Pages & Pages, a retail operation facilitated by Blind Vendors Ohana (BVO) with ten stores at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii, has selected Square’s commerce platform to manage its operations. The decision was primarily driven by Square’s integrated accessibility features, multi-location inventory management, and staff training capabilities, which are crucial for high-traffic airport retail environments.
Operating within one of the United States’ busiest airports, Pages & Pages aims to enhance how its blind and low-vision employees serve over 21 million travelers annually. The implementation of Square’s accessible technology marks a significant upgrade from an outdated system, which previously limited employee independence and operational efficiency. The transition to Square’s platform allows team members to confidently manage sales, track inventory, and serve customers with reduced need for additional support.
Stan Young, Co-Owner of Blind Vendors Ohana, stated, “Square’s accessible technology makes independence and community possible for non-sighted and uniquely able retail staff.” He added, “Having the opportunity to work in these retail environments gives our team members more than just a paycheck – it gives them purpose. It’s a chance to belong, to serve travelers from all over the world, and to show that accessibility doesn’t limit what we can do. It only expands what’s possible. As the only 100% blind-owned and locally operated company in the Daniel K. International Airport, we are proud to partner and collaborate with an innovator such as Square. We are committed to improving the Aloha experience for travelers to Hawaii!”
Pages & Pages has deployed Square’s comprehensive commerce platform across all ten airport locations. The rollout, supported by close collaboration and in-person onboarding, includes Square Handheld devices for mobile POS transactions and inventory tracking, Square Terminal with adjustable display settings and magnification for low-vision users, and Square Stand with VoiceOver technology for audio-assisted checkout. The entire system features a unified inventory management platform and staff management tools with accessibility-first training capabilities.
This initiative extends beyond technological implementation; Pages & Pages is part of BVO, an organization that has supported blind and low-vision entrepreneurs across Hawaii for over 80 years. BVO provides initial startup equipment, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, demonstrating how accessible technology can create sustainable career opportunities in demanding retail settings.
Sean Conroy, Executive Creative Director at Square, commented, “Our partnership with Pages & Pages demonstrates how intentionally designed technology can transform business operations and create economic opportunities for people who are often excluded.” He further noted, “Building our tools with access in mind is essential to ensuring every business owner can grow on equal footing. Work gives many of us a sense of purpose, and Pages & Pages lives that every day through people like Mara – who show what’s possible when you trust the tools you use to do your job.”
Blind Vendors Ohana, a 100% blind-owned and locally operated Hawaiian company, has operated its 10 newsstand stores in the Honolulu Airport for over 31 years. Approximately 40% of BVO’s employees are blind or disabled, making it the largest employer of blind and low-vision staff in the airport. Beyond its operational remit, BVO contributes 40% of its annual profit to the State of Hawaii Randolph Sheppard Revolving Fund and 20% to the Hawaii Foundation for the Blind scholarship fund, in addition to paying concession rent to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. The company also supports numerous local small businesses by stocking a variety of local products.
