ABC Stores Company History and Information



	Just another chain of convenience stores? Not really. Like most convenience store chains ABC Stores has multiple outlets; seventy-nine stores that span the Pacific from Hawaii, Las Vegas, Nevada to Guam and Saipan. Owned by Sidney and Minnie Kosasa (Mr. and Mrs. K), ABC Stores had its genesis in the 30's. Sidney grew up working in his parent's grocery store in Honolulu and earned a pharmacist's degree at the University of California at Berkeley in 1942. In 1949, the Kosasas opened their own drug store, and a chain of drug stores followed shortly. On a trip to Miami Beach Mr. K watched the visitors shopping local convenience stores instead of high priced hotel shops. He envisioned that Waikiki would someday be packed with visitors, like Miami Beach, and the ABC concept was born: stores conveniently located for visitors with merchandise sold at fair prices.
	Drawing upon his experience in drug and grocery stores, Mr. K opened the first ABC outlet on Waikiki Beach in 1964. It stocked grocery, souvenirs, drugs and cosmetics and anything else a visitor would need. He decided to stay away from a fancy moniker and settled on ABC as a name that everyone could easily remember. Today there are ABC Stores on every major island in the State of Hawaii and the ABC concept has been exported to Guam, Saipan, and Las Vegas. ABC Stores employs more than 900 Associates. Almost all the stores open 365 days a year from 6:30AM to 1:00AM. Ranked among the largest Hawaii businesses, ABC Stores sells more macadamia nuts, suncare products, souvenirs and other visitor-related products than anyone else in the state. Just another chain of convenience stores? Not really. Making your vacation a bit more enjoyable is what ABC is about!