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JAHilo Hattie Gets New Owners
The new owners of Hilo Hattie, TOC Inc, have announced long term plans to build a new flag ship store at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki. The company, which took over operations from private owners in July, admits that it is taking over the chain during a rough patch. Tourist numbers are soft and sales at the stores are falling, but the company is confident that it can increase revenue at the shops by fine tuning operations and by reaching out to local customers.
The new owners plan to boost the "authenticity" of the store by carrying more products that are made locally, including food items, clothing and gifts. The company has also announced that it will be seeking alliances with other firms. Currently, Maui Divers Jewelry rents floor space at Hilo Hattie shops and the company has said that it will make more showcases available for interested vendors.
Along with the change in strategy, the company announced that it will not be closing any of its stores nor will there be any changes in staffing. The chain runs seven stores, five in Hawaii and two in Southern California and employs roughly 200 to 300 workers.
