Buffalo Exchange
| File:Buffalo Exchange Logo.svg | |
| Company type | privately owned |
|---|---|
| Industry | fashion resale retailer sale of new & pre-owned apparel |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Tucson, Arizona |
Number of locations | 41 stores |
Area served | United States |
Buffalo Exchange is a U.S.-based retailer specializing in fashion resale. Utilizing a "buy, sell, trade" approach, the company purchases clothing and accessories directly from individuals and offers them for resale to consumers. The brand caters to diverse styles and age groups by providing a blend of new and previously owned items, spanning contemporary trends, everyday essentials, vintage pieces, unique finds, designer labels, and more.[1] Although often mistaken for a thrift store, Buffalo Exchange differs by selectively acquiring most of its inventory through purchases from local sellers rather than accepting donations. This strategy results in a carefully curated product range.[2]
Founded in 1974 in Tucson, Arizona by Kerstin Block and her husband Spencer Block, Buffalo Exchange remains under the ownership and management of Kerstin’s daughter, Rebecca Block.[3] Over the past five decades, the enterprise has grown to encompass more than 40 locations across the United States.
History
The concept behind Buffalo Exchange originated in 1974 when Kerstin Block envisioned a secondhand store that was clean, well-lit, and thoughtfully curated to make pre-owned apparel more approachable. Together with her husband Spencer, she leased a modest 400-square-foot space in Tucson, Arizona and introduced the buy-sell-trade model for clothing—a novel alternative to traditional thrift and consignment shops.[4] They carefully selected each garment based on customer preferences, provided immediate payment, and arranged merchandise in an inviting and easy-to-navigate environment.
Originally from Sweden, Kerstin relocated to Tucson after receiving a scholarship at the University of Arizona, where she met Spencer. She chose the name “Buffalo” because it evoked a distinctly American feel to her.[5]
Within a few years of launching, expansion began throughout Arizona followed by an additional store in San Francisco. The rising popularity of secondhand shopping during the 1990s led the founders to open 19 more locations spanning California as well as the Southwest and Northwest regions.
Buffalo Exchange is also recognized for its community engagement through programs such as its annual Earth Day $1 Sale and the Tokens for Bags initiative.[6]
Buy-Sell-Trade Procedure
Buffalo Exchange purchases items daily throughout business hours without requiring any prior appointment. Individuals looking to sell must present a valid government-issued identification, such as a Driver’s License or Passport; those under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult holding appropriate ID. For merchandise accepted for purchase, the store offers compensation of 50% of the selling price in store credit or 25% in immediate cash payment. Sellers have the flexibility to choose any combination of trade credit and cash. The company emphasizes that it acquires high-quality items from all seasons year-round, selecting inventory based on current store needs.
Reputation and Industry Recognition
Buffalo Exchange has established itself as a respected name within the retail fashion industry. Known for its affordable and sustainable pricing, the brand distinguishes itself by offering a diverse assortment of apparel and accessories while maintaining a strong commitment to exceptional customer service. The company promotes itself as "not your average thrift store."
Since its inception, founder Kerstin Block aimed to differentiate the shop from typical secondhand stores. Driven by her passion for thrifting, Block did not anticipate the brand’s significant growth. She conceived the concept after recognizing others who shared her enthusiasm for thrift shopping but preferred to avoid sifting through extensive racks. This insight shaped her original business model: a resale store where customers could find carefully curated selections in one location and also sell their garments for trade credit or cash. At the time, resale was relatively uncommon, yet Block believed there was demand for unique pieces at great value. This vision continues to inspire Buffalo Exchange’s ongoing efforts to engage communities in promoting sustainable fashion and reshaping how secondhand shopping is perceived.
Although initially unfamiliar with the fashion industry's business aspects, the founders launched their resale boutique driven by core principles. These include a golden rule focused on respecting individuals, treating everyone fairly, and actively listening—values articulated by Block herself. The store’s success is largely attributed to strong customer loyalty fostered through honest and people-centered business practices. Buffalo Exchange celebrates personal expression and individuality as central elements of its brand identity.
References
- ↑ "How To Sell". Buffalo Exchange. Retrieved 2022-10-11.
- ↑ Business, Vanessa Barchfield, Special to Inside Tucson (13 April 2018). "Buffalo Exchange". Inside Tucson Business. Retrieved 2022-10-11.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "The mother-daughter duo behind the thrift store Buffalo Exchange explains how they built a $103 million company from used clothes". Business Insider.
- ↑ Business, Vanessa Barchfield, Special to Inside Tucson (13 April 2018). "Buffalo Exchange". Inside Tucson Business. Retrieved 2022-10-11.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ Tucson, Johanna Willett | This Is (3 March 2019). "Badass businesswoman Kerstin Block pioneered resale fashion with Buffalo Exchange". This is Tucson. Retrieved 2022-10-11.
- ↑ "Giving Back". Buffalo Exchange. Retrieved 2022-10-11.
- Bahr, Emilie (July 7, 2008). "Resale Shops Gain Popularity as Consumers Embrace Frugality". New Orleans CityBusiness. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
- Fink, Mara (July 26, 2008). "Consignment Stores Attract Budget-Conscious Shoppers". The Pioneer Press. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
External links
- Buffalo Exchange Official website