Our Story


Eveni Carruthers, the trading name of I.H.Carruthers Ltd with at least 92 years in business in Samoa, has stood the test of time as a family company with the current management team led by a fourth generation of since the founder. Irving " Eveni" Carruthers of Vailima first established I.H.Carruthers Ltd in Samoa as a cocoa and copra merchant in 1929. Irving Carruthers was the son of Richard Irving Hetherington Carruthers, a Scotsman from Melbourne who first came to Samoa as a lawyer for Robert Louis Stevenson in the 1890s. The I.H.Carruthers trading empire was set up by integrating a network of trading stations throughout Samoa which were serviced by inter-island schooners.

 During the 1950s and up to the early 1970s I.H Carruthers had practically a trading station in every village in Upolu, Manono and Savaii when the company was one of the main merchants trading in cocoa and copra for export. Maintaining a close connection of the company to the village communities and supporting their social and cultural activities is rooted in the long association of the company with village communities since the 1950s. 

Over the years I.H.Carruthers has adopted "Eveni Carruthers" as its main store brand and has become one of the leading retailers of fabrics, uniforms, sporting goods and Polynesian inspired apparel. The blending of Polynesian and Samoan motifs under the following brands which are inspired by the expanded family history of the Carruthers family in Samoa

EveniPacific : Elei pronounced eh – lay is a traditional form of hand block printing in Samoa.  EveniPacific is our brand for our largest range of Elei Apparel for Men, Ladies and Kids. 
Eveni Kids: line of clothes are styled for inquisitive, full of energy youngsters. The versatile use of cool colors, Polynesian designs on selected fabrics makes Eveni Kids clothing a must for all children. For your "Fanau" (Family). 

KokoPacific:  Our Island Lifestyle brand was developed for traditionally inspired resortwear for our guests and holiday makers who want to dress like the locals. Like the rich premium cocoa beans grown in the Pacific, Koko Pacific fashions its products on premium, authentic lines featuring truly Polynesian motifs designs and themes. A tradition of high performance established in the colonial plantations of Malaefono and Avao dictates still the uncompromising standards of Koko Pacific products. We strive to produce lines that portray the relaxed pace of pacific life yet wearable on the streets of N.Y.

EveniSport: Eveni sports people are Pacific warrior people. Naturally rugged and sculpted to tackle any sport or form of exercise. Wear-ability,comfort and panache epitomize Eveni sports attire. The warrior instinct of sports-minded people insists on the benchmark standards of Eveni Sports.
Our Sports store also carries a full range of branded apparel, footwear, equipment and supplements. Exclusive and Authorized distributors for the 4 major brands – Nike, Puma, Adidas and Under Armour.  EveniSport are stockists of many sports and health care brands.

Garlands Pacific: Garlands Pacific has been inspired by Malcolm Carruthers who built up a relatively high profile soft furnishing outlet at Remuera in Auckland New Zealand during the the 1970s to the early 1990s.The soft furnishings adaptation to the Polynesian and Samoan fashions and motifs include elei designed sheets sets, lounge pillows and duvet sets.

Eveni: The Eveni brand which is the Samoan translation of the first name of the company's founder “Irving" has become a popular name over the years. The "Eveni" brand is our premium school uniforms brand for Samoa, American Samoa and Tokelau.

 

It now operates a Modern Department Store (7750 sqft) in Apia with branches in Faleolo Airport, Salelologa Savaii and a franchise store in American Samoa.