Businessweek

The Buckle, Inc. engages in retailing casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for men and women. As of January 28, 2012, the company operated 431 retail stores in 43 states throughout the continental United States under the names ‘Buckle’ and ‘The Buckle.’ The company markets a selection of mostly brand name casual apparel including denims, other casual bottoms, tops, sportswear, outerwear, accessories, and footwear. It offers denims from brands, such as Big Star, Big Star Vintage, Miss Me, Rock Revival, Silver Jeans, and Buffalo Jeans. Other brands include Hurley, Billabong, Affliction, Sinful, Archaic, Obey, Roar, RVCA, Fox, and Fossil. Suppliers The company’s suppliers include Koos Manufacturing, Inc.; Miss Me/Rock Revival; Silver Jeans; Buffalo Jeans; Hurley; Billabong; Affliction; Sinful; Archaic; Obey; Roar; RVCA; Fox; and Fossil. Competition In the men's merchandise area, the company competes primarily with specialty retailers, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostale, Hollister, Gap, and Pacific Sunwear. The men's market also competes with certain department stores, such as Dillards, Macy’s, Bon-Ton stores, and Nordstrom. In the women's merchandise area, the company competes primarily with specialty retailers, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Express, Aeropostale, Hollister, Gap, Maurices, Pacific Sunwear, Wet Seal, Forever 21, and Vanity. The women's market also competes with department stores, such as Dillards, Macy’s, Bon-Ton stores, and Nordstrom. History The Buckle, Inc. was founded in 1948. The company was formerly known as Mills Clothing, Inc. and changed its name to The Buckle, Inc. in 1991.