It wasn’t even open yet, but Pier 1 Imports was making waves at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
Passers-by continually pressed their faces up against the glass at both of the store’s entrances Thursday morning, shielding their eyes from the sunlight so they could catch a closer look at the goings on within Hilo’s newest shopping destination.
Upon seeing people milling about inside, they would attempt to walk through the locked doors with a loud clattering, followed by a disappointed look.
“Tomorrow. I’m sorry,” mouthed Pier 1 spokeswoman Chrissy Madison as she shrugged her shoulders and pointed to signs on the doors that read, “Media Tours Today. Grand Opening Tomorrow.”
The home decor and furniture store officially will open its doors to the public today at 10 a.m., and East Hawaii’s vaunted “coconut wireless” system already had done a pretty good job of getting the word out about the opening, she said.
The Hilo store, located in the space formerly occupied by the Sure Foundation Hilo church across from International House of Pancakes, marks the second Pier 1 for Hawaii Island, after the company established a presence in Kailua-Kona in 2012.
Both Big Island stores represent a new breed of store concept for the retailer, which initially was rolled out in 2011. The design includes natural-colored floor tiles, rustic ceiling elements, enhanced lighting and lit shelving units lining the walls, helping customers see how the merchandise will look in their own homes.
Boasting 10,538 square feet of retail space, Hilo’s Pier 1 is larger than Kona’s, but the offerings for sale are largely the same. Outdoor furnishings sell especially well year-round in Hawaii, Madison said.
All told, Pier 1 now operates eight stores in the state, showing the company’s commitment to the communities here, according to a prepared statement by Pier 1 President and CEO Alex W. Smith.
“Pier 1 Imports offers merchandise that fits all decorating styles, as well as a broad array of affordable holiday decor, furniture and gifts, and we look forward to continuing to share our unique shopping experience with the residents and visitors of Hawaii,” he was quoted as saying.
The various items lined the walls from floor to ceiling. From lava stone statues of monks playing a flute, to multi-colored Swingasan hanging chairs, the store’s wide variety of knickknacks and decorative items run the gamut.
Pricing ranges from $1 to $2 for small seasonal items such as stocking stuffers and Easter decorations, to pricier furnishings, such as a $1,600 sofa.
Michelle Jerden, who grew up in Mountain View, returns to East Hawaii to serve as the store’s general manager after working at the Pier 1 in Kona.
“I’m super excited about being here,” she said Thursday. “I moved out here to open the store, and this time I’ll have my own store.”
The store is staffed by 25 part-time employees, as well as a full-time assistant manager and three other managers.
The public is invited to observe a ceremonial Hawaiian blessing and untying of the maile lei at 9:30 a.m., followed by the opening of Pier 1’s doors at 10 a.m. today.
There will be giveaways for the first 300 shoppers, including cookies from Big Island Delights, a free Pier 1 Imports reusable bag and signature back-scratcher, as well as other festivities throughout the day.
Email Colin M. Stewart at cstewart@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
