The Last Wave In
Photo Courtesy Jerry Leonard.
Molokai Surf Shop closes
After 20 years of operation, the Molokai Surf Shop that has provided the island a local venue to purchase surfboards, surf gear and surf-brand clothing is permanently shutting its doors.
“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful experience, watching kids who used to come in in their hanabata days now bringing in their own kids,” said Aunty Caroline Jones, who has worked at Molokai Surf Shop for the past 18 years.
“All the visitors [to the store] give you so much love. They’re not customers, they’re family,” she said.
Owner Jerry Leonard said talks of closing shop – largely due to lack of sales in a faltering economy – have been buzzing around for a few months. Last week, he decided it was time and started to host a closing sale.
The closing sale allowed customers to purchase merchandise from the surf shop at discounted rates of up to 40 percent. By last Friday, the store’s stock was almost entirely cleaned out.
The Surf Shop, which Leonard started in 1992, originally across from Friendly Market, moved to its current location next to the former Subway in 2000. They employed a humble staff of three –Leonard himself, Aunty Caroline and Minka Nelson, who helped out on weekends.
Aunty Caroline has many fond memories over the past two decades. She recalls first moving into the new space 12 years ago, saying it was “just a hole.” Leonard installed flooring, walls and all the fixtures, “turn[ing] it into what it is today,” she said.
After a lengthy run, both shopkeepers say they have no regrets. Leonard is looking forward to doing some traveling and golfing without the stresses of working nine to five. Aunty Caroline said she is happy to be able to sleep in, play with her dogs and work on her garden.
The shop has been for sale but with no interested buyers, the emptied space will be available for rent.
1 Comment
Auwe! This is sad, sad news indeed! I really enjoyed a nice long chat with Auntie Caroline, back in April, when I dropped in to take a look at some boards (after being off island for a spell). Auntie to me epitomises the marvelous spirit of aloha that Molokai still has (despite all the occasional grumbling by many about what outsiders are doing to the island…or NOT doing, as the case may be) and you couldn’t find a warmer and more genuine person if you looked all day! In addition to this, it will seem strange to pass by and not see MOLOKAI SURF in its accustomed spot, signs gone and the place boarded up. It is an unhappy fact that the retail return from surfers frequenting the shop isn’t sufficient to turn much of a profit (if at all), but most surfers are not that well off to begin with, so go figure. At any rate, thanks to Uncle Leonard and Auntie Caroline for providing the island with some good memories and fond moments! We’ll miss you guys a lot! Aloha nui loa!