When it rains, it pours, Tucson. The Range has learned that the downtown Buffalo Exchange location on East Congress Street will close on Friday, May 16.
“I just can’t do it anymore,” said Buffalo Exchange co-founder and President, Kerstin Block.
“I don’t think consumers are coming downtown to shop,” Block said. “Downtown has become this destination for people to eat and drink.” Before Buffalo Exchange, Block used to own a retro appliance store in the early 1990s called El Retro. Click here to read Marri’s interview with Block three years ago when the shop first opened.
The three employees will be relocated to the other two Speedway locations, according to Block.
Block said that the rent was not a deciding factor. “The landlord has been outstanding to me,” the Buffalo Exchange founder said. “We are incredibly grateful for all the customers. There were a few that would make it a point to shop there to help keep the doors open.”
The store is celebrating its 40 years of fashion in Southern Arizona.
Click here for store hours, location and more information.
This article appears in May 8-14, 2014.
Wow.
Bummer. How about 4th Avenue? Too much competition? Seems like a better fit for a store like Buffalo Exchange.
high priced second hand clothes shops and thrift stores are abundant ,contrary to statement people don,t buy used clothes downtown .
Downtown HAS become a night spot for young people to eat and drink. Nothing more, nothing less. Once the people living there realize that, they will be leaving to try to restore reality to their lives.
Rio Nuevo? Where’s the water?
Really a bummer. I agree with the comments about the growing “retail” problem downtown. There used to be a number of used clothing shops, art galleries, kitschy little places like Yikes….all gone. I’m glad to see downtown hopping, but I’m one of those people who don’t care to pay $12 for a cocktail and $15 for a burger. Always happy to pay $20 for a nice vintage piece of clothing, though.
Star finally posted this news 30 minutes ago.