Lucky Buckle to Close After 10 Years in Business

After 10 years of offering quality, name-brand clothing to Richland County, the Lucky Buckle is set to close by early summer.

Lucky Buckle owner Marci Sondeno started the business a decade ago, chasing a dream. "10 years ago I decided I didn't want to work in the oil field anymore and I wanted to follow a passion of mine and open a clothing boutique," she explained. "I just went with it and found the location down town." The first Lucky Buckle store was located on Central Avenue, where the new FuHao Restaurant is located.

After 5 years in business, the opportunity presented itself to expand. "We got approached by John Reynolds on the Fox Run development and thought it was a place we wanted to be. it came time to either go bigger or stay the same," Sondeno explained. In 2013, the Luckly Buckle moved out to its current location in The Shoppes at Fox Run. The store expanded from 900 square feet to 2400 square feet, almost tripling in size. The additional space allowed Sondeno to expand her product selection and add a coffee bar.

The store closing is bittersweet for Sondeno, but the time was right to switch gears from business owner to devoted mom. She and her husband Matt welcomed their first child, Marc, early last year. "For the time being I will stay busy being a mom. My husband and I have cattle and we have hay ground. I'm sure my husband will keep me plenty busy. It will be a relief to be able to help him out. And then, most importantly, enjoy Marc while he is little," she said.

Sondeno gives credit to her family and employees for helping to keep things running smoothly for so many years. "I'm definitely going to miss my employees. I've had some amazing employees. I want to say thank you to especially my mom, she is an amazing mother, grandmother, free labor. Without her I'm not sure if this would have all been possible this last ten years," Sondeno explained.

"The top and most important is my loyal Lucky Buckle customers. They have been the people who have kept the doors open for so many years," she said.

Beginning Wednesday May 2 at 4PM, the Lucky Buckle will start its total liquidation sale. Everything must go. "There will be great sales from top brands like Cinch, Corral boots, Tin Haul, Justin, some amazing accessories. All the antique display pieces are for sale as well," Sondeno explained.

The sale will continue until everything is sold, which Sondeno expects to take up to six weeks.

"I'm excited. It'll be good," she concludes.