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Fashion – Style – Trends
Meet Marisa, Albuquerque Store Manager
In her 21 years with the herd, Marisa has experienced some wonderful and unique moments. Below she tells us some of these stories, including how she started on her journey, her favorite find and a few of her most valuable takeaways from her time here.
How did you start working here?
My Aunt Roberta has been a fan of Buffalo since it opened in New Mexico in 1990. She took me shopping here in middle school, and right away I knew this was a place I liked. It felt like a place of acceptance. Later when I was in college, I would go to Buffalo instead of studying. After a while I figured since I was already here so much, I may as well get paid for it. Plus, I wanted first dibs on the new stuff coming in!
How did you become a Store Manager?
My journey was a long one – I started as a Buyer and worked my way through most store positions over the years. For much of my employment I was a trainer, a position I really loved as I got to introduce new hires to Buffalo. I have always felt our jobs occupy a unique space in retail, since we build our own inventories and truly connect with our customers to give them what they want. I love teaching employees that they are important to the success of the business they work for.
What do you love most about the job?
The people I meet. At the buy counter and on the sales floor, I hear people’s stories about their clothes, or the outfits they are seeking for a special occasion. The people part of this job is very fulfilling. Of course, the next best part is being able to look at clothes all day. Customers often ask if I ever get tired of looking at clothes, and the answer is always no. It takes a treasure-hunter to love this type of work.
Customers often ask if I ever get tired of looking at clothes, and the answer is always no. It takes a treasure-hunter to love this type of work.
Favorite Buffalo find?
My ‘East West Musical Instruments’ jacket, Aubrey Beardsley Cape, my ring collection (all of these are from Buffalo), 1920’s Assuit Egyptian hood, or any of my woven Chimayo jackets.
Something you’ve learned at Buffalo over the years?
How to talk to people. A unique part of our job is telling people no, and in most service jobs, that’s very difficult. I have learned how to get customers to understand that no isn’t a bad thing. Being particular is part of what makes our business great, we need the best so the customer shopping sees the best. I also draw from the Five Points of Power – we need to speak the truth to our customers, ask them for what we want, respect them by giving 100% attention, keep our agreements with them, and be responsible for our actions.
Most memorable moment?
Watching generations of families grow up in the store. I love seeing children go from coming with their parents who sell or shop, to becoming sellers and shoppers themselves.
Another incredibly memorable moment was when a couple who had purchased a storage unit at an auction came in to sell. The unit had many boxes which contained a fashion history of clothing from the ‘50s-‘70s. It was a vintage wonderland, including many furs, one being a gorilla fur jacket – which we did NOT buy because it’s illegal. But seeing actual history walk through our doors was amazing.
How have you seen secondhand grow in your time here?
It’s been interesting to observe. When I started at Buffalo at the turn of the century, we had a lot of regulars who cycled through their clothing every season, but it seemed like a smaller circle of people who shopped secondhand. Now with the internet, there are many avenues of resale, and you can look up the value of almost anything with the touch of a button. People from all walks of life are understanding the value of secondhand. The market has gone from having a small, homegrown feel to having a massive global reach.
What in Buffalo’s future are you looking forward to?
Bringing more and more people into the world of Buffalo. We have always served a need for our customers, whether it be a place to feel accepted, a place to unload our heavy closets, a place to lighten our carbon footprint, or a place to find a good bargain. I look forward to all of the beautiful clothing coming across our counters, and the continued trust people have in us with their treasures.
Through our 50 years as a company, we have met so many incredible people! Keep an eye on the blog for more features on the amazing individuals that make us who we are today. Sound like a dream job? Head over to our Join Our Team page to learn more about open positions near you!
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