Can you feel the chill in the air? Halloween is almost here! Even though we may not be able to go door-to-door trick-or-treating or attend a public Halloween bash this year, there are still plenty of ways to party. Here are a few activities to help you get into the Halloween spirit:
Carve pumpkins with your besties on Facetime
Virtual haunted house tours
Halloween movie marathon + (online) viewing party
Visit an outdoor pumpkin patch or corn maze
Send Trick-or-Treat emails to your friends (and don’t forget to send along something sweet, like a gift-card for goodies)!
Host a virtual costume party on Zoom
Now that you’ve got a few ideas for how to celebrate while staying socially-distant, scroll through for some of our favorite Halloween costumes!
Crown yourself the May Queen of Halloween in a Midsommar group costume!
Brave Halloween night as one of our favorite fearless book characters, Coraline.
We’re off to see the wizard — and the wonderful world of Halloween costumes at Buffalo Exchange!
Cross Halloween costume shopping off your list with the Kill Bill duo.
A Mean Girls group costume? That is so fetch!
DIY spaghetti and meatball costume? Now that’s what we call an ‘outfit recipe’!
Zoinks, it’s the witches – actually, it’s the Hex Girls! Team up with your squad, Zoom style, for a Mystery Inc group costume.
Put a smile on everyone’s face this Halloween with a spot-on Joker costume.
For a well-balanced breakfast – we mean, Halloween costume – shop at Buffalo Exchange.
One of our favorite dynamic duos from under-the-sea, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy from Spongebob Squarepants!
For Halloween looks that really snap, crackle and pop, DIY your own cereal mascot ensemble.
We’re seeing double with this Tethered ‘US’couples costume!
We SPY a groovy group costume: Austin Powers, Dr. Evil and more!
Spotted: Cruella De Vil and 1 of 101 Dalmatians!
Spotted: Cruella De Vil and 1 of 101 Dalmatians
Racing to find a last-minute costume? Mario and Princess Peach costumes will take you to the finish line!
Before the party’s over, dress up like our favorite ‘Bad Guy’, Billie Eilish!
Now that you’ve seen just a few of our favorite Halloween costumes, head to your local Buffalo Exchange to recreate one of these looks (or create your own — the possibilities are endless!). Before you go, you might want to take a look through your closet to see if you have any costume pieces to sell — we’re buying for Halloween (and fall, of course), and your costumes from last year could transform into cash or trade to spend on a spooktacular new look. Have a happy, safe and socially distanced Halloween, from Buffalo Exchange!
Whether you recently booked an appointment online to sell your closet cleanout and now have a digital trade card burning a hole in your inbox or you’re just coveting a closet refresh, Buffalo Exchange is open for all your secondhand shopping needs! Our stores have adapted to the new world of social distancing and we’ve implemented some new guidelines to keep shopping secondhand safe for everyone. Read ahead for everything you need to know about the new normal of shopping at Buffalo Exchange!
Here’s the TL DR of what’s new in our stores:
Socially distancing throughout the store
Dressing rooms are open
We offer contactless payment like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay (cash and card still accepted!)
Sneeze guards at every register and buy counter
Increased cleaning
Maintain Social Distancing
While you’re shopping around, please be mindful of others and do your best to keep the recommended 6 feet of space between yourself and your fellow shoppers. This may mean doubling back to check out a super cute top you saw on a rounder where someone else was shopping, but we want everyone to feel comfortable and uncrowded while they browse around for those one-of-a-kind finds Buffalo Exchange is known for. We’ll have social-distancing reminders posted around the store, but feel free to reach out to an employee if another customer isn’t giving you the space you need!
New Protocols for Trying On
Our dressing rooms are open , so check in with an employee when you’re ready to try on!
Checking Out With Your Finds
When you’re ready to purchase, you may notice things look a little different at the register: we’ve installed sneeze guards at checkout (and buy counters) as an extra safeguard. Once it comes time for payment, you can choose contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and tap-to-pay credit cards. Don’t have one of these? We are still accepting credit cards and cash. Need to enter a pin? To reduce contact, we have disposable cotton swabs for you to use instead of pushing buttons directly on the card terminals.
