Shopify Helps Hawaiian Brands Say ‘Aloha’ to NYC

Shopify is partnering with Mana Up, an accelerator and venture fund for Hawaii-based products, on an immersive market concept designed to spotlight emerging brands from “the Aloha state.”  
 
Aloha Market will run April 26 to 28, 2024, at Shopify’s NYC activation space in SoHo, and will feature unique products from more than 40 Hawaii creators and entrepreneurs. The Hawaii Tourism Authority also will have a presence to feature Maui-based companies and their efforts to rebuild the island’s economy following the August 2023 wildfires. 

“Hawaii has transformed into a growing hub of innovative and world-class products, and this event is an exclusive opportunity to introduce exceptional Hawaii-made items and incredible entrepreneurs to New York City,” said Meli James, Co-founder of Mana Up in a statement. 

Access to the overall market is free, but some events, such as live tastings and community programming, will require a paid ticket. Attendees also will have the chance to win various prizes, such as the “Ultimate Hawaii Vacation,” which includes two roundtrip tickets to Hawaii, a hotel stay at Sheraton Waikiki and a shopping spree at House of Mana Up. 

Mana Up and Shopify have an established, and growing, partnership that focuses on helping Hawaiian brands thrive through ecommerce.  
 
“Aloha Market represents a continuation of our partnership with Mana Up that started in 2018,” said Chris Schmicker, Brand Marketing Director at Shopify in a statement. “At Shopify, we’re grateful that our platform has been able to help emerging Hawaiian businesses bring their products to the world.”