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K
ipling lightweight handbags, luggage and accessories are easily
identifiable—their unique crinkled
nylon fabric and monkey zipper are
iconic. Founded in Antwerp, Belgium,
Kipling has over 200 stores worldwide.
The fourth Kipling store in the U.S.
opened on May 16, 2013, in Honolulu’s
very own Ala Moana Center, making it
the first Kipling store in Hawai‘i.
In a five-year plan to expand Kipling
throughout the nation, Kipling released
its #MyKiplingBag Tour, making stops
in New York City, Miami Beach and Honolulu in a robust campaign to introduce the future of their brand through
entertainment, visual sensationalism
and interactive experiences.
INhonolulu was invited to the threeday tour event in Waikīkī to learn more
about Kipling’s global brand and why
they chose Hawai‘i for its fourth U.S.
store, as well as give you a peek at the
festivities. President of Kipling U.S.A.
Julie Dimperio, whom INhonolulu interviewed over the summer after the
store’s initial opening, said in a statement, “We chose Hawai‘i because we
have such an international base. We are
well known with the locals and we’re
also very appealing to the tourists. So
this was the perfect place to position
our fourth Kipling store. We looked at
our consumer base … and we had a lot
of customers here on O‘ahu so we said,
‘What a perfect place to put a store.’”
The entertainment was lively. Polynesian dancers and live music ushered
in the end of the three-city tour. Guests
were given complimentary makeup
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