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windward mall

Giving Seattle’s Best a Chance

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Since Starbucks is making way for Seattle’s Best Coffee in the Borders location at Windward Mall, I figured I better give them a chance. While picking up some Pinoy power at the Ward Borders, I juiced up at Seattle’s Best.

Seattles Best Coffee

The coffee was good, but the service was great! Very friendly staff who was willing to explain things. Better yet, they informed me of the Friday special – buy a bag of coffee and get a free medium drink. The barista went over the various coffee beans of Seattle’s Best, and I settled on the seasonal, all around Beach House Blend which is geared towards iced coffee.

Windward Mall Still is a Deathtrap

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Some things just never change. There was hope, but I wondered if Windward Mall really had it together. The unfortunate answer is clearly evident after I saw this.

Windward Mall Starbucks Closing

Yes, the Starbucks inside Borders Books at Windward Mall is closing. Can you name another location where both a McDonalds and Starbucks closed its businesses? Signs of a financial deathtrap if you ask me.

To be fair, while Starbucks is closing, a Seattle’s Best Coffee will take its place. And yes, Starbucks does own the Seattle’s Best chain, but still, losing a Starbucks is a blow to Windward Mall’s image.

Borders (and Starbucks) Windward Mall

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Can it be? Has Windward Mall risen from its deathtrap status, gotten a pulse, and now renovated with the addition of Borders and finally, a Starbucks? How things have changed!

Borders Windward Mall
Borders Windward Mall

The Borders is kinda small, maybe smaller than the Pearlridge one. And like the Pearlridge Borders and the renovated Waikele Borders, the Starbucks “inside” of Borders is set apart. Instead of being integrated as part of the store like the previous Borders coffee bars, the partnering Starbucks locations typically have their own entrances and are walled off from Borders.

Starbucks inside of Borders Windward Mall
Starbucks inside of Borders Windward Mall

Though I ain’t complaining. At least there is a Starbucks in the Mall.

Windward Mall Going Upscale

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My oh my, how the face of Windward Mall is changing. I’ve made the comment once or twice that Windward Mall is a financial deathtrap, but it looks like the Mall has a pulse that’s only getting stronger. There’s the addition of several stores and restaurants, but the interior look of the Mall is upscaling similar to that of Uptown Pearlridge. Etched glass lines the second floor railings, cushy seating areas are now available, and everything looks more hip. Here’s a quick peek.

And to revive an old poll, I ask, “What’s your favorite Hawaii shopping mall?

What’s Your Favorite Hawaii Shopping Mall?
Ala Moana. I like to shop with tourists.
Pearlridge. Ewa side represent!
Kahala Mall. Ewa side not represented.
Windward Mall. It is NOT a death trap.
Victoria Ward Area. Hip and modern.
Shopping Mall? On-line shopping is where it’s at.
Swap Meet and Flea Market. The bestest deals.


Free polls from Pollhost.com

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Windward Mall Has a Pulse

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Beep… beep… beep. Windward Mall actually has a pulse and is not dead yet. Massive renovations were planned and are almost complete giving this deathtrap a new chance at life.

Notable new additions include d.e.m.o., Lids, Sanrio, Journeys, Cinnamon Girl, and Clearwire. Don’t forget Ruby Tuesdays is already there, Farrell’s is open for business, and IHOP opens next week.

The Mall is getting another boost with the coming of a full sized Borders featuring a Starbucks cafe. At last, the only mall in Hawaii without a Starbucks is joining the caffeine addicted.

Windward Mall Getting Renovated

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Windward Mall is getting a much needed facelift with a $23-million renovation planned for the Summer of 2006. The last renovation was in 1982 when JC Penneys was the hottest place to shop.

Yeah, we know about the opening of Ruby Tuesdays and IHOP and the return of Farrells. A 22,000-square foot bookstore is also planned. Hmm.. not sure about the viability of that one. How about a few more $1 stores for good measure? And how about a coffee place like Starbucks (oops, across the street already), Coffee Bean, or Seattle’s Best?

I’ve called Windward Mall a (financial) deathtrap in the past, but with these improvements, it’ll be a swanky deathtrap instead.

Windward Mall is a Death Trap

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A few reasons that Windward Mall is a (financial) death trap.

  • About half of the spaces are unoccupied (okay, only 15% unoccupied according to the Star Bulletin in 2004)
  • Several stores are seasonal and shutdown after the Holidays
  • Two to three 99-cent stores are open for business
  • Too many Hawaiiana or craft stores
  • People still think JC Penneys is still there
  • Jan Ken Po Trivia show, hosted by Lanai and Augie, changes location to Kapiolani Park
  • McDonalds willingly closes down (other notable closures – The Gap, Marie Calendar’s Restaurant and Bakery)

Let’s see if the new Farrells or Camille Velasco’s IHOP can revive business at the Mall.