GOINGS
pitts Custom Creations recently opened in Yuma.
Business owner Richard Colpitts said he does all kinds of woodworking, laser engraving and glass etching, and offers mobile services and free consultations.
While he said he mostly handles military-related orders, Colpitts mentioned that he’d like to branch out and diversify his customer base.
Colpitts Custom Creations can be reached via Facebook or email, both of which are available at www.colpittscustomcreations.com. *** Rue21, a teen fashion retailer, appears to be closing its location in San Luis at 582 E. Piceno Dr., Suite 801.
According to the Associated Press, that location was marked as a “closing store” on the Rue21 website, but that designation was later removed for an unknown reason. Still, it is believed that the San Luis location is one of about 400 of the retailer’s 1,218 stores expected to close. No timeline for closure yet, and no comment from the local store.
The chain also has a location in the Yuma Palms Regional Center at 1305 S. Yuma Palms Parkway, which was not on the list. *** Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies, a 34-year-old franchise with hundreds of locations and mobile operating units across the United States, is focusing on expanding in Arizona.
Two years ago, it was acquired by Kahala Brands, which is headquartered in Scottsdale. Now that the company has settled, its president and CEO, Mike Weinberger, said it’s time to develop franchises throughout the Grand Canyon State.
“The plan is to continue to grow,” he told the Sun, noting that Maui Wowi would focus on its mobile operating units in Arizona.
Weinberger mentioned that the brand projects opening 15 units throughout the state in the next year. They’ve already secured contracts at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, an MLB Spring Training facility.
He said that Yuma’s new Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex, due for a mid-August completion, is “right in our sweet spot.”
The goal with Maui Wowi, Weinberger said, is to offer a healthier alternative to people at ballparks, stadiums, fairs and other such locations.
More information is available at www.mauiwowifranchise.com. *** And just a reminder from the Jan. 22 column — the Arizona Public Service office along the Big Curve at 128 W. 32nd St. will close April 28.
Steven Gotfried, a spokesman for APS, Yuma’s lone electricity provider, previously said that only about 6 percent of customers use the few remaining brick-andmortar offices in the state, and that the number continues to decline.
While customers can continue to pay their bills online at www.aps.com or by phone by calling (866) 776-0445, there will be four locations in Yuma where they can still pay in person.
The locations are: Albertsons, 2378 W. 24th St.; Albertsons, 252 E. 32nd St.; Del Sol Market, 280 S. 4th Ave.; and Del Sol Market, 367 W. 16th St. Each location will offer no-fee payment options.