Jarrod A.
Yelp
It was a Saturday, late morning. I had just finished brunch at home and a desire came over me. To venture back into a charming store.
The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo.
Before departing the store after spending almost an hour inside, I approached a woman who smiled at me. I thanked her for the experience and then, tears started to appear without notice.
A feeling of gratitude for what this store has brought to this town, came over me in the heaviest of fashion. The appreciation for what I had also just experienced added in a leavened, emotional fashion.
Carol was her name, the sweetest thing. Just so comfortable to start pouring my heart out to, as tears continued to run down my face. She was endearing in every way.
I shared with her that if I wanted to display everything I've collected over the years, this is how I would do it. Just like they do. In a visually pleasing way. To create a comfortable, easy-going atmosphere. Yet, without having it feel like it was cluttering my space. With style and panache.
Carol started to share the history of the store, what a delightful gift. And Carol is shy of one year, being a long-time employee since 1977. Amazing.
We laughed, and conversed. I shared how I remember this store while growing up. It was at a different location. How walking through this Saturday morning brought back memories when I was a kid with my family. Warm memories I still cherish.
A family member remembers the daughter of the original owner, Sally Mermel. At the elementary school she used to teach at, where the daughter used to attend, I shared. Carol knew her by name immediately. Now under different ownership, the tradition continues strong without revision by Tracie Yoshimoto and her team. Keeping true to its original roots. The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo.
irresistible (adj): so strong, attractive or tempting that it's impossible to resist or refuse. (Oxford Dictionary)
As I entered, a multitude of colors and textures drew me in. The lighting, soft and comfortable. With Japanese lanterns adding that ethnic touch to warm wood tones found on the flooring.
Spots illuminated parts of the store with needed extra lighting, while twinkling decor hanging from the ceiling and in the display window added that "holiday" touch. Purely magical.
Walking into the right side of the store, I find myself in visual awe. There are so many items to look at, on tables and on shelves. Some hanging from the ceiling while others are strategically placed in an artistic manner.
Merchandising done extremely well, considering the items all have different shapes and themes to them. But every item had a place. Such talent, brilliantly fashioned.
Friends, you were commenting on the ceramic teapot in one of my previous posts at a Chinese restaurant. Look no further. Here, there are four unique ceramic tea sets, complete with kettle and tea cups. Stunning designs, hand painted.
Cute greeting cards for any occasion. Not mass produced like ones sold at department stores. These have a personalized touch to them.
Remember those musical jewelry boxes you open and they start playing those carousel-sounding tunes? Do you know you can buy them here without the jewelry box? Original Crankshaft Music Boxes. Crank them by hand and listen to one of six songs.
Edible products exclusive to Hawai'i, some from this island while others for neighboring ones. Ka'u Coffee, locally island-grown + produced coffee from the Big Island of Hawai'i. Pepper Jelly and Lilikoi Jam produced in Kea'au. Hanapēpē Smokey Coffee Rub from Aloha Spice, Island of Kaua'i. Ohia Lehua Blossom Organic Honey from Big Island Bees. And, here's a Maui Chili Oil if you like spice in your life.
There's products to help with relaxation and self care too. Hawaiian Rainforest Naturals bath crystals, botanical mist, exfoliating soap bars and organic body lotion just to name a few. Made in Hawai'i, in Kea'au on the same island as this store.
Looking for children's books + games? There's a whole corner dedicated to these lovely, inspirational forms of art.
Walking into the second-half of the store, clothing apparel fills most of the area here. Printed island-style tees, sweatshirts and button-down collared ones on racks.
The cutest array of oven mitts, dish towels and aprons. The inscription on some of them made me laugh! Too "vibrant" with their word choices for me to share. Lol.
I wish I could name and introduce everything that's in this store. A visit is needed by you. Truthfully, I had to visit this new location two times to fully indulge myself.
It's here. Irresistibly, undeniably, irresistible. The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. One store that truly lives up to its name for 49 years and still going strong. Thanks to the support from the local community, visitors and online purchasing fans.
After all, how can it not be popular? It's irresistible, right...