In4mation, Ward Warehouse.  There is also a store in Waikiki, at
the Waikiki Shopping Plaza 

It's said that growing up is an essential part of life. Or is it, life, is an essential part of growing up? Okay, okay, I graduated from a public school, don't laugh too hard. In either case, four childhood friends have realized that growing up TOGETHER has proven to be the ingredient for success. All of the partners share a common interest... doing what they did back in high school... surfing, skating, having fun. Add exclusivity in men's clothing, and a hungry appetite for quality, and you get yourself a thriving, still growing company that has literally exploded since its formal inception in April 2002.

Stores are always abuss with locals and tourists alike

Childhood friends Ryan Arakaki (Mililani Class of 1992), Rhandy Tambio (Mililani High School Class of 1993), Todd Shimabuku (Pearl City High School Class of 1993) grew up together, skating, hanging out, and started the company along with professional surfer Jun Jo. Recently added to the mix is Peter Chan, well-known Waikiki business mogul. Together, the five have made IN4MATION grow from a small store in Mililani, to now two locations, in just four years. I thought it'd be nice for a change, to take a break from the eats and the music, and highlight a men's specialty boutique, who, by the way, won in the "Best Men's Boutique" category for this year's Honolulu Magazine "Best of ..." series.

A little about the owners:

The original "four":

Todd Shimabuku, Co-owner

Todd Shimabuku: Loves to skateboard. The "headstrong" and spokesperson member of the group. Worked as a manager in Borders, where he gained knowledge of marketing and management, and general business practice. Knowledge he brings to the table is irreplaceable.

Ryan Arakaki, Co-owner

Ryan Arakaki: Another fellow skateboarder, true and true. Quiet, thinker of the group. Gained his love, passion, and knowledge of operations, including buying and merchandising working for that company. Started talking originally with Todd on the concept of their first company, Define, which led to the inception of In4mation.

Rhandy Tambio, Co-owner

Rhandy Tambio: The artistic one...also one to speak his mind. The Hawaiian-at-heart "inner moke" of the group. After getting heavy into graphics and art, he moved to the "BIG Big Island," where he worked in Los Angeles, and then New York, where he currently works for a huge upscale name in design and fashion. Responsible for much of the team's creative designs, and actual buying patterns.

Jun Jo, Co-owner, picture here with 4-month old son.

Jun Jo: This professional surfer originally from Japan, but raised in Hawaii, got to know the threesome through mutual friends and a Hawaiian-style network of companies. Easy-going, funny, the "laid-back" man in the group. In between winning competitions, he developed a bond with the three that got them to talking about opening In4mation. Jun was their connection to many in Japan, including the know-how and the business smarts to encourage the rest of the team to be on their own (without investors).

And most recently, added to the team: Peter Chan

Great with the "numbers" game, stable, solid, and pretty "soft-spoken." Another thinker in the group. Coming into the picture in early 2004, this successful business man knew just when to, as we say in Hawaii, "wala `au" with the right people. A former customer of the store, Chan realized he not only liked what he saw, but who these people were and what they represented. Many "wala `au's" later, he joined the team and largely due to his presence, the team now has their 2nd location, in the heart of Waikiki.

Speaking to one of the co-owners, Ryan Arakaki, was like talking to one of a bunch of kids having fun, but doing DARN well in the midst of it all. Success didn't seem to phase him. I wanted to know the environment of the stores... and how things were run. It was Arakaki's answer that made me realize that these guys are on to something: "Treating your employees like family."

 Pictured here are the Ibear. A cheaper version of Chanel©'s bears, which go for
about $350-$400. As shown $40.00.

Of the ten or so employees of In4mation, the co-owners not only "hang out" with them after hours, doing the same skating, surfing and blabbing they did back in high school, but enforce a family-like atmosphere at the store. They know what needs to get done, but makes sure that employees feel at ease and less restricted than many employers would see fit. This blends together for a perfectly happy staff, and it shows, at their stores. Everyone is so laid back, and in this day in age, it's hard to walk into a store with a happy medium... between a salesperson who hates their job and does their best to hide from you, to the commission-based sales-leech, as I call them, whom pretty much attach to you more than your own shadow, and make you want to leave the store the moment you enter. Far more comfortable, the atmosphere in each store leaves a customer feeling like they've just hung out with a bunch of old friends. And I think that's exactly what the purpose and intent is. "Everyone meshes together really well," says Arakaki.