In addition, we have hand sanitizer throughout the store, regular cleaning and sanitation protocols and daily employee temperature checks. That’s it! Our stores are stocked, so stop in to enjoy the thrill of the hunt. We can’t wait to see you all back in the store again soon!
Each year, Buffalo Exchange teams up with the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona to award an artist in Southern Arizona with the Arts Award. Candidates are selected by two separate panels of experts who are familiar with the Southern Arizona Arts scene and judged based on both the candidates’ artistic endeavors and the impact they’ve made in the community. Since 1994, Buffalo Exchange has awarded almost $240,000 to 26 Southern Arizona artists.
Rebecca Block and Kerstin Block with Allison Miller and Bryan Falcón
For the 25th round of recipients in 2019, Buffalo Exchange Founder & President Kerstin Block and her daughter, Vice President Rebecca Block, celebrated by offering two awards of $10,000 – one in performing arts and one in visual arts.“We created the Arts Award because we believe art is essential to the well-being of the community,” says Kerstin. “This year, we’re glad for the chance to honor Allison and Bryan, who both have an incredible impact on the local area.”
Allison Miller with Buffalo Exchange Founder Kerstin Block and CFSA Director of Community Investments Kelly Huber
Meet Allison, a Tucson-Born Muralist
Allison Miller, a muralist and native of Tucson, has spent much of her career giving back to the community through public art projects. She currently coordinates and facilitates murals that are artistically accessible for community members, allowing young artists and other volunteers to contribute. “A lot of it for me is involving people in creating an identity for their specific space,” says Miller, “whether it’s a park or their jogging path. When people are invested in beautification, they keep it that way.” Having worked on dozens of murals, Miller’s art is a familiar sight and an ode to the unique identity of Tucson.
Scoundrel & Scamp Postcard: Images by Tim Fuller, Design by Cat Dog Mouse Media
Scoundrel & Scamp Production of Blood Wedding: Photo by Tim Fuller.
Bryan Falcón with Buffalo Exchange Founder Kerstin Block and CFSA Director of Community Investments Kelly Huber
Meet Bryan Falcón, Founder of Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre
Bryan Falcón, winner of the performing arts award, is the Artistic and Managing Director of the Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre, a nonprofit he founded with his wife after becoming enamored with the art scene and diverse culture of Tucson. Bryan believes that theater uplifts society by transporting people to places that they would not otherwise go. “We have a chance to step into somebody else’s skin for a little while and try to understand and, hopefully, walk away with some sort of connection to the heart,” says Bryan.
Allison Miller Mural
It’s reasons like these that Buffalo Exchange has continued this award for the past 25 years. “Art is not something that humans do when they have nothing else to do,” said Spencer Block, Buffalo Exchange co-founder. “Art is an essential part of the human condition. It happens everywhere and in all circumstances.” To learn more about the history of the Arts Award and to see a list of all other artists who’ve been honored over the years, visit the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona’s website!
Happy awards season, everyone! While we certainly love watching our favorite celebs strut the red carpet, there’s another important accolade that comes to mind: the 2019 Buffalo Exchange Arts Award! According to Buffalo Exchange co-founder Spencer Block, art is not “the cherry on top” of life — rather, it is “essential to the well-being of society”. For the past two and a half decades, Buffalo Exchange has supported the creative spirit of Southern Arizona by honoring local artists, and performers with the Arts Award. Read ahead to learn more about the history of the Award and some of our past honorees.
How the Arts Awards Came to Be
In 1994, Kerstin and Spencer Block founded The Buffalo Exchange Arts Award in partnership with the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA). Since that time, the Fund has awarded $10,000 a year to one deserving local artist. This has allowed artists to continue their work in the local community. We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate 25 years of the Arts Award by honoring not just one, but two Southern Arizonans who’ve made a significant impact in the lives of fellow Arizonans through their work.This year’s dual award will go to Allison Miller for Visual Arts and Bryan Falcón for Performing Arts. They’ll both receive $10,000 to continue their excellent work in the community during a ceremony on January 30th, 2020 at the Community Foundation Campus.
