Cash in on Ala Moana's bounty of freebies
 |
StoryChat: Comment on this story |
By Mary Kaye Ritz
Advertiser Staff Writer
| |||
 |
|
||
Did you know you could spend three hours at Ala Moana without spending a penny? We came back with a pocketful of samples, and if not a full stomach, a satisfied one. When it comes to freebies, the trick is in the asking. Think retailers turn up their noses at giving samples? Think again. Samplers may become customers. "If you don't know ..." said The Body Shop's area manager, Sarah Kobatake, with a knowing smile. We scored these freebies during our visit, and so can you.
DESSERTS, COFFEE
See's: Test-drive a chocolate from the candy shop.
Honolulu Coffee Co.: Not only can you sample a cuppa steaming joe (the straight stuff, not the latte), you can test the iced granitas and even chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Other coffee shops: Starbucks, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Gloria Jean's will give you a taste of brewed coffee and sometimes hand out other samples.
Godiva: Sign up as a "preferred customer" to find out about sampling events, but sometimes they'll have some for the asking.
Neiman Marcus: Occasional sampling events on the third floor near Mariposa, usually on weekends. (Also: the mall's best restrooms, occasional handout samples and a test spritz from the perfume counter. Try the classic Joy by Jean Patou, $100 a bottle.)
MAKEUP
Almost all cosmetic and skin-care stores — Sephora, Macy's, M.A.C., Body Shop etc. — allow testing, of course. But who knew:
ENTERTAINMENT
Centerstage: Ala Moana hosts more than 500 acts yearly. For a taste of Hawaiiana, there's the Polynesian Cultural Center show or keiki hula.
SERVICES
At Origins (by appointment): A mini chair massage and mini-facial, free for the asking.
The Never Have Dry Skin Again kiosks at both ends of the mall level (right): A 60-second hand massage featuring the aloe-based Infinite Aloe Cream.
Customer Service: Free wheelchair use (sign it out with a credit card number).
The Sharper Image: Plop yourself in the massage chair for a moment of pure bliss.
NIBBLES
Of course you can score tiny spoonfuls of the latest flavors at all the ice cream shops, but have you tried:
Williams-Sonoma: Whatever's whipped up that day (last week, it was carrot bread). Just don't mistake the potpourri for something edible, as one of our officemates did. (His teen daughters are still laughing.)
Panda Express: Want to taste just about anything? A toothpick-sized sample is yours for the asking.
Ifiore: The new Italian frozen-yogurt place offers a pill-cup-sized sample of the tangy soft-serve. We liked the berry one best, but try the chocolate, too.
Shirokiya: Hankering for pickled radish? There might be an open taste-tester up on the second floor, or samples of the featured items. Just be sure to get there early.
