Mainlanders

28-Jan-11
Leonard P

Tiki has a new vibe.

While husband and wife entrepreneurs Scott Riddick and Michelle Walashek operate their 24 hour on line store for Mainlanders, their hardworking and experienced staff man the approximately 3000sq. ft. showroom on 7th Street. Originally located on University mainlanders is now a downtown Tiki-mega store.
“Downtown in the Gas Lamp brings us both a better vibe and result for our very niche market,” says Walashek. “We have a vision, model, and business plan that has not been fully realized yet,” she adds.

Walashek and Riddick hope to acquire space next door to their showroom for a tropical themed family café’ and line of apparel. The café will lead into the showroom. Imagine ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ meets ‘Lilo and Stitch’, to deliver a community experience beyond their rental/retail offerings. But for now upon entering the showroom, one is immediately wowed by a plethora of tropical products and is all but transported to a Polynesian artisans warehouse. Tiki statues, signs, furniture, knick-knacks, masks of all sizes and colors are handmade in house by skilled master carvers. Keeping it modern and green, Mainlander’s works with tree cutters in the county to recycle the cuttings into quality product for the show room and customized orders.

Mainlander’s ships worldwide. If customers are planning a luau or tropical themed event this is their one stop shop. Party rental packages are available as suggestions or can be customized for your event. One can rent anything in the warehouse or add on items such as a barbeque smoker, a recirculating drink fountain, a luau entrance arch, and hundreds of other items. Set up, delivery, bartending and catering are also options to make sure each party is a success.

Walashek and Riddick understand the importance of community spirit and they like to give back. If a customer is organizing a non-profit event they will offer the party rental services at no charge. They are passionate about succeeding in their business while offering a Disney-esque family experience.

If you are in the area it would be well worth your while to stop in have a look around and say ‘aloha’ to the family at Mainlanders, and be part of the vibe. Mahalo.