Club Monaco Welcomes Local Shoppers to First Hawai'i Store [July 2008]

The international urban retailer known for its must have clothing, cult status among the fashion set and black and white palette—celebrated the grand opening of its new 4,200 square-foot store today in Ala Moana Center's new Nordstrom wing. Grand opening festivities included a traditional Hawaiian blessing and maile lei untying ceremony at 9:00 a.m., which was presided over by Kahu David Kaupu. Club Monaco's first Hawai'i store opened to the public at 9:30 a.m.

To mark its grand opening, Club Monaco will give away exclusive Club Monaco engraved iPod nanos with a special Club Monaco playlist to shoppers who spend $500 or more. The exclusive Club Monaco iPod nanos are available while supplies last (only a limited supply of exclusive Club Monaco iPod nanos are available).

"We are thrilled to open our first Hawai'i store at Ala Moana Center," said Tina Gershoff, Club Monaco's Vice President of Stores. "Club Monaco continues to expand around the world offering shoppers an extensive selection of affordable and fashionable apparel and accessories for men and women."

Club Monaco's Ala Moana Center store will also feature an exclusive design – unlike any other in the world, with décor that evokes the aesthetic of the international jetsetter with custom-made panel fans, exotic faux-zebra print stools and vintage-inspired glass accessory cases. Additionally, the Hawai'i store will also incorporate local elements, including a one-of-a-kind surfboard, created and designed by well-known shaper, Keoki Ching of Keoki Custom Surfboard Designs. The board, commissioned by Club Monaco, will feature a black and white Club Monaco crest.

Club Monaco celebrates its grand opening with a series of events, throughout the summer, which invite shoppers to come and visit the brand's newest location and the summer collection.

Club Monaco's summer events include:

"See the World in Black and White" [July 16, 2008]
"See the World in Black and White" is a unique black and white photo exhibit created in partnership the Honolulu Academy of Arts and Art After Dark. The exhibit, which features the work of three local photographers, Mark Arbeit, Naomi Olson and Aaron Padilla, will debut at Club Monaco's Ala Moana Center store during an unveiling event on July 16, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will be invited to enjoy complimentary pupus and cocktails while viewing the photography installation and Club Monaco's summer collection.

All photos on display will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Honolulu Academy of Arts and ARTafterDARK.

Young Professional Mixer [Wednesday, July 23, 2008]
Professionals employed in the fields of real estate, finance and marketing are invited to attend Club Monaco's Young Professional Mixer. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m., offers guests a chance to shop the store before the store opens to the public with a 15 percent discount on all Club Monaco merchandise. In addition, Club Monaco brand stylists will also be on-hand to provide tips on trends and work-appropriate attire. To RSVP, email rsvp@clubmonaco.com.

Tourism Industry Mixer [Wednesday, August 6, 2008]
Professionals involved in Hawaii's tourism industry are invited to attend Club Monaco's Tourism Industry Mixer which provides participants with the perfect opportunity to update their wardrobe with new Club Monaco summer pieces. The event will run from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. and offer attendees 15 percent discount on all Club Monaco merchandise. In addition, Club Monaco brand stylists will also be on-hand to provide tips on trends and work-appropriate attire. To RSVP, email rsvp@clubmonaco.com.

All of Club Monaco's summer events are free and open to the public.

Club Monaco's new Hawai'i flagship store will be home to the brand's entire collection, designed with a clear focus on affordable luxury offerings including men's and women's updated classics as well as the season's fashion must-haves. The store will also boast the brand's first collection of eyewear and swimwear—both of which debuted this spring – as well as the world-wide launch of Club Monaco's exclusive Fleur de Lys Capsule Collection.

Club Monaco currently operates 65 stores throughout North America and 48 stores internationally. The brand's newest store at Ala Moana Center will be Club Monaco's 40th store location in the United States and its first in Hawai'i.

About Club Monaco
Club Monaco is a dynamic, international retail concept that designs, manufactures, and markets its own Club Monaco clothing, accessories and home collection. Each season, Club Monaco offers men and women updated classics and key fashion pieces that are the foundation of a modern wardrobe. Club Monaco operates 65 stores throughout North America and 48 stores internationally. Club Monaco is a subsidiary of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL). For more information, visit clubmonaco.com.