As QI Group concludes a year of purposeful progress, Down To Earth Organic and Natural, our sustainability-focussed retail business in Hawai‘i, continues to reinforce its position as a trusted leader in natural and organic grocery. With strategic improvements, strengthened operational leadership, and continued community engagement, the brand remains firmly aligned for long-term value creation.
Strategic Store Enhancements
In spring 2025, the Kailua store underwent a refresh that included a modest expansion of its produce area, updated graphics, and enhancements to select food service and dining areas. These updates support a more efficient customer experience and reflect Down To Earth’s commitment to responsible, sustainability-driven retail management.
A small community event marked the occasion, reaffirming the store’s relationship with residents and its ongoing role as a dependable neighbourhood retailer.
Elevated Leadership Advancement
A significant highlight of the year was the appointment of Sarah K. Hoppe as Chief Operating Officer. With nearly twenty years of experience at Down To Earth, Sarah’s progression into this executive role underscores QI Group’s emphasis on cultivating leaders who embody the organisation’s mission and operational priorities.
Her comprehensive experience across store operations and management positions the organisation strongly as it continues to expand its sustainability initiatives and enhance operational efficiency across all Hawai‘i locations.
Empowered Team Development
At the store level, the Kakaako location welcomed Jessica Morris as Store Manager. With a background in plant-based retail, Jessica supports the day-to-day operations and customer engagement functions essential to delivering a positive in-store experience.
She works closely with long-serving Wellness Manager Uncle Wayne Satsuma, whose continuity and product knowledge remain significant contributors to customer confidence and overall service quality.
Core Business Pillars in Action
Down To Earth’s progress this year demonstrates clear alignment with QI Group’s strategic business pillars:
• Sustainability: Ongoing commitment to environmentally conscious retail operations and plant-based product accessibility
• Wellness: Continued promotion of healthy, natural and organic food choices
• People Development: Advancement of long-serving team members and consistent staff training
• Community Building: Strengthened engagement with local communities and support for wellness education
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Continuous enhancement of the retail environment to meet evolving customer expectations
Together, these efforts reinforce the brand’s solid operational foundation and its contribution to QI Group’s global mission.
Focussed Outlook for 2026
As we close our final update of the year, Down To Earth stands well-positioned for continued growth. With strengthened leadership, refined store environments, and a clear commitment to sustainability, the brand is poised to deepen its impact across Hawai‘i in 2026.
The achievements of this year reaffirm QI Group’s dedication to empowering communities, developing values-driven leaders, and championing responsible business practices across all our enterprises.
