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Humble Beginnings
In 1938, Hisakichi Yukimura first opened a little general store in the back room of the family home. He sold groceries and dry goods catered to the Asian workers, stocking hard-to-find items.
Kauai's First Supermarket
Before long, it was time to expand. In 1948, Yukimura's moved to a 6,000-foot store and warehouse in the center of town. It was a pretty new building with big picture windows and a bright blue and yellow scalloped awning. Oldest son Yoshio and the new wife, Masako, began this new operation. Here, they opened the island's first self-service market, providing shopping carts for customers. You could find everything under the sun at Yukimura's, from foods to pots and pans and paper goods.
Focus on Wholesale
But, as the big supermarket chains began to come to Kauai, Yoshio realized there were tough times ahead for the mom-and-pop grocery. He changed the direction of Yukimura's, focusing on servicing the growing hotel and restaurant industry. After 30 years in business, in 1969, Yukimura's closed its retail store and moved into 15,000 square feet of warehouse space in the Lihue Industrial Park. By 1980, business had more than doubled.
Today's New Beginnings
In 1983, the company built a brand-new facility with major additions in 1987 and 1991. By stressing dependability, service, and its past track record, current President Peter Yukimura continues the family tradition, now in its third generation.
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Fresh Image
In 1987, the company reached back to the past to create a new logo image and changed its name to KOA Trading Company. The new name and logo salute the pioneering spirit of the first "traders" who brought food and supplies from all over the world to Kauai. KOA Trading Company today stands for our promise to bring you the freshest foods and finest beverages available, delivered on time to your doorstep.
Bring home wholesale groceries from a market celebrating a history of
excellence when you contact KOA Trading Company at (877) 794-6341 in Lihue, Hawaii.
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