Why You Should Check Out Your Local Buckle
Image Courtesy: PYMNTS
Quarantine has changed our shopping habits; not only has the way of buying our products changed but where we shop has changed as well. There’s been an increase in thrifting, DIY clothing and shopping locally because people are beginning to realize the effect fast fashion has on our planet. As a business student who is obsessed with fashion, it was important to me that I worked for a retailer that cared for its community, environment and labor force. I had never walked into a Buckle store or even heard of it, so before applying I did a lot of research to make sure it fit my values. Not only did our values align, but I really fell in love with their products. Here are a couple of reasons why I am proud to be an employee and guest of Buckle.
The Buckle is a retailer that sells casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for fashion-forward individuals. Some things that stand out about this brand are that it practices sustainability, has a range of prices and styles and offers personal styling. From the materials in the construction of the store, fabrication, resources and partnered brands, Buckle makes an effort to use environmentally-friendly processes throughout its operations and has created a Green Team Committee to raise awareness in the workplace and in the community. Buckle also has relationships with other vendors and brands that share that same value. For example, Buckle partners with a vendor that uses Ozone technology, a wash practice that significantly reduces water consumption. Buckle also supports and sells the brands Miss Me, Hurley, and Billabong, which all support environmentally friendly practices. Buckle verifies all vendors and brands they partner with to ensure they are not involved with human trafficking, slavery, or other labor issues.
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In a day and age of climate change and labor exploitation, it’s very important to know you are shopping ethically. As an employee, this was important to me because I wanted to know I was supporting an ethical company. While some Buckle products are higher on the price side, it makes me happy knowing the people making the clothes are making livable wages. The extra money is also worth it because of the environmentally friendly technology that is used. Having fewer clothes with better quality is not only better for the environment, but you’re also putting your money into healthy salaries.
Something unique about Buckle is that they sell over 200 brands in their store; some well-known brands they carry are Free People, Steve Madden, Versace, Billabong, Hurley, Rock Revival, Dr. Martens, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and many more. These brands range in prices from $15 dollars to $500 dollars. Their brands also range in style; this makes Buckle a store for anyone to enjoy. Guests love this because of how convenient and personalized it is. If one brand isn’t fitting you the way you want, it is fairly easy to travel to another area of the store and find another brand that is going to fit you better.
One of my favorite features of the brand is its personal styling. You can either come in without an appointment and shop with a sales teammate or call and make a fit appointment. Do you ever feel like you can’t find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly? The stylists at Buckle are jean specialists; they’re trained to help find you the perfect fit and educate you on the products. Buckle has multiple fits, sizes, and brands to help you find that perfect fit. They do free hemming as well so you get the perfect length you’re looking for. As someone who’s 5’10”, I love that I can finally find pants that are long enough for my legs. To anyone who has issues finding shorter lengths, Buckle has you covered as well! Depending on the brand, Buckle jeans are stretchy which makes them very comfortable and flattering. Stylists with your permission will also grab you various brands to find you shoes, tops, outerwear, and accessories in your sizes to help you complete outfits. They are trained in most products, so they can give you information on stretching, how to wear, comfort, fashion tips, and how to properly wash and handle. Whether you know a style you want or have no fashion knowledge at all, this Buckle feature is so helpful and fun.
Image Courtesy: Buckle
Regardless if you decide to check out Buckle to update your wardrobe or not, keep in mind to research companies before buying from them: research their environmental practices; how they treat the community and their employees; the quality of their products; and how well they treat and respect customers. The future is our planet and people, so think before you shop!
Strike Out,
Writer: Lindsay Malley
Editor: Haley Wright
Orlando