That’s right…we finally get one. After living on the mainland for both my undergraduate and graduate years in college, I start to notice how mainland store slowly start to trickle in to Hawaii. First it was Abercrombie, then it was Best Buy, and now we are going to get a Whole Foods Market.
With Star Market closing at the Kahala Mall location, there was talk that Walgreens might take over that spot. Now, it has been confirmed that Whole Foods will take over the existing Star Market spot with their grand opening scheduled next year. With 26,000 of vacated space, expect this Whole Foods to be large and grand.
This doesn’t mean that Whole Foods will not be opening at the Ward Village Shops across of Kakaako Kitchen. In fact, both Whole Foods will be opening, but the Kahala Mall market will open first. This is great news for us, especially for those who like to live healthy. With Whole Foods being the largest retailer of natural and organic foods, the other smaller natural food stores in Hawaii will be competing fiercely for business. Stores like Umeke Market and Down To Earth will now have to face two Whole Foods on the island.
Kahala Mall is the perfect location since most of the people who live in that area are pretty well off. With natural and organic foods costing more than normal markets, Whole Foods has strategically placed themselves in a perfect location.
A Hawaiian blessing will be held for Whole Foods on Monday morning at the Star Market location at Kahala Mall. Check it out!
- Star Market in Kahala Closing Tomorrow
- Yet Another Hawaii Business Closing…Patisserie at Kahala Mall
- Star Market Closing in Two Locations
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May 30th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Overpriced organic foods… Yeah!!! I love their meat though. I am worried about the small stores that you mentioned. My guess is they will be closed in couple years. There is no room for a small retail business in this country any more unfortunately.
June 1st, 2007 at 4:58 am
I’m a local girl who lived in California when going to grad school, and what I would like is a Trader Joe’s — in Hilo, because that is where I now live.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Whole foods is a great store carrying more, better, and different varieties of health food. How much more do we need? Eating a whole-food diet should consist of all things fresh and natural. If I am not mistaken, Down To Earth and Umeke Market provided the island of Oahu with just that. Is Whole Foods supporting our local produce? I feel that it is important to support the small business’s and to be aware that we don’t get too caught up in the hype of it all. Hawai’i was once a simple place. As people we create the world , it is up to us to change it. Yes, find balance in your life, diet, and consuming style’s. If you are depending on a grocery store for your food, it is time to plant a garden…….