Maui Shoppers ‘Love T.J. Maxx’
T.J. Maxx staff await their first customers. Photo: Debra Lordan.
By Debra Lordan
Despite intermittent rain, approximately 150 shoppers began lining up as early as 6 a.m. outside T.J. Maxx for its grand opening in Maui Mall on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015 (see slideshow below).
Approximately 40 guests, including county officials, T.J. Maxx staff and contractor representatives, gathered under a tent in the parking lot outside the front door of the new store.
The 30-minute grand opening program and blessing began at 7:30 a.m., emceed by Maui Now Meteorologist Malika Dudley. Speakers included T.J. Maxx District Manager George Del Fierro; Store Manager Jean Nelson; representatives from Alberta Development Partners, the owners of the mall; and others.
Fanchette Robinson and her mother, Maggie Sniffen, said they love shopping at T.J. Maxx. Photo: Debra Lordan.
County Councilman Don Couch Maui County and Managing Director Keith Regan were in attendance, representing Mayor Alan Arakawa, who is playing softball in Kona today, Regan said.
Near the end of the ceremony, T.J. Maxx representatives presented a $5,000 check to Stacey Moniz, director of Women Helping Women, which provides emergency shelter and programs for victims of domestic violence.
Teri Fouts of Kihei loves T.J. Maxx’s prices and quality. Photo: Debra Lordan.
Fanchette Robinson and her mother, Maggie Sniffen, said they are “super excited” that there is a T.J. Maxx on Maui, commenting on the great prices and outstanding quality of the merchandise.
“I want to do all my Christmas shopping here,” said Robinson.
Teri Fouts of Kīhei said she loves T.J. Maxx.
“Only T.J. Maxx could get me out of bed this early, said Fouts. “I love their prices and their quality, especially their silver jewelry, shoes, housewares, clothes… well, everything! I should be their spokesperson!”
T.J. Maxx has brands no other stores on Maui have, said Donna Brown of Waiehu. Photo: Debra Lordan.
“I got here at 6 a.m.,” said Donna Brown of Waiehu. She was accompanied by her husband and her son, who is in a wheelchair.
“Besides the great prices and quality, I love the variety,” said Brown. “T.J. Maxx has brands no other stores on Maui have. I also love the wider aisles and smaller shopping carts. There is more room for people in wheelchairs as well.
T.J. Maxx staff member Dianah Kapoi of Kahului said she got her new position through the store’s job fair in July.
“T.J. Maxx is something new and good for Maui,” Kapoi said. “The store is amazing.”
Kevin Dupuis, an information technology expert with Enterprise Tech Services-Implementation, which provides IT services for the store, said he couldn’t miss the opening of Maui’s first store. “I had to be here—I love doing these,” he said.
The doors opened to shoppers at 8 a.m.; by 9 a.m., the checkout line of approximately 125 shoppers extended down a side aisle and across the back wall of the new store, as more customers poured through the front doors.
The 26,000-square-foot national retailer sells designer brands and household items at discount prices.
Women Helping Women Director Stacey Moniz. Photo: Debra Lordan.
T.J. Maxx has brands no other stores on Maui have, said Donna Brown of Waiehu. Photo: Debra Lordan.
Fanchette Robinson and her mother, Maggie Sniffen. Photo: Debra Lordan.
(From left) Maui County and Managing Director Keith Regan; Kevin Dupuis, an information technology expert with Enterprise Tech Services-Implementation; and County Councilman Don Couch. Photo: Debra Lordan.
Maui Now Meteorologist Malika Dudley served as emcee for the opening of Maui’s first T.J. Maxx. Photo: Debra Lordan.
Maui Now Meterologist Malika Dudley announces the hidden $25 gift certificates hidden among the store’s merchandise. Photo: Debra Lordan.
Rain didn’t deter shoppers from attending the opening of T.J. Maxx on Maui. Photo: Debra Lordan.
Shoppers lined up early for the opening of Maui’s first T.J. Maxx. Photo: Debra Lordan.
Shoppers puruse T.J. Maxx merchandise. Photo: Debra Lordan.
T.J. Maxx staff offer service with a smile. Photo: Debra Lordan.
T.J. Maxx jewelry department. Photo: Debra Lordan.
T.J. Maxx management team. Photo: Debra Lordan.
T.J. Maxx staff await the arrival of their first customers on Maui. Photo: Debra Lordan.
T.J. Maxx staff await thier first customers. Photo: Debra Lordan.
T.J. Maxx staff member Dianah Kapoi of Kahului said she got her new position through the store’s job fair in July. Photo: Debra Lordan.
T.J. Maxx staff welcome their first shoppers. Photo Debra Lordan.
Teri Fouts of Kihei loves T.J. Maxx’s prices and quality. Photo: Debra Lordan.
Customers commented on the spacious store’s wide aisles. Photo: Debra Lordan.
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