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I prefer the new development, which will be a lot more than just a Saks. Especially since they will save many of the trees. The IMP is long past it's prime.
I have read many of the IMP vendors plan to relocate to the small boat harbor near the Hilton Hawaiian Village once that redevelopment is completed. So all may not be lost for those who love the IMP shops. But I'm sure the "vibe" will be gone.
But for me, I prefer the new development and assume it will be similar to Lewers.
The land there doesn't belong to me, so I don't feel entitled to dictate what is done with it.
...aaand you're not... and you can't. But you have no preference?
I rarely go there, myself. I always try to picture how things looked when Bob Hope hung out here. And when the brat-packers partied here. Those were days of glamour. That's how I picture it anyway.
The thing I like about the International Market Place is that it breaks up the monotony. It is something different in the long line of high end shops for Japanese tourists. That said, I can see how there is more money to be made for the current land owners by changing it. It would be nice if they could at least leave the front open and leave as many trees as they can.
Oh wow. I don't think I've seen the current market place. That rendering seems a fur piece (Arkansan for a long ways away) from the island style. hmmm....
Wonder if all those high rises will bring in enough people to support such a big addition to upscale retail?
Oh wow. I don't think I've seen the current market place. That rendering seems a fur piece (Arkansan for a long ways away) from the island style. hmmm....
Wonder if all those high rises will bring in enough people to support such a big addition to upscale retail?
Not sure how much the rendering shows the accuracy, but it looks like 90% of what is being built in Honolulu IMO.
I was just at ala moana center tonight and store after store, the japanese were in and out en masse, so I am guessing they are courting that demo, the Smith Family from Indiana on their Pleasant Hawaiian Holiday package are probably not on their radar. Most of the tourists shopping at ala moana more than likely are staying in Waikiki, so I would imagine a high end retail store such as Saks would do well as only a Macys on Kalakaua is currently the only dept store and it is looking very tired, and a gleaming new 'shopping center' will not fail to attract what is already a packed Kalakaua Ave at almost all hours. I think the stores hours on Kalakaua almost stay open until 11 pm.
Which would you prefer, the International Market Place or Saks Fifth Avenue?
Oh, by all means, let's get rid of the Hawai'i thing and put in the New York thing, and see how many tourists want to shop at the same store they don't shop in at home.
After all, nothing says "Polynesia" like Saks Fifth Avenue!
After all, nothing says "Polynesia" like Saks Fifth Avenue!
Saks Fifth Avenue will be packed when it opens and it will stay packed. The main markets for Saks will be the fast growing international market and local residents. It isn't being built for residents from somewhere like LA.
Besides Saks, there will be 60 other shops (why do people gloss over that), 7 restaurants (another fact overlooked), and a 750 car parking garage (sorely needed in Waikiki).
The new development will certainly boost the local economy and provide more jobs.
Saks Fifth Avenue will be packed when it opens and it will stay packed. The main markets for Saks will be the fast growing international market and local residents. It isn't being built for residents from somewhere like LA.
Besides Saks, there will be 60 other shops (why do people gloss over that), 7 restaurants (another fact overlooked), and a 750 car parking garage (sorely needed in Waikiki).
The new development will certainly boost the local economy and provide more jobs.
Like the last 30 years of major developments have changed the local economy and provided new jobs? Don't get me wrong, new developments has its place in society. But unlike what most think, Its not a cure all. We could pave all the islands, bring every new business to Hawaii etc. But still face the same issue of expensive cost of living, lower paying wages etc, but by then the damage would be unfixable. The Hawai'i as most have known her will be lost.
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