Hilo Hattie, one of the state's largest retailers of Hawaiian fashions and gifts, has been sold to San Diego-based TOC Inc., the companies announced today.

All retail operations and offices will remain open and business will continue without interruption, the companies said.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

TOC Inc., is an affiliate of FS Hawaii, which owns the franchise rights to Fantastic Sams hair salons in Hawai'i.

Hilo Hattie was founded by owner Jim Romig on Kaua'i in 1963 and currently has nine store locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands and California.

"I have the utmost confidence in TOC, Inc's ability to successfully grow the company," said Romig, chairman of Hilo Hattie.

Ted Nelson, a principal in TOC, said: "Hilo Hattie is a strong retail company with an incredible history in Hawai'i. We are truly committed to building and expanding its brand."