Buffalo Exchange Arts Awards Honorees
Dante Celeiro, Community Leader and 2018 Arts Award Recipient
Dante Celeiro is a leader in the LGBTQIA+ community of Tucson. After moving from NYC to the desert over 25 years ago, Dante has worked with the Southern Arizona Aids Foundation and now manages Boys R Us, Arizona’s first gender performance group. Dante also created Fluxx, a non-profit organization that advocates for an open dialogue around queer culture and works to increase visibility of queer arts and culture through exhibitions, performance art and workshops.
Nathanael Gregory Myers, Multi-Discipline Performing Artist and 2017 Arts Award Recipient
As a multidisciplinary artist, Nathanael has showcased his art throughout a wide array of Tucson venues – most notably through his work with the Museum of Contemporary Art and through performances at Artifact Dance Project and The Rogue Theatre (you can also find some of his paintings hung in galleries across town!). A painter, dancer and musician, Nathanael works to combine romanticism, biology and elements of nature as he explores the mediums of visual and performing arts.
Rachael Rios, Visual Artist and 2016 Arts Award Recipient
The 2016 Buffalo Exchange Emerging Artist in Visual Arts Award went to artist Racheal Rios. Rachael is a native Tucsonan who describes her drawings as a reflection of her relationship with the desert and the things that inhabit it — common elements of her artwork include cactus flowers and various Arizona wildlife such as coyotes, javelinas and jaguars.
Rick Wamer, Visual & Performing Artist and 2015 Arts Award Recipient
Rick Wamer has been described by Tucson Weekly as “part dancer, part actor, part comedian”. Mentored by the famed French actor and mime Marcel Marceau, Rick is a globally recognized performing artist who inspires and touches the lives of thousands each year.Rick is the co-founder of Embody Learning in Tucson.
Chris Black, Performing Artist and 2014 Arts Award Recipient
Chris Black is a composer and performer from Tucson. Currently playing primarily as a solo double bassist, he is the founder of the alt-classical chamber music concert series ChamberLab.
Heather Green, Visual Artist and 2010 Arts Award Recipient
The 2010 Arts Award was bestowed upon visual artist Heather Green. In Green’s own words, her work examines the “historical and ecological narratives of the Northern Gulf of California and Sonoran Desert.” A Tucson native, Heather currently works in Tempe as Assistant Professor of Book Arts at Arizona State University.
Since its creation in 1994, Buffalo Exchange has awarded over $214,000 to artists in Southern Arizona. As we look forward to the next decade, we’re reminded of a quote from Spencer Block: “Artists are the visionaries. They go where no one has gone and show us the way.” In 2020 and the years beyond, we can count on Buffalo Exchange and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona to continue to celebrate artists in our community so they may continue their work, and in turn, continue to show us the way into the future.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — Halloween! As the witching hour approaches, you may find yourself without a costume – that’s where Buffalo Exchange comes in. From our favorite movies to our favorite foods, we’ve compiled some of our favorite costumes from last year to inspire your look this Halloween! Ready to recreate one of these? Just step into your local Buffalo – we’ll help you find everything you need to create your spookiest costume yet!
Teen Dream
Want a super trendy costume that you can pull together with pieces from your own closet? Live out your teenage dream with looks from your favorite high school comedies!
A Mean Girls costume is totally fetch – just don’t tell Regina George! Photo from Buffalo Exchange Tempe.
If there’s any time to try out the Romy and Michelle diet of gummy bears, jellybeans and candy corn, it’s Halloween! Photo from Buffalo Exchange Boston (Allston).
Hello, Buffaloes! If you read my blog about how much I love plaid, you know that one of my favorite holidays is fast approaching: Thanksgiving! As a verified overthinker and certified procrastinator, I understand that coming up with a look for Halloween may have sent you into a tizzy and now you’re stressin’ about what to wear over the week of family reunions and friendsgivings ahead – fret not, because I am here to help. Naturally, as any secondhand fashionista would, I shopped at my neighborhood Buffalo Exchange and came up with five different Thanksgiving outfits that will work for almost any occasion. Couch surfing at your family’s home? Covered. Friendsgiving chic? Got it. Meeting you significant other’s ‘rents? Nailed it! Read ahead for tips and tricks to copy this Thanksgiving – it’s easy as pie!
