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Island Yogurt Kailua Closing

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Went for some froyo today at Island Yogurt in Kailua only to see this sign.

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While we don’t froyo often, Island Yogurt was our go to spot with a variety of flavors and convenient parking. They’ve been there for several years (well as Orange Tree originally) but the rent just got too high.

When the Froyo Wars started in 2009, I wondered who would make it and who wouldn’t. From the list of contenders, I honestly don’t know who’s left standing, but Yogurt Mama is still holding it down in Kailua.

The Age of Froyo is essentially done superceded by the Age of Milk Tea and the continued climb of coffee…

Build Your Body at Volcanic Rock Gym

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No, I’m no rock climber and didn’t know abou the Volcanic Rock Gym near Punahou and in Kailua. The smaller Kailua location is all about climbing. Featuring walls of varying heights and angles, this smallish space is maximized with challenges, and the climbers there are maxed out themselves. Every regular that came by was fit and well muscled – backs, legs, arms, you name it. So obviously if you want to build up your body, climbing at Volcanic Rock Gym is what you need to do.

Look for the V

The Grand Opening of Shirokiya Village Walk Is a Madhouse

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Both you and I know that today’s grand opening of the Shirokiya Japan Village Walk would be well received by the Hawaii public.


But did you think it’s so well received that the line to enter snakes around the corner to Old Navy?


To put this in perspective, Old Navy is from the old school Ala Moana, essentially marking the Sears end of the mall. Then the new Ewa wing extended from there. So this line queues pass Pressed Juicery, the downstairs Bloomingdales’ entrances, and the upcoming Famous Footwear. Long enough where I wouldn’t wait, but devout Pulpconnection and Shirokiya fans would. 🙂

9:45 update: Before the 10:00 opening, the line now extends to Makai Market. Makai Market!! Thanks to Kakaako Connection for the updates.

10:14 update: Getting close…
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Shirokiya Opens on the Morrow

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shirokiya-village-walk-2After much anticipation, the new Shirokiya opens tomorrow, Saturday, June 25, 2016. It’s going to be a madhouse, and I’m going to stay away for a long time. Sure, it’s not the Shirokiya of old where you could find an assortment of all things from Japanese culture. Instead, food and experience takes the forefront at the Shirokiya Japan Village Walk.

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This new location is downstaris of Bloomingdales in the Ewa Wing, and when I went to check out the new spot, many disappointed shoppers walked by thinking the Village Walk was already open.

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It’ll be like old times, walking into the store with iconic logo.

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Ala Moana Mauka Wing Must Be Hurting

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With the migration of Nordstrom to Ala Moana’s Ewa Wing, the Mauka Wing has lost its main draw and businesses there must be hurting. Throughout the mall, there are signs telling shoppers there’s still life in the Mauka Wing.

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More than 25 stores in the Mauka Wing

No Go for These #RossFinds

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Had to say no to both of these shoes found at Ross aka #rossfinds. While each had its merits, they didn’t win me over in the end.

LeBron 11 Low

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I’ve been looking for shoes featuring the full length Air Max 360 for a long time. Finally, I came across these LeBron 11 Lows in the lava colorway in my size. While I could have definitely rocked the lava colors, King James and me don’t share the same foot shape. Even with the solid Air Max foundation underfoot, the arch support wasn’t enough. I could feel the inner, medial sides of the shoe flexing with the smallest of steps. I was targeting the 11 Lows as a lifestyle shoe, but if they can’t provide the support while walking around, what’s the point? Sadly, I put these and their paint-speckled Air Max bubble back on the shelf.

 

Jordan Flight Time 14.5

jordan-fight-timeFor the longest time, I never knew what these Jordan-branded kicks were. For the record, they are the Jordan Flight Time 14.5.  I always thought the 14.5 looked distinctive for a Team Jordan shoe. Each colorway works, especially these Chicago Bulls-inspired red, black, and white version.

The look is clean. The padded collar is a nice touch, and the fit was great for my feet. Although narrow mid-foot, these provided better arch support than the LeBron 11 Low. There’s decent tech in the shoe and best of all, they’re only $40. But look at them. They’re made to see court action, and that’s no longer me. I held on to these for some time before also putting them back on the shelf.

Instead, I’m actually looking forward to the upcoming Adidas Crazylight Boost 2016. Even at full price, this shoe looks uniquely different from other shoes on the market and features full length Boost. But I won’t find these at Ross for some time if ever.

 

A Chaotic Feeling at the New Nordstrom

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I can’t quite place my finger on it, but personally, I felt a sense of chaos while touring the new Nordstrom in the Ewa Wing of Ala Moana. It was just weird and different from the vibe of the original Nordstrom.

While the store is nice and new, the layout just felt chaotic for me. Like the recently-added Bloomingdale’s, distinguishing each department means decorating it differently. There are no walls or exceptionally tall partitions to separate floor space and departments. Multi-storied, the new location is essentially different floors of empty, flat space, not rooms or sections. I guess the original location was similary built, so maybe it’s the high ceilings with all that extra space that exacerbates that bad vibe.

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No interior walls

Then I hit the men’s shoe department. Usually, I enjoy the great finds here, enjoying some unique kicks. But I could hardly make my way through this “department.” It just felt so confusing like I was going the wrong way, and it was like I couldn’t get a good look at the shoes. Do I walk clockwise, counterclockwise, straight through? Even with the variety of shoes there, I just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy or even look at them with the chaotic layout too distracting.

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Right sides on display

And you know what I think the cause is? Again, it’s weird, but I think it’s the right side of the all the pairs of shoes on display. Thinking about it, I think most stores display the left shoe. Why? I don’t know, but I’m sure there’s some reason. So browsing amongst all the right pairs was just so disconcerting. The shoes were pointing one way, but I felt like I had to walk against this natural direction. Or maybe it’s because I’m right handed and picking up the right shoe in the displayed orientation, I would see the inner, medial side of it. But really, the outer side of the shoe is where it’s at.

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Do you walk counterclockwise and use your left hand to pickup a shoe?

I have to go back one day and see if that sense of confusion is still with me, but man that new Nordstrom just feels too chaotic.

Sports Authority Ending

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The end of Sports Authority is nearing as stores are clearing out their inventory. Even though the clearance has only recently begun, the stores are emptying out quickly. The Waikele location, the first on Oahu, makes no secret about the discounts.

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Although I didn’t take pictures inside the store, it was very empty. Items are still available, but I’m guessing all the “good stuff” is gone. And the discounts aren’t that good yet. There were Air Max running shoes in various sizes but still at $140 (before the discount which in general is 10%).

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