Tempe Marketplace has become the place to be in Tempe
Leslie Philp
Tempe is known for an assortment of shopping centers, restaurants, and outdoor entertainment as well as the theater nearby.Chelsea Layton, a retail store owner at Tempe Marketplace, feels that The Buckle is one of the hot spots of Tempe because of their customer service, fairly priced BKE denim, and sale denim.
She also feels that The Buckle Tempe brings in more traffic because of the nightlife. “Buckle has always been that destination for denim.when (people) are out doing those kinds of things, they always want to come in here and see what’s hot and new.” Layton said.
Layton has been the owner of The Buckle Tempe for 8 months, but she has been with the company for almost 6 years.
“I started going to (The Buckle) when I was fourteen.I knew I wanted to (work at) Buckle since that age,” said new owner Chelsea Layton. “I knew I wanted to manage and…when I turned sixteen, I went in and had an interview and I got hired on as part time.”
The Buckle also has a number of advantages that cut prices in half for students such as layaway and The Buckle card.
“Layaway is 20% down then you have 60 days of payment which is great for college students.the Buckle Card is great to help students build their credit and you get 10% off your first purchase,” Layton said.
“I’m learning a lot, as a first year manager you go through your ups and downs. But it’s going to help me throughout the next year. I’m learning so much and I wouldn’t change it for anything,” Layton said.
Tempe Marketplace conveys an interactive shopping and entertainment setting, but also encourages people to check out an assortment of casual or upscale themed restaurants.
“I think we have a really great array and something to offer for pretty much everybody, whether it’s just a casual night out with friends or.more of a special occasion type deal,” said Noelle Vestuva, a manager at Ruby Tuesday. “We have an awesome, fresh garden bar. The items are prepped fresh everyday and maintained throughout the day.it’s one of those things people continually come here for.”
Vestuva has been with the company for 9 years and feels as though the pricing is affordable for the atmosphere of the restaurant and quality of food presented.
Mike Dizzino has been the owner of the Canada based franchise, D’Arcy McGees, for 2 years and nine months and was the first to open the pub in the U.S. in May of 2008.
“We have probably one of the best happy hours in the area,” said Mike Dizzino. “And we’re actually going to expand it in January. That includes $3 drafts, $3 wines, $3 premium wells which is Smirnoff, Jose Cuervo.and other name brands.”
He also feels that the pub is unique because of the story behind the name and believes there are more openings to come in the U.S. for D’Arcy McGees.
“D’Arcy McGees is named after a politician who was a rebel. He’s the only Canadian (Irish) politician who was assassinated. In the United States we’re the first franchise to open up but I think there’s going to be many more coming along the way.” Dizzino said.