Game On! Thanksgiving Outfits Made for Comfort
There’s nothing quite like going home for the holidays. If you’re staying with the ‘rents during the long weekend, it’s definitely tempting to traipse down the hall in the sweatpants you slept in for Thanksgiving dinner (no judgement – we’ve all been there). To combat the alluring draw of comfort-over-all, pair a velvet T-shirt dress with your favorite pair of sneakers and a fuzzy cardigan, topping off the look with a matching beret. With this outfit, you’ll look put-together for your family photos with all the comfort of being wrapped up burrito-style in bed.
Let’s Leo-party!
If you’re like me, you’re the dramatic friend. You know, the one who visits once a year to regale everyone with tales of what it’s like to live in a moderately larger city with two large bags of luggage in tow (def more stuff than necessary for a four-day trip). For my fellow drama queens, this look is for you! After feasting with your family, fight the urge to take a nap and catch up with the hometown folks you didn’t see at dinner in an attention-grabbing leopard print romper and floral blazer! The pattern mixing works because of the neutral color palette and the leopard print totally hides the mashed potatoes you dribbled on yourself earlier. WIN-WIN!
Gather Around for Gathered Sleeves
Let’s be real: Thanksgiving dinner is really Thanksgiving lunch. If you’re one of the few people that can hold out until a proper dinner time, let’s say 6 o‘clock, then 1) I commend you and 2) This evening look is for you. Here, I layered a faux-corset that has contrast stitching over a hunter green T-shirt with gathered sleeves. I don’t know about you, but I’m still loving sleeve details with various ties, puffs and cuffs. A plaid accordion-pleat polishes off the look but leaves plenty of room for late-night seconds (or thirds). Definitely one of my favorite Thanksgiving outfits!
Hot Turkey Tamale
If you’re looking for one of those Thanksgiving outfits that’ll show your fellow dinner guests (many of whom you see just a few times a year) you’ve got it all figured out and WEREN’T totally thinking about sweatpants to dinner, a blazer and skirt combo is the way to go. Brown suede compliments the cheery holiday red top and the silver grommet fastening draws attention to your square-toed silver block heels. Who looks like they read the New York Times instead of just scrolling through Twitter? You do, girl!
Meet the Parents: Holiday Edition
Cuffing season is here! You made it through a summer of singledom, met someone special and now it’s time to meet their parents. As far as Thanksgiving outfits go, you’ll probably want to air on the side of caution and go with something classic (read: not a sequin jumpsuit). Make a great first impression in a vintage-inspired paisley dress with flutter sleeves and simple pumps. Compliment the high collar with your favorite good-luck charm necklace and top it off with a camel-colored beret. Whip up a side dish (or pick up a premade one – no judgement!) and you’ll be the best guest ever!
Feeling stuffed with inspiration for Thanksgiving outfits? If I can talk turkey with you, it’s time to run down to your local Buffalo Exchange and shop for your look! Whatever event you’ll be attending, I can guarantee that they’ve got just the thing you need. Thanks for reading and have a happy Thanksgiving!
After selling my closet cleanout to Buffalo Exchange (and shopping on a VERY regular basis) for more than a decade, I’ve learned a thing or two about how it works. Ever wondered how a buyer decides what to buy and what to pass on? Or what kind of stuff you’re supposed to bring in? Here are my top takeaways if you want to sell your clothes!
Clean Out Seasonally, then Bring It All
Buffalo Exchange buys the best of all seasons, but what does that really mean? Can you actually bring in heavy winter items in June? The answer is yes…and no. On one hand, Buffalo buys primarily for the upcoming season. On the other hand, they’ll buy extremely desirable, like-new items anytime (a current Patagonia down jacket in July, for example, or a designer dress from this season in December). My best advice? When you go to sell your clothes, just bring it all – some pieces are always desirable, regardless of season, and Buffalo’s buyers are happy to look through everything you have.
