Koki Catalpa: A way of life

An online boutique store called Koki Catalpa, which its owner describes as, in essence, a “way of life,” recently opened on Saipan, with product pickups in Dandan.

“We always believe that good quality of life has nothing to do with price. …Koki Catalpa continuously strives to select products that break the barriers that exquisite products must be expensive. …Koki Catalpa makes it more stylish, more reliable, and more affordable,” according to owner Cindy Wu.

Koki Catalpa is an online shop that provides local service that allows people on island to skip shopping on eBay or Amazon. “It’s always better to shop local. First, it saves time. Second, it shortens the shopping process. After searching our website for the product you want, you can simply complete the shopping experience with a few clicks of the mouse button. Then you can pick it up the next day. Because online products are shipped directly to us, there is no shipping fee involved in the transaction process. Often you can get the product faster than any other online store,” said Wu.

Some of the unique items found at Koki Catalpa’s online store are household items, stationery, toys, decorations, and clothing for adults and children, etc.

Customers can pick up their items at Koki Catalpa near Dandan Bakery along Dandan Road between 9:30am and 5pm daily. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

“We import our items from different parts of China. We focus on the precision and refinement of products. So, usually we don’t duplicate items and, once they are sold out, generally there will be no replenishment. In other words they are unique. I combine my passion and love for this island [in running the store], as I was born and raised here, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to start here,” said Wu.

Starting a business in a small market like Saipan is always a risk, but opening at a time of the COVID-19 pandemic, some would say, is just asking for trouble. Wu, however, is unfazed. “It seems like a crazy time to start a business at this time. I know it isn’t going to be easy. Choosing to open a store during the pandemic is mainly to facilitate everyone’s convenience and shopping,” she said.

So far, so good, as Koki Catalpa has been welcomed with open arms by the community in its first few days of operations. “…I am pleased with the progress, since this is just Day 2 of our opening.”

Currently, Koki Catalpa has an opening day promotion where T-shirts for children and adult are discounted at $3 and $6, respectively.

Those interested in shopping online can find Koki Catalpa at https://cnmikokicatalpa.wixsite.com/varietyboutique. They can also be reached through their Facebook page with the same name.

Customers can pick up their items at Koki Catalpa near Dandan Bakery along Dandan Road between 9:30am and 5pm daily.

For more information, call 783-5318 or message them on their Facebook page.