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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, January 26, 2007

ADASA launches E-Concept shopping

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

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Imagine a world that combines the convenience of Internet shopping with the touch, feel and try-it-on sensations of in-store sleuthing. That's what innovative retailer Donna Loren is bringing to Island women as she opens her first ADASA Hawaii E-Concept store on O'ahu.

"It's a new approach to retail," Loren said by cell phone from the Los Angeles market where she and her daughter, Katie, were making their fall buy. "Shoppers will have access to everything in our warehouse, both sale items and new merchandise.

"It's like Internet shopping, but you can try it on," Loren added, with the enthusiasm characteristic of the '60s former teen star, who was an original Dr Pepper Girl.

The new store is an eclectic mix of '60s furniture (complete with a red shag rug) and the latest computers.

Here's the setup: Enter the former ADASA Designer Outlet on Young Street. Belly up to a high-tech Internet "bar." From the comfort of a swivel barstool, make your selections online. You choose the style and size, and in a few minutes the items are delivered through a little window. You try them on and can then request a different size, or purchase on the spot and take the items home with you.

What will you find? More than 100 designer brands, edgy glasses, whimsical handbags, beauty products and jewelry.

ADASA's E-Concept store is at 2023 Young St., on the makai side just diamondhead of McCully Street. For more information, go to www.adasa.com or call (866) 302-3272.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.