Meena’s to close after more than 40 years on Saipan

The CNMI’s local version of Walmart and Kohl’s—Meena’s in Chalan Kanoa—is closing after more than 40 years of outfitting local residents.

The Saipan retail store icon will shutter down on July 23 and starting last Saturday, July 15, has been holding a close-out sale where every item is buy one, take one.

Meena’s ready-to-wear clothes—that range from underwear, to jeans, to dress shirts and format pants, and women’s dresses and pants—are now priced as low as $1.

Supervisor Rina Manabat said Meena’s is closing due to two factors—slow sales and the desire of its owner, Vashi Hemlani, to retire the Saipan operation as his family is now based in Guam.

She said after its weeklong close-out sale, everything they didn’t sell will be shipped to Guam, adding that they already filled one 40-foot container and will use another 40-foot container to bring what’s left to their main store in the U.S. territory.

Meena’s supervisor Rina Manabat, left, and staff Juliana Nekaifes pose in front of the store that is closing after more than 40 years of doing business on Saipan. (MARK RABAGO)

Aside from clothes, Meena’s also sells spices and ingredients for Indian dishes.

Manabat, who worked for Meena’s for six years, said at its height the store had as much as 10 employees. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit Saipan, she said sales turned from bad to worse.

She also thanked Hemlani for being a good and trusting owner as he helped all his employees not only financially but also emotionally.

Juliana Nekaifes, who has been with Meena’s for about 18 years, said Hemlani treated his staff like family and that’s the reason why she didn’t look for another job.

She is sad that Meena’s is closing because she considers the business one of the pioneers as far as RTW clothing is concerned on the island.

“It was very popular before. It was very popular with locals because of its large size for shirts, pants, and formal and semi-formal wear for all occasions,” she said, adding that the pandemic truly was the death knell for the store as more than 50% of their sales went down.

Lisa Galang said in her short two years’ stay at Meena’s she enjoyed everyone’s company and admired how Hemlani treated everyone as family.

After a generation of clothing the people on Saipan, the local community was understandably sad to see Meena’s bid farewell.

“My family and I would go to Meena’s to find and purchase much needed clothing for special occasions, like holy communion, confirmation, graduations, birthdays, etc. My family and I want to extend our gratitude to Meena’s for their services and products to our CNMI community for many many years. It was our go-to shop for items we couldn’t find elsewhere! We will miss them and wish them well,” said Frances Sablan.

Erlinda Naputi, meanwhile, said one of her fondest memories of Meena’s was when she was in fifth grade.

“I needed a black skirt for a school program. Not only did they have it, but it was within our price range. Meena’s has provided many families with affordable clothing needs for many decades. Un dungkulu na Si yu’us ma’ase Meena’s for providing Saipan with their clothing needs.”

For Patrick Fieldad, Meena’s brings fond memories of Saipan not too long ago.

“Meena’s was a very nice place back in my younger days. I remember before all the other clothing stores started coming out, Meena’s was one of our go-to-places. Before Moonlight Clothing there was Meena’s. Though I have not bought clothes there as I remember, it was one of the many places my parents and I visited.”

Meena’s staff poses as the retail clothing store is in the midst of a close-out sale. (MARK RABAGO)

Aside from clothes, Meena’s also was famous for selling spices and ingredients for Indian cooking. (MARK RABAGO)

Floyd Masga said Meena’s was the only place back then to find his size—husky.

“That’s where big Saipan boys shop for shirts and pants,” he said.

Cherry Lumbana said Meena’s was very convenient because they used to provide free cutting for pants you purchase there.

“I usually buy my husband’s work pants there and have been shopping there since 2015. I especially love their buy-five-for-$20 deal. That’s five shirts for $20!”

Ray Angeles said while he didn’t shop a lot at Meena’s he understands its popularity in the community.

“Went there once and I actually didn’t shop for clothes. Usually my parents buy clothes from there or I’ll get gifts from there. Not really my style but the briefs are pretty good quality.”
Feel Kalen said it sucks that the islands will lose another longtime store.

“Sadly, we’re going to lose another good business. I bought clothes there, usually pants and T-shirts.”

Luis John Castro, meanwhile, said at one point or another everyone on the island has shopped at Meena’s.

“The thing I remember most about Meena’s is that if there was a certain article of clothing you needed quick, Meena’s was one of the first places our parents and grandparents would take us back in the day. They were so popular they even had a store on Guam at one point. It truly is the end of an era with Meena’s closing. It’s sad. Meena’s, thank you for outfitting all these decades!” he said.

Meena’s is located in Chalan Kanoa in front of the Aquarius Beach Tower and is open from 10am to 7pm. For more information on its close-out sale, call (670) 234-3225.