OluKai expands footprint onto U.S. mainland
OluKai has opened its first store outside of Hawaii.
The Hawaiian-inspired footwear brand has opened a 1,600 sq.-ft. location at Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, Calif. It joins the company's six existing stores in Hawaii, three of which are in Honolulu.
Each OluKai store tells a different story and always pulls inspiration from the local community and Irvine is no exception. It represents the brand’s “Anywhere Aloha” mission tied to the idea of “Laulima,” meaning many hands working together — a nod to the farming heritage of Orange County.
The store design resembles that of a canoe hale, paying homage to Hawaiian fishing communities. (A canoe hale is an A-frame structure built in traditional Hawaiian style.)
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Photo courtesy of OluKai. -
Photo courtesy of OluKai. -
Photo courtesy of OluKai. -
Photo courtesy of OluKai. -
Photo courtesy of OluKai.
“OluKai carries its tradition of unique consumer experiences, at prime locations with best-in-class retail streets and centers, targeting accelerated store growth across the country over the next few years,” said Kerry Konrady, chief marketing officer. “In doing so we’ll partner with the top-tier landlords that share our ambition without compromising the high standards we both uphold.”
OluKai, whose assortment ranges from casual slippers and sandals to casual shoes and golf styles, is one of the retail brands in Archipelago Companies’ portfolio. It also includes Melin, a lifestyle headwear brand, and Roark, a modern adventure lifestyle brand designed for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. SRS Real Estate Partners is assisting all three brands with their national rollout in new markets.
“Irvine Spectrum Center and the Irvine Company are thrilled to welcome OluKai’s first U.S. mainland location as well as Roark’s first Orange County store,” said Ken Gillett, president of Irvine Company Retail Properties. “These dynamic brands are a perfect complement to our current tenant mix and we are pleased to have them as part of our portfolio.”