December 13, 2007

HONOLULU – On January 1, Ala Moana Center presents Fukubukuro – a time-honored retail tradition in Japan – that provides shoppers the opportunity to purchase Happy Grab Bags filled with mystery merchandise, but sold at half the retail value of the contents inside.  The 2008 event will enable shoppers to find Fukubukuro deals at 29 retailers center-wide and enjoy live Japanese cultural entertainment at Centerstage by renowned Taiko expert and performer Kenny Endo and the Taiko Center of the Pacific.

Each year, Fukubukuro at Ala Moana Center gains more and more popularity attracting hundreds of shoppers who line-up at their favorite store hours in advance, eager to get their hands on at least one of the highly sought after bags.  Ala Moana Center’s annual Fukubukuro event began in 2004 and was inspired by Japan’s lavish, New Year’s Day event which attracts hundreds of thousands of excited shoppers hoping to cash in on the first sale and deal of the year. 

For many participating retailers in Japan, Fukubukuro is a way to kick-off a prosperous New Year by offering customers an incredible deal and get sales off to a positive start.

“In Japan, Fukubukuro is as popular as Black Friday is here in the United States and Ala Moana Center is pleased to present this annual Japanese retail tradition in the Islands for the enjoyment of our customers,” said Ala Moana Center’s Director of Tourism, Matthew Derby. “Over the years, Fukubukuro has grown in popularity amongst island residents, who plan their first shopping visit of the new year at Ala Moana Center to partake in the festivities.”

Once again, the Center’s Fukubukuro bags will offer a new signature design – this year featuring a white tote with many colorful icons. Approximately 2,008 Happy Grab Bags will be sold through 29 participating Ala Moana Center stores – some with very limited supplies on hand. The bags range in price from $20 (available at Claire’s) to $1,000 (available at Fendi) and are sold at about half the value of the contents inside (a bag selling for $1,000 would contain at least $2,000 in merchandise at full retail value). All bags are sealed to prevent shoppers from knowing the contents until they are opened.

This year, the Center’s 29 participating stores include:

Alfred Dunhill, Animation Magic, Baccarat, Bally, Betsey Johnson, Bobby Jones, Bonheur, Celine, Claire’s, Diesel USA, Fendi, Folli Follie, Hawaiian Quilt Collection, LeSportsac, Locals Only, L’Occitane, Lucky Brand Jeans, Lupicia Fresh Tea, Maui Divers Jewelry, Max & Co., Neiman Marcus, Pacific Harley-Davidson, Philip Rickard, Shanghai Tang, The Body Shop, The Compleat Kitchen, Thinker Toys Up & Riding, and W Salon.

After customers stock up on the great bargains, they can head down to Centerstage to experience another aspect of Japan’s unique culture, with exciting entertainment by Kenny Endo of Taiko Center of the Pacific from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Endo and his ensemble will perform a total of three sets, including a traditional kumi daiko (group drumming performance), a contemporary musical ensemble performance, as well as Kotobuki Jishi (Japanese lion dance).

Ala Moana Center’s Fukubukuro bags are available for one day only, on New Year’s Day. Each participating store will offer only a limited number of bags, which will contain a variety of products from that particular retailer. Bags available while supplies last. All sales final on Fukubukuro merchandise.