More than Just Brands
If you’re trying to crack the code on which brands Buffalo Exchange buys before you head in to sell your clothes or you want to squeeze a price estimate out of them ahead of time, I recommend just stopping into the store with everything you’re cleaning out. Though certain brands are particularly popular, Buyers make selections more based on styles that are selling quickly – and this means that they have to see each item in person. You could have an undesirable designer item that they won’t be able to resell, for example, and a super desirable everyday item that a shopper will snatch up right away. Another thing to note: while a brand’s original price point is factored into the pricing, the desirability of the style, age and condition matter.
Sell Your Clothes, Then Take the Trade
Since shopping is one of my top hobbies (it counts as a hobby, right?), I ALWAYS take the trade. Anytime you sell, you have the option to take 25% of their selling price in cash or 50% in trade (your buyer will tell you the selling prices of each item they buy from you). I took the cash maybe once and ended up spending it at Buffalo the next week, so that was the end of that. But even if you’re not as much of a shopper as me, the trade is a great option. After you sell your clothes, I recommend shopping around – you can buy some new pieces with your trade (which, believe it or not, is great motivation for a second round of closet cleanout) and take the rest in cash. If you’re in a rush, you can grab a trade card for later (they never expire) or take some on a card and some in cash. There’s nothing like having a hankering to shop and then remembering that you’re Buffalo rich.
At Buffalo Exchange, the buyers always make selections based on current inventory needs. On a number of occasions, I’ve bought items at Buffalo, worn them once and then decided I didn’t like them. When I go to sell them back, however, they’re not always able to buy them. Confusing, right? In reality, it’s because the store’s inventory needs can change on a daily or weekly basis. Buyers pay close attention to what’s selling quickly and what’s sticking around, constantly learning new information about what to buy from you when you come in to sell your clothes. At the end of the day, I donate any items that I don’t sell to a deserving local non-profit through Buffalo’s charity pickup program.
Take Advantage of the 24-Hour Hold
At Buffalo, you can hold up to 5 non-sale items for 24 hours. So if you find something you love but you don’t want to pay full price for it, put the item on hold and head home to clean out your closet. I recently found a pair of Chanel clogs that I just had to have. But instead of maxing out my credit card, I cleanout out my closet – and made enough money in trade to buy the clogs! WIN. PS – If you’ve been procrastinating your cleanout, this is the best motivator.
For High-End Items, Ask About Consignment
When it comes to high-end items that I paid a lot for (and, ahem, never really wore…), it’s sometimes hard to stomach the fact that, no matter where I sell them, I won’t be able to earn as much back as I originally paid. But at the same time, they do little good sitting in my closet. Take the slightly-too-small Acne booties that I paid over $500 for and wore only a few times over the course of several years. They’re classically stylish and in near-perfect condition. The answer? Consignment! At Buffalo Exchange, you can ask about selling higher end items on consignment. Consignment is offered on a case by case basis. If you do end up going with this option, you’ll forego an immediate payout and wait until the items sells to get paid. They’ll be able to price the item higher, though, and when you do get paid, you’ll receive 50% back in cash instead of 25%. No-brainer!
Hear that? That’s the sound of mysteries unraveling! Just kidding. After years of selling at Buffalo, I’ve learned a lot about how the process works, but I’ve also learned that popular styles and inventory needs are always going to change and I’m probably not going to make $500 back on my $500 pair of boots. But you know what? I don’t care. There’s nothing I love more than trading in my closet for exciting new finds and basically shopping for free. Questions about selling? Let me know in the comments. Otherwise, happy selling and shopping!
We know it can sometimes seem intimidating to sell clothes at your local resale store – it’s enough work just to clean out your closet, let alone figure out which items will sell and which won’t. Well, leave that part up to us! All you need to do is book an appointment online to sell, bring your clothes (please keep to 50 items or less and allow to sit for 24 hours) into your local Buffalo Exchange and get paid. Even better, take the trade and shop for new-to-you finds!
Step 1: Bring In Your Items
To sell clothes at Buffalo Exchange, the process is super easy. Simply clean out your closet and book an appointment to sell the clothes you’re no longer wearing. We buy men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, the best of all seasons, year-round. Style and good condition are more important than brand, so bring in your whole cleanout, from designer to name brand to no-brand.
