Buffalo Exchange is going on a road trip to celebrate its 40th birthday. In tribute to its retro style, Buffalo Exchange employees will be touring the country in a 1969 Airstream trailer that has been converted into a pop-up shop.
In keeping with the company’s commitment to recycling, the trailer is decked out in thrift store, salvage yards and flea market finds. Vintage suitcases are used as shelves and will feature the unique merchandise Buffalo Exchange is known for. Tattoo art designed specifically for the project was used on the exterior of this “land yacht” for its retro cowgirl theme. The result is colorful and bright and captures the store’s unique spirit.
“This project has highlighted the great artistic talent we have in our company,” founder and president Kerstin Block said.
Throughout the trailer’s eclectically designed interior are old pictures of the owners’ early days, that give it a groovy vibe.
Kerstin Block and husband Spencer Block opened the first Buffalo Exchange in 1974 in Tucson, in the heart of Wildcat Country.
They wanted to set their store apart from others right from the start, so they focused on buying, selling and trading affordable fashions while keeping charity in mind.
One of their programs is Tokens for Bags, which supports local charities at every Buffalo Exchange location. Every time a customer opts out of using a plastic bag, the store donates 5 cents. The company also holds an annual Earth Day sale to generate money for various environmental causes.
With the purchase of a limited edition tote, patrons can also help support efforts to preserve the remaining wild buffaloes in Yellowstone National Park; the tote will be available March 7 for $2 at Buffalo Exchange locations. These 40th Anniversary reusable tote bags are made from recycled materials, and 50 cents will be donated to the Buffalo Field Campaign for each one purchased.
The tour kickoff is March 7 at the Buffalo Exchange location at 2001 E. Speedway Blvd. From there, Buffalo Exchange will be traveling to other locations in Tucson, then to Phoenix and through the rest of the country until the trailer returns home May 22.
