ABC Stores are indeed a staple in Waikiki, practically on every corner, offering snacks, souvenirs, and daily necessities to locals and tourists alike. The story of how ABC Stores grew into a multimillion-dollar conglomerate is both a tale of strategic vision and, like many other large corporations, controversial impacts.

ABC Stores were founded by Sidney and Minnie Kosasa in 1964, with the first store opening on Kalakaua Avenue. Their approach was highly calculated: placing stores in prime locations, catering directly to tourists by providing one-stop shopping, and keeping prices competitive. This formula paid off, allowing them to expand rapidly and dominate the Waikiki convenience store market.

Estimates suggest ABC Stores rake in over $150 million annually, thanks to their near-monopoly on tourist shopping needs. However, some critics argue that this commercial success has had consequences. For instance, the saturation of ABC Stores may contribute to homogenizing Waikiki, limiting the diversity of local businesses that could offer unique products and cultural experiences. This could impact smaller, local vendors, who struggle to compete with the convenience and visibility ABC Stores provide, possibly even leading to displacement or closure over the years.

Providing needed jobs for locals, or the only option for tourists? We welcome your thoughts! ?

Furthermore, critics argue that the brand’s dominance in Waikiki represents the larger issue of tourism-driven development that can sometimes prioritize tourists’ needs over the community’s, leading to a sense of cultural dilution and limited spaces for local businesses.