Buckle won’t miss a day as mall faces demolition
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CHUBBUCK — One longtime mall retailer isn’t slowing down as the Pine Ridge Mall prepares to close and be demolished. Buckle, a staple store for fashion-conscious shoppers in East Idaho, will move out of the mall on May 28 and reopen the next day, May 29, in a temporary location next door.
The store is relocating to the former CAL Ranch building next to Hobby Lobby. Amy Cano, who has been with Buckle for 8 years and managed the store in the Pine Ridge Mall for the past four years, says the transition is designed to be seamless, ensuring customers can continue shopping without interruption.
The move is part of a longer-term plan. Buckle will operate from the temporary space for about a year while a new standalone Buckle store is constructed as part of the redevelopment of the Pine Ridge Mall site into an open-air retail center, scheduled to launch in 2026.
“We have so many loyal customers asking us if we’re closing. We won’t miss a single day of business,” Cano said. “Getting the word out that we’re still here and open has been a challenge. We want people to know we’re committed to staying part of the community during this change.”
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The Buckle, Inc. is headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska. Founded in 1948, the company has grown from a single men’s clothing store into a national retailer with over 440 locations across 42 states. Now, Buckle is a specialty retailer offering a selection of high-quality denim, apparel, accessories, and footwear for men and women.
Known for its personalized customer service and wide range of jean fits, the store carries national and exclusive private-label brands. Its Chubbuck location has built a loyal following by offering quality, trendy clothing to guests of all ages.
“Our clientele has no age limit,” Cano said. “We pride ourselves on ensuring every shopper has the most enjoyable experience. We have a jean that fits everybody.”
Cano understands that some people are hesitant about change, but she and her team are excited about the move. She believes the new location outside the mall will attract more foot traffic and boost sales.
“The signage at the new location will help bring in customers who haven’t been into the mall in a while,” she said. “This move is good for Buckle and the new plan is good for the entire Chubbuck and Pocatello area.”
As the Pine Ridge Mall’s transformation forces many local businesses to relocate or close, Buckle’s continued presence is a sign of stability and adaptation in the community. Cano urges everyone to continue supporting the remaining local retailers through the transition.
The store will feature Memorial Day specials leading up to the move, and Cano encourages customers to stop by before the transition. Until the move, Buckle will follow mall hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but hours will likely extend to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. after relocating.
For more information, visit local.buckle.com or call the store at (208) 237-0225.