ALAN TOMONARI
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ALAN TOMONARI
For the last nine years, Alan Tomonari has proudly been at the helm of the Neiman Marcus Honolulu store at Ala Moana Center. Since appearing on MidWeek’s cover in April 1998, the vice president and general manager has seen growth and change with Neiman Marcus fashion, gotten a new dog and has taken up a new hobby.
Part of this growth includes the company celebrating its 100th year anniversary this week.
“I’m very proud and excited to be associated with a company that has been in existence for 100 years. When we opened (in Honolulu) nine years ago, we were brand new to Hawaii. We said back then that we first wanted to be a store for the people of Hawaii. Our growth and success since opening has been due, in large part, to their support and loyalty,” Tomonari says.
This week’s anniversary events include a “Cookie Day” on Monday. Customers receive a signature Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookie along with the recipe. Monday through Saturday is a treasure hunt, for which customers can bring in their favorite piece of store memorabilia and be entered to win a national contest. Also Monday through Saturday, is the exclusive merchandise launch, featuring designers/beauty companies/artisans showing off their products. On Wednesday, is the 100th anniversary luncheon benefit for the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific. The lunch is at 11:30 a.m. at Mariposa restaurant, inside Neiman Marcus. Cost for the lunch is $100 per person, with $75 of it going to the hospital. (Reservations are required; call 566-3451.)
“We are most excited about the luncheon and fashion presentation, which will benefit the Rehabilitation Hospital. It will feature a special prix fixe menu by our new chef, Marc Anthony Freiberg, as well as the hottest fashions for the fall season, many of which were created exclusively to commemorate Neiman Marcus’ 100th anniversary,” says the Waialae/Kahala resident.
Outside of work, Tomonari says, since moving back to launch the Ala Moana store, he’s been able to “renew many old friendships as well as make lasting new ones.” He’s also enjoyed traveling to different parts of Asia.
“I’ve also had some time to take up golf, but I can’t seem to lower my handicap,” he jokes.
Tomonari and his wife Joyce have “the most loveable Welsh corgi named Missy,” whom they got because of the MidWeek cover story.
“We got her because of the original MidWeek article. Soon after the article ran, we lost one of our two corgis (they were also featured on the cover). As we searched for a new puppy, our Australian breeder agreed to give up her last pup after reading the MidWeek article.”
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