Under the Radar: How Buckle Bucks Trends

Who knew tiny little Kearney, Neb., was a fashion hub?

There's no denying that those Nebraskans know their blue jeans. Still, it's not every day that a "city" of about 27,000 people spawns a hidden retail gem like Buckle(BKE Quote). But that is where, in 1948, a small men's clothing store was born, and it's where it still resides: tucked on the outskirts of the town across the street from a farmer's field.

What began there as a men's apparel chain named Mills Clothing eventually expanded to include women's apparel in 1977 -- and the name was changed to Buckle in 1991. And although the retailer has always retained a focus in the Midwest, its performance is worthy of national attention. ...