Off Track: Government Employees Mutual

From the Images of Old Hawaii website

Closed door (or membership) stores were discount stores that existed in the US since the late-1920s, when some retailers distributed ‘membership’ cards to some of their customers. One of the largest was GEM (Government Employees Mutual.) Only members of the GEM were permitted to make purchases in this warehouse store at prices substantially below prevailing retail prices elsewhere. It started in Denver, Colorado (1956.)

Glenn Kaya is credited with bringing the GEM stores to Hawaiʻi – starting with Kapālama (July 17, 1957) and Ward Avenue (August 1, 1962.) Following the mainland model, GEM itself did not carry inventory, it leased space to concessionaires operating different ‘departments.’ It expanded in the Islands.

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Webmaster Comment: As you view the photographs at the end of the linked article, you will recognize that GEM Kapālama is now the City Center along Dillingham Boulevard.  GEM Ware Avenue occupied the same space as the just closed Sports Authority.