Old Navy confirmed as new mall tenant

Old Navy is coming to Hilo’s Prince Kuhio Plaza — and just in time for the holiday season.

“This is a deal that we’re super excited about,” said Robyn Tucker, the shopping center’s marketing manager.

While no official date has been announced, the store says it will open before Christmas and employ about 80 people.

The retailer, which is owned by Gap Inc., will carry an array of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel in a 15,600-square-foot space near the newly opened Pier 1 Imports and previously home to Champ Sports and other retailers.

“I think it’s a great addition to our tenant list,” Tucker said. “We’re adding a great mix of shopping, dining and entertainment at that center.”

The Hilo location will be Old Navy’s fourth store in Hawaii. There are currently two on Oahu and one on Maui.

In addition to the new store, Prince Kuhio Plaza will have a new overall look come time for Christmas shopping.

The plaza recently began work on mall-wide renovations, which include all new finishes, updated soft seating areas, column treatments and patterned flooring.

While Tucker could not disclose how much the face-lift will cost, she said it’s in the millions. The renovations are the first major sprucing up of the Hilo mall since 1999. The 504,443-square-foot building was constructed in 1985.

Attempts to contact Old Navy representatives for comment Tuesday were not successful.

Email Chris D’Angelo at cdangelo@hawaiitribune-herald.com.