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Fashion – Style – Trends
Meet Allison, West Coast Area Assistant
Allison has had her hands in a million different projects during her 11 years at Buffalo Exchange, with no two days looking exactly the same! She shared some of the highlights of her journey with us, including her go-to problem solving technique and her favorite finds. Keep reading to learn more!
How did you start working here?
I’d been working at a certain major coffee chain for several years, and was looking for something else that would allow me to continue pursuing music on the side. I saw a posting for a Buyer role at Buffalo, and didn’t think I was qualified, but I’d always liked clothes. Little did I know that almost 12 years later, I’d still be here!
How did you become an Area Assistant?
Soon after I was hired as a Buyer at BE Pacific Beach in 2012, I became the Store Administrative Support – buying wasn’t quite clicking for me, and being in the office ended up being the best fit for my (very!) detail-oriented nature. I did that for about 5 years, which included a year-long stint splitting my time between the two San Diego stores. Then the Area Assistant position became available, and I’ve been in that role for over 5 years now. I think my experience in so many different roles has been a huge benefit, and helps me when I’m training others to give them context they might not have.
What does an average day look like for you?
I plan my outfit for the day, pick out my staple rings and accessories, check out the emails, and get everyone situated with a fun huddle. We never know what we’ll be in for that day – crazy lines, large buys – so it’s good to be ready for anything. My main thing is to have fun on the floor!
What do you love most about the job?
Finding amazing pieces that I wouldn’t find elsewhere, and being able to talk about clothes with people all day. From the structure, to the silhouette, to upcoming trends, runways, and styling – what’s not to love about clothes! I get so excited when a cool piece comes across the counter.
Favorite Buffalo find?
Highlights include a psychedelic print trapeze dress from the 1960s, a 1990 ‘Rubber Soul’ tee with the album art on the front and track listing on the back (I’m the biggest Beatlemaniac!), and a Smokey Bear character trucker hat. Something about the hat-on-a-hat really tickles me.
Most memorable moment?
Working alongside Rebecca Block in the 40th Anniversary Airstream tour stop at BE Pacific Beach. I was pleasantly surprised to find out just how down to earth things really were here. That was probably the day this shifted from my job into my career!
Something you’ve learned at Buffalo over the years?
Oh so many things – that I’m more capable than I imagined, and that there’s a unique contribution only I can make! Each person brings something valuable to the table. I’ve also learned that the solution to any problem appears when you ask ‘how can I be kind?’
How have you seen secondhand grow in your time here?
It really exploded in a way I didn’t anticipate! When people ask what I do for a living and I say I work at Buffalo Exchange, they now say ‘Oh, cool!’ instead of ‘what’s that?’
What in Buffalo’s future are you looking forward to?
I’m interested to see how we will adapt to whatever changes the world brings – we always do! But through all those many changes, we’re still just a community of people trading their clothing and having fun doing it.
With over 50 years as your go-to buy-sell-trade clothing store, Buffalo Exchange has seen some amazing people come through our doors. Keep an eye out for more features highlighting some of these individuals and learn more about their Buffalo journeys. Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Head over to our Join Our Team page to apply and learn more!
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