 In4mation's crew here, works together as a family unit. They hang out after hours,
and do all the same things they did in high school, include skate and surf.

 Although these look like PJ's to me, men flock to In4mation to grab the
latest in fashion... The Billionaire Boys' Club "Running Dog" style,
especially those coming from Japan.

Another style is pictured,

BBC's "Dollars and Diamonds" line.

Looking at what this store has to offer, not to mention the PHILOSOPHY of the store itself, I think if I were a guy, and I had an endless pocket, I'd find myself flocking to In4mation.

In4mation is the ONLY store in the United States to carry the line, "Fiberops."

Not because they carry "hip" clothes but because they carry lines that are exclusive to the store.

These are the BBC jeans, which go for about $350-up.

Because I personally have a sewing background, I tend to like styles that are different, and unique, not "dime a dozen," or faddish. Those who knew me in high school can attest, I had to sew all my own prom gowns and even clothes I wore to school. It's that background that makes me look at what In4mation has to offer, and smile. There are creative flops, and there are creative geniuses. Much of their stock, are of the latter quality.

A very hip Mickey Mouse... especially for us women.

They do carry women's clothing too.

Although not a huge focus of the stores, I like their women's selection. (See my sidebar on Hellz Bellz). I find myself drawn to the different colors, unique designs, and funky patterns on the baby-tees. One brand I am GLAD they brought back to the islands, was Stussy©. The list goes on and on, but check here for yourself, a small sample of what they have.

Hellz Bellz: I'm not the only one who feels that this store carries the lines that people will flock to. Due to a recent collaboration with top-line "Hellz Bellz," In4mation now exclusively carries their women's line of clothing. As pictured by international-pop-star, Beyonce Knowles. (see photo).

Pictured here on Beyonce is a "Hellz Bellz" baby-tee, an exclusive line
which you can find at In4mation stores.

These shoes will be available to the public this month (October 2006).

 The black ones will ONLY be available at the In4mation stores, while the red
will be available around the world. Specifically made with skaters in mind, its
base is covered with denim. As it's worn away, another design underneath the denim,
on the shoe's base, is uncovered, making each shoe its own unique creation.

More shoes ...

 These shoes are named "Mork and Mindy." Can you guess why? Most, if not all
of the shoes sold within In4mation's stores are unique. You cannot get them at
any sports or department store.

 Designed by globally known comedian, Paul Rodriguez, this shoe was designed
by his son. It was, by far, my favorite. The suede-like part shows the New York skyline,
and it's awesome. The toe all the way to the heel, shows so much style, and shows
mini-Paul's creativity and passion for art.

I really loved the bag selection In4mation stocked. These are the G1 backpacks, in brown and black,
at a reasonable price ($45.00), by Stussy.

 I loved these also. Coming in a larger and smaller size, each was convenient,
durable, and comfortable to carry. Both also by Stussy.

So with Christmas coming up right around the corner I'd make note of those hard-to-please males on your list, I'd think about checking out the nearest location of In4mation, because if he's hard to please, I think he'll be mildly surprised to find something unique when he unwraps that gift!

 I couldn't get over all of the Stussy gear these guys had. Brought me down
memory lane, mixed with modern-day style. Awesome!

On the other hand, if he's "hip," he probably has previously heard of In4mation's stylistic quality and maybe even has a few items from the store already! This place is especially for the male on your list who doesn't want a dime-a-dozen surf-brand shirt, or mall-brand shirt.

You'll find it here, and probably nowhere else, if you want different. And if you're wondering, no, I am not married to, or related to any of the owners of the store. I simply think these guys are on to a good thing... and I'm not the only one! They are the buzz around town, both here in Hawaii, and elsewhere around the world, as their at least 35% of their clientele are from out-of-state. They were even featured on mtv.com a few times. As co-owner Arakaki sums it up, "...We do live like the teenagers we once were, but now we just have a lot more responsibilities, and have a mature aspect on life." Congrats, In4mation!

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