Buckle

Vanessa Shipp, Adrea Cloepfil, Mike Dean

Corporate Profile

• BKE is a leading retailer of medium to better–priced casual apparel, footwear and accessories for fashion–conscious young men and women. The Company currently operates over 340 stores in 38 states, under the names Buckle and The Buckle.

• The Company emphasizes personalized attention to its guests (customers) and provides individual customer services such as free alterations, free gift–wrapping, layaways and a frequent shopper program.

• In addition to the retail locations, the Buckle Screenprinting is a full–service solution offering a broad selection of promotional merchandise to outside athletic teams, organizations, clubs and individuals.

History

• Buckle began as a men's clothing store in 1948 in Kearney, Nebraska.

• The first store was founded by David Hirschfeld and operated under the name "Mills Clothing". His son Dan took over the operations in 1965 and has been a leader in the company since. In 1967 a second store was purchased and operated under the name "Brass Buckle".

• In 1977 the company introduced women's apparel.

Customer Profile• Men and Women 18-28 years old

• These guests are brand conscious consumers seeking the latest trends in popular retail fashion.

• These shoppers have a middle to upper class income.

• This consumer is a student or just getting their foot in the working world. They are fun, laid back, and enjoy sports and outdoors.

The Product

• Buckle markets a wide selection of brand names and private label casual apparel, including denims, other casual bottoms, tops, sportswear, outerwear, accessories and footwear.

– Roxy, Quicksilver, Rusty, Billabong, Echo, Dr. Martin, K Swiss, Lucky, Silver, Guess, Big Star

– Buckle’s Signature brand BKE

http://www.buckle.com/static/bscene/b_scene_extras.html

Retail Space

• Mall based Store• Sleek, Clean, Modern,

and Hip effect• Stores Nationwide.

– Salem location• Across from Nordstrom.

• Brick and Mortar Company– Products also available

online.

Competition

Pac Sun

Zumiez

Nordstom

American Eagle

Sources

• Buckle’s Website http://www.buckle.com/

• Interview with Buckle manager Dustin Bear