Talk Story with an Advertiser: Hilo Grow Shop
Looking for a new, locally-owned source for gardening supplies? Hilo Grow Shop welcomes everyone, from the beginner gardener to the commercial farmer. This is a place where the gardening community can come together to discuss ideas, diagnose, create, consult, and more. They have systems in place to assist you and have supplies available when you need them. They understand plants can’t wait and neither can you!
Owners Chrissie Brown and Tyler Crook’s main focus is on customer care—making sure their customers have everything they need at the right price. Everyone who walks through their doors or places an online order is considered family. In 2016, HGS extended service to other Hawaiian Islands and Guam via their website, offering free shipping (excluding oversized items). The staff has been praised for their quick shipping times and handwritten thank you notes.
When asked what was the motivation for starting their business, Tyler says he and Chrissie are avid gardeners and were not happy with the offerings on the island. He shares, “We both feel that the gardening community here is special and deserves an enjoyable experience when purchasing tools and supplies for growing.” That led them to create HGS in 2015.
They were fortunate to find their shop’s location in Keaukaha. With Hilo’s beautiful beaches right down the road, it’s hard to imagine a better spot for their garden center; however, it is a little hidden. It took some time for people to discover them and, as their business picked up, the 2018 lava flow hit. Tyler says, “We donated to the cause wherever possible and even donated all revenue to the affected community from sales of ‘Hilo Grow Shop–Lava Flow’ hats.”
“We are now in the middle of the pandemic which has presented its own challenges. Our team has worked relentlessly to meet the requests of the state as well as customers by offering curbside pick-up, phone orders, free face coverings, and free shipping to the people of Hawai‘i. We have been lucky to employ a wonderful team with a wide range of gardening knowledge and we truly appreciate them.”
Looking towards the future, they are considering expanding. They’ve received many requests for more stores, and they hope to make this a reality, with multiple locations statewide.
Chrissie and Tyler say, “Mahalo nui to all who have supported our shop and our family. Let’s plant something!”
Hilo Grow Shop
500 Kalanianaole Ave., 2A, Hilo
808.339.3232
hilogrowshop.com
