HONOLULU (KHON2) — Forget just shopping, Hawaii malls are turning into event spaces. From food festivals and concert venues, they’re making bold moves to bring customers back through their doors.
From volleyball games to an upcoming concert, Windward Mall is getting creative to stay relevant.
“They come here because it’s unique,” Windward Mall General Manager Cesar Topacio explained. “It’s exciting and they can go shopping after or go dining after.”
In response to shifting shopping habits, Windward Mall continues to reinvent itself, breaking away from the traditional mall model by thinking outside the box to draw crowds.
The latest event is Maile’s After Hours, a concert happening inside the Paina Koolau Food Court on June 14 at 8 p.m.
“I always wanted to open a bar and this was just a perfect opportunity,” Krave Marketing organizer Samantha Amendola said. “We have such a great working relationship with Windward Mall, and they were looking forward to the opportunity to have something else here.”
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“We’ve kind of talking about it for a while as well. You know, like before Noods opened, it was something that we kind of talked about doing so the opportunity arose, and we kind of just jumped on it,” Krave Marketing organizer Ben Marumoto explained.
Marumoto said the event is 21 and over and there will be several food options as well.
Customers, like Brenda Dela Cruz said they are looking forward to the concert and is ready to enjoy all the different events held at the mall.
“I think it is (great) if it’s done right,” Dela Cruz said. “And everybody respects the rules and regs and stuff, and all be safe, I think, why not.”
“We are always excited not only because of the event itself, because we always think if the events work all our tenants will benefit from either by foot traffic and of course business.” Topacio said.
Pearlridge Center has also been known for boldly experimenting with new ways to attract customers.
Their Saturday Village Night Market continues to draw crowds. The foodie-centric event features trending local food and craft vendors, beer, cocktails, ample covered seating and live music.
In a statement, a spokesperson from Pearlridge Center said, “At Pearlridge Center, we proudly position ourselves as a gathering place for the community. Through thoughtfully curated events we strive to enrich the lives of our visitors with unique and diverse experiences.”
Click here for more information about events at Windward Mall, and click here for Pearlridge Center