Make sure to bring along a government-issued ID like a Driver’s License or Passport (and an adult if you’re under 18).
Step 2: Get Paid in Cash or Trade
When you get to the store, we recommend hanging out with your Buyer as they take a look through your cleanout. For each item we’re able to take, your Buyer will let you know our selling price. From that, you’ll get 25% in cash via PayPal or 50% in a Digital Store Trade Card. If you decide you’d rather hold onto an item, no problem – just let your Buyer know! We do need to see items in person in order to say whether or not we can buy them and offer you a selling price, so we always recommend stopping into the store with any items you’d like to sell.
Trade Up: After You Sell Clothes, Go Shopping
We’re going to let you in on a little secret: trade is the way to go! Even if you’re trying to cut down on clutter overall, trading your cleanout in for a few new-to-you finds is a great (and often free!) way to make your closet feel brand new again. Not to mention that it’s environmentally friendly. Pro Tip: When it comes to cash and trade, you have options. You can buy a few pieces and take your remaining value in cash or even take a trade card for later. Just head to the register before you leave to pick up your cash, trade or any combination of the two!
How Does the Selection Process Work?
At Buffalo Exchange, our Buyers go through a lengthy training process to learn about clothing construction and brands, price points and what kinds of items sell well in the store. After that, they analyze our racks daily to see which items have been selling quickly and which ones have been sticking around.
Our Buyers also talk to customers to find out what styles they’d like to see more of. It’s our goal to offer something for everyone – that’s why we buy current trends, vintage, one-of-a-kind items, inclusive sizing, everyday staples, men’s fashion and more. When our Buyers aren’t helping customers or reviewing our inventory, they’re often doing research on brands and current trends. As a result, our staff is a wealth of fashion knowledge! Ever wondered why they’re buying certain items from your pile and passing on others? Just ask! We love to talk fashion.
Whether you’re patting yourself on the back for a closet cleanout well done or you’re still in the “I’m so dreading this” phase, we’ve got you covered. When you’re ready, you can sell clothes, shoes and accessories at Buffalo Exchange in just a couple simple steps.
Calling all dads! Are you hip to the jive? Are you jiggy with it? You bet you are! If you’re rocking socks with sandals, chunky white sneakers and slightly oversized Hawaiian shirts, this is your time to shine! Go figure – we all finally realized that our dads were right when they told us that practicality is important. Read on to find out our favorite dad fashion of the year!
Beach Dad
Beach dad is ready to catch a wave or change a diaper – whichever comes first! For a perfectly practical fun-in-the-sun look, we paired some 80s-style swim trunks with a striped tee, a Hawaiian-print shirt (of course!) a retro Ocean Pacific hat and Tevas. This Patagonia messenger bag makes for a surreptitious way to tote diapers, sand toys and sunscreen for the whole family. Dad fashion done right!
Dad on the Go
For the dad with a million and one things to do, you can’t beat these Columbia shorts (easy to clean!) and this dinosaur pocket tee. Not only is your kid sure to love it, but the pocket makes a great place to store a pacifier. Finish off the look with a beige Disney hat (VERY 90s dad, if you ask us), comfy Vans and couch potato-print socks to express what you’d rather be doing.
Summer is by far my favorite season. The longer days give way to warm nights that feel full of possibility. It’s the season of “Yes, and – .“ For example: “Do you want to go to the beach?” “Yes, AND let’s check out this free concert in the park!” See what I mean? The only hard part of all this freedom is deciding what to wear. With so many cute summer trends, how do you decide what’s necessary to have in your closet? I’ve got you covered! Whether you plan on relaxing at home or heading out on a cross-country roadtrip with your best friends, read ahead for the summer essentials you’ll want to have in your wardrobe.
Macra-made In the Shade
This season, macramé and crochet are for more than just art projects! We’re seeing this knit and knot technique used everywhere, from pants and shorts to tank tops. Find yourself a matching rainbow set for double the fun.
Heather Green, Visual Artist and 2010 Arts Award Recipient
