Buckalew's Leaving Current Home; Future Uncertain

MELROSE, MA — Buckalew's, one of the crown jewels of Melrose's vibrant, cozy downtown, is moving from its Main Street home due to what the store owner said was an unrealistic lease proposal featuring a drastic increase in rent by the building owner, who also happens the city's police chief.

Buckalew's is planning on staying open through Christmas, owner Robin Peevey told Patch, but the future of the store with something for everyone is unknown. Peevey said she has been negotiating to keep Buckalew's somewhere in Melrose, but she declined to give specifics.

Peevey had hoped to sign a new lease at 504 Main St., but the rent would have been 72 percent higher than what she had been paying. The proposed lease also had conditions that would have put her in a disadvantageous position, she said, including allowing for the landlord to set her work hours.

In short, Peevey said, Mike Lyle wanted her out.

"It's free enterprise," Peevey said, insisting she had no ill will toward Lyle. "He can rent to anyone he wants to, on any basis."

Lyle, who in his day job is the top cop in Melrose, did not offer comment when reached by phone. He owns the building Buckalew's shares with Edward Jones Investments.

It's unknown what will replace Buckalew's, though multiple people with knowledge of the situation told Patch it could be an insurance company.

The proposed rent, while a staggering increase, isn't the sole reason why Peevey is leaving. Business at Buckalew's is doing very well, she said.

Still, it's not happy news for fans of locally owned retail stores. This comes a day after the Chamber of Commerce announced Whittemore's Hardware will be closing in March, shaking up the downtown shopping scene.

Buckalew's, which opened in 2014, is reminiscent of the quirky general stores up on the North Shore, one of the few places around you can buy a greeting card, craft beer, Melrose-centric socks, and blueberry jam all in one stop. You get a hint of nostalgic charm just walking in.

It's not a stretch to say there's nothing else like it around.

"Melrose is a very special place and Buckalew's is just a reflection of Melrose, the place we all call home," Peevey said.

Subscribe to Melrose Patch for more local news and real-time alerts, and like us on Facebook to get in on the conversation!

Got a local news tip? Email mike.carraggi@patch.com mike.carraggi@patch.com.

Photos by Mike Carraggi, Patch