By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buckle officially opened its new exterior-facing location at Uptown Hutch Mall on Monday morning, becoming the latest business to relocate from the mall’s interior to an outside storefront.
Doors opened at 10 a.m., with shoppers welcomed by staff members from across the region and offered special deals and goodie bags as part of the grand opening celebration.
The store is managed by Kaitlyn Vargas, who recently relocated from Garden City to take over leadership of the Hutchinson location. Vargas said she is excited about both the new storefront and the opportunity to connect with the local community.
“I’m so excited to share with everybody,” Vargas said. “We just relocated and gave everybody a brand new location to look forward to. I look forward to getting connected with my community and meeting everybody.”
Vargas was selected to lead the store into its new exterior location. She said the opportunity to oversee the revamped store is something she feels grateful for.
“I truly feel so blessed for the opportunity to be here,” Vargas said. “Watching the transformation and bringing it to life here has truly been such an amazing experience.”
Employees from several Buckle locations across the Midwest, including team members from Texas, traveled to Hutchinson to help welcome customers and celebrate the opening.
The retailer had previously operated inside the mall before transitioning to the exterior space, a move Vargas said will help increase visibility and attract new customers.
“I feel like being in the mall didn’t give us the exposure that we needed,” Vargas said. “Now we’re going to be able to get ourselves out there to everybody, even those who may have never shopped with Buckle before.”
Buckle is known for its denim selection and carries a wide variety of clothing and accessories. The store offers women’s, men’s and youth apparel, including jeans, tops, shoes and accessories from the company’s BKE brand along with other popular labels.
Vargas said shoppers can also expect new seasonal styles arriving soon.
“We’re known for denim, so we’re your top denim destination,” Vargas said. “Whether you’re looking for a slim fit, something universal or something more relaxed, we truly have something for everybody.”