Buc-ee’s boxers? 20 merch items fans didn’t know they needed
Buc-ee’s fever is spreading in Alabama, as the Texas-based chain of travel centers has opened its fourth location here.
People in Auburn, near Auburn and simply passing through Auburn can now stop at Buc-ee’s for its famous barbecue brisket sandwiches, tangy jerky, creamy fudge, sugar-coated nuts and a dizzying array of snack foods.
The new $45 million travel center, off Interstate 85 at Exit 50, covers about 53,470 square feet inside the convenience store and has 120 gas pumps in the parking lot. If the formula used for other Buc-ee’s travel centers holds true, the massive place will be sparkling clean, filled with goodies and packed with people — maybe not super-busy 24/7, but bustling most of the time.
READ: Buc-ee’s first-timer’s guide: What to expect at the ultimate gas station and convenience store
The Auburn Buc-ee’s, which opened on April 10, joins three other locations in the state: Athens, near Huntsville; Leeds, near Birmingham; and Robertsdale, in Baldwin County.
The Buc-ee’s logo, featuring a beaver with a buck-toothed grin, is a big part of the stop-and-shop experience. You’ll find this image popping up all over the premises — on signs, filling stations, snack food labels, stuffed animals, T-shirts, household goods, outdoor items and much more.
Take our word for it: Buc-ee’s enthusiasts love this stuff. And like sports fans, they enjoy showing their devotion by using and wearing branded merchandise. Here are 20 examples of Buc-ee’s merch — for kids, adults and pets — all spotted during a recent visit to the travel center in Leeds.
BUC-EE BEAVER RIVER TUBE, $59.98
This red inflatable tube seems more suited to a lazy river than fast-moving rapids, but it sure is cute. Pop a beer, settle back and don’t forget to use the beaver head as a footrest.
BUC-EE’S BATHING SUIT, $19.98
Matches the river tube, helps you to look snazzy while floating. Also works poolside.
BUC-EE’S STRAW HAT, $19.98
Reminiscent of the straw hats worn by a certain SEC football coach, with the beaver logo as a bonus. Win-win!
BUC-EE’S BEACH TOWEL, $15.98
Plunk this down on the sand, hang it on a beach chair, wrap it around your waist … you get the idea.
BUC-EE’S WATER BOTTLE, $19.98
Made by Yukon Outfitters, holds 32 ounces of water and boasts a “sweat-free exterior.” (The Fiesta cup on the right holds 20 ounces and costs $14.98, by the way.)
BUC-EE’s HAWAIIAN SHIRT, $24.98
We’re digging the crazy print on this shirt, which the label describes as as a “Buc Fun Beach Camper.” Flowers, waves, palm trees, Buc-ee’s signs, beaver logos and cups with waving hands. Gotta love it.
BUC-EE’S RAPID RIDER TUBE, $16.98
Another tube for folks who like to float, probably best used in a backyard pool. Try it on the rapids if you dare.
BUC-EE’S RUBBER DUCK, $4.99
Tub toys, anyone? For kids of all ages.
BUC-EE’S VOLLEYBALL, $7.99
OK, so the neon colors aren’t exactly on brand. These volleyballs have the Buc-ee’s logo, and isn’t that what counts?
BUC-EE’S SHOT GLASS, $2.99
It wouldn’t be a travel center without shot glasses for sale. Maybe add this one to the collection you’ve been building from all 50 states?
BUC-EE’S BOXER SHORTS, $12.99
Um, perfect Father’s Day gift? (They’re 100 percent cotton, according to the tag.)
BUC-EE’S DOG TOY, $6.99
Just in case your dog needs something to rip into shreds during the next car trip.
BUC-EE’S TUG TOY, $7.99
These tug toys are tougher than the plush ones, and probably last longer. (Note: They’ve also got a pungent leather/suede smell, which can be regarded as a plus or a minus.)
LITTLE BEAVER NUGGET BIB, $12.98
Buc-ee’s has several different baby bibs, but we picked this one for its extreme branding. Beaver Nuggets, in case you didn’t know, are sweet and salty corn puffs — one of the most popular snack foods at the travel centers.
BUC-EE’S BABY SOCKS, $6.98
Why stop at a bib? Buc-ee’s also carries branded baby socks.
BUC-EE’S SIPPY CUP, $9.98
Cute or creepy? You decide. Note the bags of Beaver Nuggets below the cups, which suggests that both items are impulse purchases.
BUC-EE’S UNION SUIT, $19.98
Yes, we’re on the verge of summer in Alabama. That’s no reason to ignore this wonderfully weird union suit, which has a hood and foot coverings.
BUC-EE’S WINTER HAT, $12.99
A cozy hat with ears and tails never goes out of style, as far as we’re concerned.
BUC-EE’S PARTY SUPPLIES, PRICES VARY
Wrapping paper, gift bags, cups, party hats, plates, confetti, balloon streamers and more. Great for those special occasions when you have 15 screaming kids in the backyard.
BUC-EE’S STUFFED ANIMAL, $14.98
When the Buc-ee’s beaver sprouts an extra set of ears, we’ve gotta point it out. These were piled in a store bin on the Saturday before Easter, so might be limited edition. But if you can’t find the beaver-bunny hybrid, there’s always a traditional Buc-ee’s stuffed animal. One of those stuffies has a starring role in the video below, filmed during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Birmingham. (Sound on to hear people chanting “Buc-ee! Buc-ee! Buc-ee!”)
More on Buc-ee’s:
How ‘Disney World of gas stations’ in Buc-ee’s first came to Alabama
What’s the best sandwich at Buc-ee’s? (Spoiler alert: It’s not BBQ brisket)
25 things you can buy at Buc-ee’s that cost less than a gallon of gas
‘Buc-ee’s fever’: New location opens in Athens and it’s ‘just awesome’
Buc-ee’s opens in Leeds: Second Alabama location draws thousands
Buc-ee’s opens Alabama travel station and first outside of Texas