The original in SPLASH-PROOF® bags, ALOHA Collection will open its third US brick-and-mortar store in Newport Beach on November 11, 2023. Located in the Lido Marina Village, the store opening marks the first of the brand’s new retail expansion strategy.
Founded in 2014 with a single product, today the ALOHA Collection brand is sold in 25 countries. Beloved for their original SPLASH-PROOF® bags and accessories, from beach totes and duffle bags to pouches and crossbodies – each uniquely combines functionality and style. In addition to being carried by independent retailers worldwide, the brand currently operates two store locations – one in Encinitas, CA and their Hawaiʻi flagship in Waikīkī.
“Newport Beach is an iconic coastal community.” says ALOHA Collection Co-Founder Heather Aiu. “ As a Southern California based brand with roots in Hawaiʻi, Newport felt like a natural progression for a retail location as we continue to further expand our brand into the Southern California market as part of our long term retail expansion strategy. We’ve seen incredible consumer reception through our two existing stores and are excited to provide another point of entry for new adopters to experience ALOHA.”
ALOHA’s latest retail concept comes to life at Lido Marina Village, one of Newport Beach’s premier shopping destinations. In addition to serving as a shopping destination for the local community, brand fans, and travelers alike, the store will act as a permanent hub for fostering connection within ALOHA’s global community, uniting individuals who share a love for travel, adventure and healthy and active lifestyles.
With a beachy aesthetic, the 693 sq. ft. locale offers an elevated shopping experience inspired by the brand’s Hawaiian roots, the Coastal California lifestyle and a shared love for travel and the beach. The store is characterized by a color palette of ocean blues, sandy beiges and whites alongside a mix of textures including rattan, brick, bamboo and grasscloth, finished with a wallpapered ceiling. Thoughtful details such as handmade Lauhala door stoppers, jars of puka shells collected from years of shelling, travel mementos and curated inspirational books seek to transform the space into a true extension of the brand founders’ homes.
“It was important to us that the ALOHA persona be felt throughout the space,” says Rachael Leinaʻala, ALOHA Collection Co-Founder and Creative Director. “One of the things that makes our bags so special is how they feel. You can’t capture that experience online. We want every customer that comes into our store to feel like part of our ‘ohana and to leave with the feeling of aloha.”
The store will offer ALOHA Collection’s best-selling prints and collections while catering to the Newport Beach demographic with a variety of designs, colors, neutrals and prints for something that appeals to every shopper. The store will also feature in-store exclusives on a seasonal basis, the first being a limited-edition pouch that will only be available at the new location while supplies last.
To commemorate the grand opening, ALOHA Collection will be hosting an event on Saturday, November 11th from 12-5pm with a vibrant blend of island-inspired festivities, including floral bouquet making, live music, oysters, drinks and more.
The store will be open during standard hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
About ALOHA Collection
ALOHA Collection was born out of a love for travel, adventure, and the ocean. Founded by surfer/flight attendant Rachael Leinaʻala, and Kauaʻi native Heather Aiu, in the summer of 2014 with a single bag, a shared dream, and a Kickstarter campaign. Their initial launch was a success and soon after the brand took off. Retailers in Hawaiʻi were quick to embrace the line as these bags were unlike anything else on the market. As more doors opened, ALOHA Collection’s popularity grew. Today you can find ALOHA Collection fans all over the world. This California-based brand with Hawaiian roots has grown into a true lifestyle brand. When not at home, you will now find Heather and Rachael traveling the world or on the beaches of Hawaiʻi dreaming up their latest inspiration.
