Is anyone on this forum a businessman or professional (Lahaina: sales, rent)

[Mahiahiono]

I am curious if anyone who reads these forum messages is a businessman or a professional such as doctor, lawyer etc.

[LMMKAT]

I am. Why?

[Mahiahiono]

Originally Posted by LMMKAT

I am. Why?

I have asked some questions about business environments in Waikiki and Lahaina, and all I ever get is the same boiler plate non-answers I would expect from "watch-the-world-go-by" faction.

What I am trying to find out at this point is what is the business climate in Waikiki, and what is the attitude towards smaller firms there? Also, is it possible for smaller companies, with sales in the $500,000 to $1,000,000 annually able to make a decent profit, or is it all churning gross and paying exorbidant rents, percentages, fees and taxes with nothing left over.

I am interested in setting up a shop there (currently Internet only), but I am not interested in going there for the "priviledge" of being there, but only if I can make a decent living ($150 to $200K) from store and online ops.

Obviously, I will take a trip there, but I am looking for info that is not "visible" from the street, and insiders would know.

[Calico Salsa]

Hard to resist the charm! LOL

I'm a businesswoman, what are your questions?

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by Mahiahiono

If you have some meaningful, substantive info, I am all ears. But if all you can offer is "spend some money and come here" that I don't really care for a response. Telling me the obvious is not helping. I am looking for info not visible from the street. Info that those who have experience in the market would know.

While it doesn't make much sense for a businessperson to offer free advice to a potential competitor, here are a few links that might be useful...
Smart Business Hawaii (http://www.smallbusinesshawaii.com/index.html - broken link)
Hawaii Business Magazine
Managing with Aloha

[Mahiahiono]

Originally Posted by Calico Salsa

Hard to resist the charm! LOL

I'm a businesswoman, what are your questions?

Thank you for your response.

I am interested in setting up a theme shop for a line of merchandise, of a wide variety for a well known "artist". It is all first quality merchandise as is the "art", and it is wholesome family stuff. Nothing offensive, rude etc.

What I would like to know is information like what is the business climate like in Waikiki these days as far as tourism levels, burdensome provisions imposed on retailers from either landlords or the city, state or special district authorities. Also, is there an attitude that facilitates or is against smaller stores with sales from $500,000 to perhaps $2M. Do the big boys rule with everyone left with chicken feed or what.

Basically, I am asking for one businessman's read of the viablity of Waikiki for a business of the size stated.

Also, is the homelessness still rampant, and what are the prospects for curing the condition.

Thanks,

MahiAhiOno

[Mahiahiono]

Originally Posted by Jonah K

While it doesn't make much sense for a businessperson to offer free advice to a potential competitor, here are a few links that might be useful...
Smart Business Hawaii (http://www.smallbusinesshawaii.com/index.html - broken link)
Hawaii Business Magazine
Managing with Aloha

Jonah,

TY very much. I will review those links, and appreciate your response.

MahiAhiOno

[mdand3boys]

You first asked if there where/are doctors or lawyers on the forum to give you business advice for opening an art-related business?

Before you "dismiss me"...

In no particular order:
Oahu is trying to raise the GET another 1% (which is a fancy sales tax on everything), including rent.
Hawaii even taxes wholesale sales between businesses.
Waikiki area has the highest rents in the state.
Tourism is way down and tourism feeds the Waikiki area.
There are numerous art shops on every single street and throughout every mall that cater to tourists.

[hothulamaui]

this article might help. retail rent per sq. foot is very expensive.
if you are planning on selling t-shirts or even a artist made hand carved turtle that the tourist might like to buy you have some huge competion. many people, at least on maui and oahu buy a boot space or two at the swap meet and make their money that way and lessen the overhead. most tourist with any savy know you can get tourist goodies at a much better price at the swap meets. good luck
Isle retail rent falls for first time in 6 years - Hawaii Business - Starbulletin.com

[lauleahere&there]

Originally Posted by Mahiahiono

I am interested in setting up a theme shop for a line of merchandise, of a wide variety for a well known "artist". It is all first quality merchandise as is the "art", and it is wholesome family stuff. Nothing offensive, rude etc.

Sounds like a Thomas Kinkade franchise.