Lasting Impact

Throwback: General Manager Erin Isa with Neiman Marcus Hawai‘i founding general manager, Al Tomonari. All photos courtesy Neiman Marcus 

Hawai‘i’s own Erin Isa, Senior Director and General Manager of Neiman Marcus Hawai‘i, was destined for retail success. 

Honolulu-born and raised, Isa joined the Neiman Marcus family in Honolulu in 1998, opening the retail namesake’s first Hawai’i store as an Assistant in the Dress Collections department. Her Kaiser High School and University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Mānoa studies armed her for her very first dip into the retail world at Liberty House, where she worked while attending college before launching her to-the-top trajectory at Neiman Marcus. 

“Neiman Marcus is an incredible company that is known for creating magic for our customers through a curated product assortment and engaging experiences,” Isa shares. “Since our inception, the company has operated by the abiding principle to exceed customer expectations.” 

Isa’s hard work and determination to exceed expectations garnered her fair share of promotions: Sales Manager, Assistant General Manager, and Group Manager, overseeing various women’s and men’s departments, as well as jewelry, gifts, and home. A proud recipient of the NM Best Award, a peer-nominated corporate honor, Isa rightfully gained recognition for her talent, work ethic, and upstanding character. 

“I most admire that Neiman Marcus is a woman co-founded and majority women-led organization who supports, empowers, and advances women in leadership roles,” Isa says. “It is an honor to work with so many strong female leaders, and it inspires me to lead with love throughout the store and beyond.” 

In addition to being surrounded by supportive women, Isa was also closely mentored by Al Tomonari, the late Neiman Marcus Hawai‘i GM. Until his retirement in 2015, Isa was positioned to shape her career in the luxury shop business. He made such a positive career impact that Tomonari and Isa continued to keep in touch even after his retirement. 

In December 2020, during a trying time for retail and tourism, Isa was named Director, General Manager, a role in which she thrived, until being promoted to Senior Director, General Manager, her current role, in October 2022. And the innovation and drive for excellence continue year after year … 

“We are actually the first retailer to offer a customer loyalty program, InCircle,” Isa shares. “Neiman Marcus has always been at the forefront of identifying top talent in the luxury industry. This year, the company brought back the Neiman Marcus Awards, an iconic program that has honored some of fashion’s most famous names including Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent at the onset of their careers.”

In view of Neiman Marcus Hawai‘i 25th anniversary celebration, Isa has much to share. 

“In honor of our 25th anniversary this September, Neiman Marcus Ala Moana will make life extraordinary for our customers through a variety of celebrations this fall,” Isa says. “We are honored to have a loyal customer base and look forward to hosting activations with exclusive products from global brands and local vendors to commemorate the occasion.”

And per Isa, the company is set for even further greatness in Hawai‘i in the future: “As we look ahead, our goal for Neiman Marcus Ala Moana is to maintain our position as the pre-eminent luxury retailer in Hawai‘i by providing a curated assortment and luxury services from the best team in a welcoming environment. We have an exceptional team at Neiman Marcus Ala Moana, some of whom have been with the store since it opened 25 years ago, and our celebrated award-winning restaurant, the Mariposa.”

And the staff certainly are not the only people who have been around for 25 years and counting, Isa assures. 

“We are a relationship business, and we feel fortunate to be supported by our loyal local customers and look forward to continuing our relationship with them. We also plan to continue our corporate mission to Lead with Love and give back to our community, as we have done consistently throughout our 25 years in business.” 

To learn more, visit @neimanmarcushawaii on Instagram.