There are two generally reliable measures of when a location is becoming hip – artists start moving into the area, and natural food stores arrive in town.
In Kakaako, Honolulu, branches of Whole Foods Market and Hawaiin natural food chain Down To Earth are each about to open imminently. Both retailers have held job fairs the fashionable district, that is already known for its juice bars and casual eateries.
A former industrial zone, full of redundant warehouses, Kakaako has the classic makings of hipster cred. The region already boats achingly cool retail and restaurant complex SALT. The arrival of Whole Foods and Done To Earth cement the district’s claim to trendiness.
Talking to local news outlet khon2, Down to Earth store manager Steven Hutch said: “There’s lots of restaurants, places to eat, cool little shops, but there’s not really any grocery store. That’s one of the reasons why the retailer decided on the location to open its biggest store to date.
Kakaako is Down to Earth’s sixth location in the Hawaii. The retailer is growing because the demand for organic, natural foods have increased significantly in recent years.
Kakaako will be Whole Foods’ fourth store in Hawaii (its existing stores are in Honolulu, Kailua and Maui). The store will form part of the upscale Ward Village development.
Main image: Artist’s impression of the new Whole Foods Market (Ward Village)