Shasa Emporium

Went there earlier this month when I found out they were going out of business. I wanted to use a credit I had before it closed. Everything was advertised as 50% off. Selected a $ 350 bag expecting to get 50% off but the owner said it doesn’t apply since I had a credit. WTH? It makes no sense since the item returned for credit was not discounted or anything. Anyway, while I was telling her it wasn’t fair, she all of a sudden started yelling she was going to call security. Really? Just because I was saying it wasn’t fair? I wasn’t yelling or anything. In fact, I was walking out of the store when I was saying I didn’t think it was fair and she just went off on me.
Actually, I was hard pressed to find anything to buy in that store. I had been in whenver I was in the mall to use the credit but hadn’t been able to, as like others had mentioned, the clothes had changed. They used to have simple cute clothes like Fighting Eel stuff but then it morphed to clothes that had one too many embellishments.
I will not be missing this place.

Nothing worth looking. Items are not for many people. Specialty shop, I guess.

THEN, AND NOW
Back when boutiques weren’t as prevalent, Shasa Emporium was one of the rare go-​to stores that sold unique, trendy, eye-​catching outfits. Over the years, the merch has changed significantly. Nowadays, the clothes are reminiscent of swap meet lookalikes with bling and weird-​looking appliques — similar to what Le Lotus Bleu has become in the last 6 or 7 years (minus the Ed Hardy), but with more beachy /​hippy-​ish additions. (The bags are cute though.)
SMALL TALK
One thing that has changed for the better is the customer service. Upon entering the store, I was cheerfully greeted. And what’s even more astonishing was that the sales clerk had engaged in small talk with me. I find that great service in clothing stores and boutiques are hit or miss, so this really made me happy. I almost felt bad for not finding any of the merch appealing to me.
VERDICT
Perhaps Shasa Emporium decided to change their target clientele? Or maybe they changed clothing vendors? I’m not sure, but I don’t think this store is for me.
Unilocal 365 — #083/​365

If you’re looking for a cute boutique with a decent array of local jewelry, this is a good place to start. The items are fairly affordable and they have jewelry brands made by local artists and I like that. They could use some Ginger13 in there or Noelani Designs to round it out. I’d probably purchase more frequently if they carried those brands but even still, it’s a nice little boutique with VERY friendly employees.
Oh did I mention they sell Kai products? Those of you who don’t know, Kai is rather hard to find (at least in my experience). It’s a very flowery tuberose/​gardenia scent that I LOVE. Celebrities use it and that’s where I first heard of it but Shasa Emporium to date is the ONLY place I’ve been to in Honolulu that carries it.

I used to love this store but it is now filled with cheaply made clothing, tacky accessories, and staff that is nice but owner has a very rude attitude towards local people. I was very disappointed and will not waste my time shopping there. Too bad it used to be high quality not cheap imports.

Shasa used to be a more high end boutique so high end that when I would go in there, the workers were not too friendly. I’ve noticed a change in the past few years esp in the past few months. The staff is a lot friendlier and the clothing has changed. There are a lot more «Lush» clothing (trendy, but CHEAP) and other non-​fancy brands, which comes in at a much lower price point. It kind of feels like «In My Closet,» which is just down the way. I’m a little bummed because I kind of liked the snotty Shasa, I mean yea, they weren’t very friendly, but that’s what I liked about it; now they’ve changed and nothing really sets them apart from the other boutiques. I do like that they carry Machine Machine bags. I can’t really remember the actual name of the local girl, but if you go on Etsy, I think she has a store. Oh, here it is:
Anyway, back to what I was saying, Shasa has seen better days. I hope the go back to their higher end products cause it was fun browsing in there and buying the occasional ridiculous skirt or top that made your boyfriend go: WHA?

Shasa is one of my favorite places to shop at Kahala Mall! I love their unique brands along with their marketing mix. I cannot go in and just browse– it usually leads to purchases. I buy my favorite Junk Food T’s from here along with organic dresses and tops. I love this store!

I love shopping here. Find a friend who works at Kahala Mall and have them buy your stuff for you, they give Kahala Mall employees, 25% off. I have my girlfriend buy me stuff all the time. LOVE IT!!!

love this store! they have the cutest items there! their clothes are great, but may be pricey for some. i buy true religion jeans normally from bloomingdales, but they carry them there too. i’m so excited! they have lines from local designers and brazil. the best thing there is this sunscreen called COOLA. if you don’t know about it you have to go there to try it. it’s an organic sunscreen for the whole body and they have one for your face too. it comes in cucumber scent, plumeria, and unscented scent of your own skin. JK! but seriously you’ll love it. the packaging is biodegradable and some proceeds go to cancer research. check them out at
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happy shopping!