Buffalo Exchange turns 35 and parties accordingly
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Buffalo Exchange, the nationwide chain that buys, sells and trades clothing and accessories on consignment, is marking its 35th anniversary with parties in its stores this weekend.
On Saturday, branches will regale customers with giveaways, refreshments, even karaoke in some spots to celebrate the business’ 1974 launch in Tucson.
Across Southern California, stores are offering discounts and coupons, along with balloons and cupcakes. At the Westwood store through Saturday, visitors who spend $35 or more can enter to win a $35 Buffalo Exchange gift card. Spending at least $50 on Jan. 17 earns customers a goodie bag with a T-shirt and a $5 coupon.
A similar offer is in place at the La Brea location, with a free bolsa bag for a $50 purchase and a T-shirt for those who drop more than $75. For people who sell items and choose to make an in-store trade instead of taking cash, the La Brea shop is also offering $5 off a purchase of $20 or more.
The Long Beach branch is hosting a 1970s party on Friday, Saturday and Sunday featuring music, free gifts and a ‘pin the tail on the buffalo’ game. Costa Mesa’s location is putting on a Mexican fiesta with a pinata. In Sherman Oaks, the entire staff will be dressed in 1970s styles offering food and, with purchases of at least $35, gift bags.
Along with karaoke, food and 1974 trivia, the Fullerton Buffalo Exchange will have gift bags for those who spend more than $50, as well as drawings for $35 gift cards.
Founders Kerstin and Spencer Block still own and operate the company, which was given its name because Kerstin, who is Swedish, thought the word ‘Buffalo’ had a particularly American ring.
The chain, which pulled in an estimated $56.3 million in sales last year, now has 34 stores and two franchises in 13 states and, in a sign of the times, more than 4,000 MySpace friends.
--Tiffany Hsu
