Metropark closing Ala Moana store

Metropark, a retailer of brand-name men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, will be closing its outlet at Ala Moana Center and 68 other locations nationwide.

Store closing sales started yesterday and will continue until all merchandise is sold.

The brand-name designers include True Religion, Diesel, Rock & Republic, BCBG, G-Star, Obey, 7-Diamonds and others. High-end deejay equipment and flat-screen televisions also will be sold along with other store fixtures such as apparel racks, shelving and lighting.

All Metropark stores will honor gift cards throughout the entire sale. All sales are final.

APEC seeks catering, uniform bids

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2011 Hawaii Host Committee is seeking a catering company and a volunteer uniform manufacturer for the large-scale international event.

The APEC 2011 Leaders’ Week will take place Nov. 713 in Honolulu. The Leaders’ Meeting is expected to attract approximately 20,000 attendees, including the leaders of the 21 APEC economies, ministers, business leaders and news media.

"These are very critical areas that will help shape the image of Hawaii to APEC attendees," said Peter Ho, Hawaii Host Committee chairman. "We are looking for Hawaii companies with a proven track record that can demonstrate Hawaii’s expertise in executing world-class meetings and conventions-related events, and help solidify Hawaii’s reputation of professional service and warmth."

Application specifics can be found at www.apec2011hawaii.com/business-opportunities.

Caterers should apply to rfq@apec2011hawaii.com by 4 p.m. May 19. Applications must include the company name, contact name, contact phone, facsimile, address and email address. Selected contractors will be notified around May 27.

Manufacturing companies must apply by 4 p.m. May 31 to rfp@apec2011hawaii.com and include the company name, contact name, contact phone, facsimile, address and email address. Selected contractors will be notified around June 8.

30-year mortgage rate falls to 4.71%

NEW YORK » Fixed mortgage rates dipped to the lowest level of the year this week. The third straight weekly decline comes at the start of the peak buying season.

Freddie Mac said yesterday the average rate on the 30-year loan fell to 4.71 percent from 4.78 percent the previous week. That matched this year’s low reached in January, but it is above the 40-year low of 4.17 percent hit in November.

The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage slipped to 3.89 percent from 3.97 percent. It reached 3.57 percent in November, the lowest level on records dating back to 1991.

Walmart stays atop Fortune 500 list

NEW YORK » Wal-Mart Stores Inc. remains atop the Fortune 500 list even as it struggles to keep its U.S. customers coming in the door.

The world’s largest retailer held onto the top spot for the second year in a row thanks to gains at its international stores. The company’s U.S. division has had seven straight quarters of declines in revenue at stores open at least a year compared with the same periods the year before.

Fortune Magazine, which ranked companies based on revenue for 2010, released its annual list yesterday. It was filled with examples of how rising fuel prices are affecting the economy. Walmart was followed by the three largest American oil companies: Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips.

ON THE MOVE

» The Hawai‘i Convention Center has announced that Jennifer Nakayama has been named director of operations. She has experience in master planning, corporate initiatives, solar and green power projects, water quality and company partnerships, including overseeing strategic planning for the San Diego County Water Authority’s capital improvement program.

» Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach has appointed Bree Deverill to events manager. As a certified wedding event planner, she has been designated the expert in creating signature events such as proposals, weddings and civil union ceremonies at the oceanfront resort. Deverill has served in the hospitality industry for eight years with wedding experience in various locations.

»The following Honolulu Community College students received the silver and bronze awards on April 23 at the 2011 Pele Awards:

– Cobra Gnouilaphi, a senior at HCC, received silver honors for his collateral material set for HR Biopetroleum, a renewable energy company on the Big Island.

— In the bronze honors, senior Sheryl Nicolas was given the award due to her stationery and menu set, which was created for her favorite ramen restaurant Goma Tei.