With nearly five decades of serving Grand Island and surrounding communities, Buckle is gearing up for a new chapter with its soon-to-be remodeled store at the Conestoga Marketplace. The reimagined Buckle storefront aims to offer an enhanced shopping experience for its diverse clientele with a larger space and even more product than before.
Buckle has long stood as a staple in the Grand Island community, providing quality denim products that cater to a wide spectrum of customers. Jim Kolbo, District Manager, believes the new store located within the Conestoga Marketplace will cement Buckle's position as a preferred retailer in the region.
"The [planned] Marketplace gives us an opportunity to open a new store with an updated design inside and out, really reinforcing our focus at Buckle to bring a unique, positive experience to our guests, our brands and even the communities around,” Kolbo said. “We are confident that the Marketplace will provide a great atmosphere to do just that, so we can continue to grow within Grand Island and surrounding communities to be their preferred retailer – especially when it comes to quality jeans."
The Buckle team is confident that the future of Conestoga Marketplace's vibrant atmosphere and diverse retail, including popular retailers like Target and Best Buy, make it an ideal location for its updated store. This strategic positioning allows the brand to connect with a broader audience while solidifying its commitment to being a "one-stop shopping destination," according to Area Manager and Kearney Store Manager Britney Zakrzewski.
The store carries its own in-house brands, such as BKE and Buckle Black, along with an array of exclusive national products, amounting to nearly 200 different brands for both men's and women's apparel. This wide variety ensures that Buckle caters to everyone, from youth to young adults and beyond.
"Buckle is a true denim destination offering quality brands. Its trends fit everybody from youth to teens to adults. Something unique about us, though, is that all the products you will only find at the Buckle," Store Manager Alex Arrieta said.
The remodeled store's layout and offerings are a testament to Buckle's adaptability and understanding of evolving fashion trends. A dedicated team of buyers continually curate collections that align with the season's top items, utilizing a system of "Five Must-Haves for the Season" to ensure that the offerings align with the ever-changing preferences of its customers.
Buckle has expanded its demographic reach by introducing Buckle Youth products and an extended range of sizes, from youth to adult. This inclusive approach underlines Buckle's dedication to diverse backgrounds, ages, and preferences. Arrieta finds enjoyment in helping his customers find the perfect outfit, whether it's something casual, dressy, or somewhere in between.
"I like helping women shop because it's all the more challenging and it's a little bit more fun because I get to help women style and find jeans that work best for them,” Arrieta said. “From little kids to women in their forties, it's great to be able to help them [look their best]."
Buckle's store remodel will not only enhance the interior and exterior access, but also embraces changing shopping trends. The new outward-facing store design will tap into the growing trend of outdoor shopping experiences, offering convenient access, ample parking and visibility from the street, enabling passersby to discover the store.
This shift toward outward-facing stores has proven successful by drawing in curious customers from nearby shops and encouraging exploration of the diverse retailers.
"We've noticed, as we've had more stores facing the street, we do get traffic from the next-door neighbors. As you get done shopping, you see who else is here because it's a short walking distance, just like it would be inside of a mall, but you get to be outside. It's been great for our business,” Kolbo said.
Zakrzewski also notes that with the new store, there will be room for more products than ever before.
“Our mindset is [to provide every guest with] the best experience. They still never get to see everything we have to offer; it’s impossible,” Zakrzewski said. “So how are we getting them to come back? And how do we let our guests know that we get freight Monday through Friday? Every day is Christmas for us and can be for you too.”
As Buckle anticipates opening its doors of a newly remodeled store, the brand remains committed to its core values of appreciation, support, and continuous improvement. The positive workplace culture at Buckle is reflected in its staff's enthusiasm and dedication to creating an exceptional shopping experience for each guest.
"When it comes to culture and why we stay at Buckle, and why people stay at any job, is you feel appreciated,” Zakrzewski said. “You don't really understand until you live it and you're part of it with us, but we have the support with each other. We're always challenged, but in a positive way where we want to do better."
With the store remodel and expansion, Buckle is also looking to grow its team. Arrieta is hiring for various positions, from upper-level management to entry-level roles, bringing new job opportunities for the Grand Island community.
Despite the obstacles posed by the ongoing Conestoga Marketplace construction, Buckle’s Grand Island location has continued to thrive. The brand's resilience is possible through its consistent business performance and loyalty of Central Nebraska shoppers, aided by the Conestoga Marketplace's marketing efforts, including banners and signage that guide visitors to the new entrances.
"[At the beginning of the construction, it was] a little intimidating for some guests because they don't know if we're open or they don't know where the entrance is,” Arrieta said. “I try to keep it as positive as I can, not just for my team, but for the guests. I get calls every day, and I’m just reassuring them, ‘Hey, we're still your store.’”
As Buckle continues to evolve and adapt, its presence in Grand Island and the surrounding communities remains as strong as ever. Its remodel signals not only a commitment to its legacy but also an investment in the community's future shopping experience.
The Buckle team eagerly anticipates the store's remodel in the completed Conestoga Marketplace, but in the meantime, Buckle remains open and ready to welcome shoppers.
