Nadine Kam photos
Maui manager Misty was in town to help with the grand opening of Ross Dress for Less's new King Street store on March 8. She was handing out free shopping bags to all, while supplies lasted.

Two new Ross Dress for Less stores opened their doors March 8 at the Laulani Village Shopping Center in Ewa, and in Honolulu, where Longs used to be in Moiliili.

True to form, at the Honolulu store it seemed everyone's uncle and auntie was already there shopping by the time I got there at midday. It's as if there's nothing to do in Honolulu except charge the next big retail opening. It's funny how people try to save $—prices at Ross are regularly 20 to 60 percent off department store prices—by spending $! But, if you were going to shop for a new spring wardrobe, baby luau gift, housewares or luggage, etc., anyway, it all makes sense.

It was crazy trying to get in, when the parking lot was jammed with people arriving, and people leaving with their purchases.

Inside, I spotted a lot of men gathered around the watch counter, and people congregated around the specialty foods and housewares aisles. There were also plenty of women shopping for new shoes and handbags. Just as at other Ross stores, there are luggage, infant, kids, beauty and accessories departments as well. No doubt some of the assortment has been spurred by new competition that has entered the market since the company opened its last store here, and more competition makes consumers the winners.

Spring trend items were abundant, and in coming weeks, Ross will be launching a Shoe Madness promotion, giving shoppers the opportunity to win a $100 gift card each week for four weeks.

As a warm-up act, Ross is sending me a $25 gift card and want one of Hawaii's fashion tribe to go shopping with $25, which goes a lot further at Ross than most other stores! (If you're reading from somewhere else, sorry but this contest is for Hawaii readers only.)

Just let me know if you're interested in winning a $25 gift card and I'll add your name to a drawing and pull the winner on St. Patrick's Day.
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The new stores are at:

>> Laulani Village Shopping Center, 91-1085 Keaunui Drive, Ewa Beach, 808.685.0966
>> 2220 S. King S., Honolulu, 808.941.1033

Hours are:
9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays
9 a.m.  to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
9:30 a.m.  to 9:30 p.m. Sundays

Kim Delos Santos shows a lace skirt priced at $12.99. Lace is one of the trends for spring 2013.

A designer handbags section rivals that of another recent entry to the discount retail market.

More handbags in variations of spring's green/blue trend.

Shoppers try on hats. (Easter's around the corner for those in need of spring bonnets.)

Collar-style and clear necklaces in the jewelry counter at the front of the Honolulu store.

Colorful dresses for little girls.

Infant blankets.

Stripes are another spring trend. Parked next to the rack is one woman's full cart.

Wedges in spring colors. The strappy orange pair on the right are $18.99.

Beauty products are also very reasonably priced.

Order at the checkout counter.