for each:
» Fry’s Electronics: Home and car electronics and appliances warehouse chain (5 votes)
» Kohl’s: department store chain (3)
» IKEA: furniture chain (3)
» Target: department store chain (2)
» Trader Joe’s: specialty grocery chain (2)
» Applebee’s: chain restaurant (1)
» Harbor Freight Tools: national retail tool chain (1)
» In-N-Out Burger: Regional restaurant chain (1)
» Krispy Kreme: doughnut chain (1)
» Olive Garden: chain restaurant (1)
» REI: athletic apparel, shoes and equipment chain (1)
» Sports Authority: athletic apparel, shoes and equipment chain (1)
» VF Corp. outlet store: Reef, Lee and Wrangler, Kipling, Timberland, Nautica, etc. (1)
