Barry Taniguchi Named Retailer of the Year by the Retail Merchants of Hawaii

(October 20, 2016) HONOLULU, HI – Barry Taniguchi, the President & CEO of KTA Super Stores was named the Retailer of the year at The Retail Merchants of Hawaii’s (RMH) Annual Conference and Hookela Awards Luncheon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

Taniguchi was selected to receive the retail industry’s top annual award based on his going above and beyond level of service at the KTA Super Stores and in the community.

“Barry is a true icon in the industry and has always been committed to making not only Hawaii Island, but the entire state, a better place,” said Tina Yamaki, President of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii. “His dedication is evident in his caring of his employees, customers and the community. Barry continues to be a true visionary in knowing the value in leaving a legacy to the next generation.”

The Retailer of the year award was one of ten awards presented at the annual statewide RMH conference and awards luncheon honoring Hawaii’s top retail businesses and retailers.

Recipients of the RMH’s accolated are selected based on nominations submitted by the community, industry leaders and their peers; they are judged on the basis of outstanding and exceptional service on the job and in the community. This year was the 30th annual awards luncheon.

Other Hookela award winners are:

Governor’s Award — Alyson Helwagen, PacificBasin Communications

Retail Business of the Year — State of Hawaii – Macy’s

Retail Business of the Year — Kauai – Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts

Retail Business of the Year — Oahu – Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering

Retail Business of the Year — Hawaii Island – Westside Wines Hawaii, LLC

Retail Business of the Year — Maui – Mahina

Resort Retail Business of the Year — Island Gourmet Markets

Retail Employee of the Year — Amy Tomita, Neiman Marcus

Best New Retail Business of the Year — Hawaiian Shochu Company

Fastest Growing Retail Business of the Year — Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts

About Retail Merchants of Hawaii
Founded in 1901, RMH is a state-wide, non-profit trade association committed to the growth and development of the retail industry in Hawaii. The RMH mission is to promote the welfare of the retail industry, provide information and training and to advance the interest of the retail industry, and serve as an advocate for the retail industry in both the governmental and business community.

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