Princess and the Buck is a boutique blend of classic and new Kalispell.  

The shop, the latest to enter the Kalispell-scene, is owned by Beth Kornick and Kyle Waterman and located in the former Wheeler Jewelry store. The name, Princess and the Buck, came from two former historic businesses in downtown Kalispell — the Princess Theater and Buck’s Groceries and Meats.   

"This space was so historic,” Waterman said. “We wanted to bring in some historical names to honor that.” 

What was once full of various jewelry and diamonds, Wheeler Jewelry store closed in 2018 after more than a century in business and became Camas Creek Cottage. Waterman and Kornick took over in October and opened Princess and Buck at the end of November.  

The store features a range of items, gifts and clothes, from sweaters to plates to cards. Each item is carefully curated, Waterman said. The goal is to find and sell “uniquely made, quality pieces,” he said.  

“We wanted to bring a little levity and sass,” Kornick smiled. 

While they don’t want to repeat what other people are doing, they do want to highlight local artists, Kornick said. The shop features a range of products produced by Flathead Valley or Montana residents, including Field Guide Designs artist Mandy Mohler, artist Sydney Boveng and a few others. 

The original displays from Wheeler Jewelry are still in the store, some still used for jewelry today. The space also features a vault in the corner, which Kornick and Waterman have turned into a funky sale room with a record player and various records. 

Kornick and Waterman are both a “jack of all trades,” they laughed, sitting in the back of the boutique under a neon pink sign.  

Waterman has been involved in the community throughout his life, from running for statehouse to being a Rotary Club of Kalispell member to dabbling in retail. Kornick has owned an espresso shop in Lewistown and served as administrative assistant to the superintendent for Kalispell Public Schools. 

When the space opened on Main Street, Waterman and Kornick felt like it was finally time to jump on it and start on their dream of owning a shop, a dream they discovered they shared while at a Rotary retreat.  

“I just have always wanted to have a store again,” Kornick said.  

“And it’s perfect because Kalispell needs more shopping opportunities,” Waterman added.  

The pair referred to the block on Main Street where the shop is located as fully stocked, meaning every storefront is full. A new coffee shop, restaurants, shops and more make the area feel more dynamic. They look forward to summer, a time they hope downtown will turn “vibrant.”  

“People are excited, it’s a really great space,” Kornick said. “We’re super happy to be a part of that.” 

On one display shelf sit a series of vintage golf clubs turned into bottle openers. Shoppers can get a miniature retro Bluetooth speaker, indigenous-owned company Ginew brand shirts, plates and napkins with sarcastic sayings and handmade scarves. There is a wide variety with something to interest everyone, Kornick and Waterman say. 

While quality and uniqueness were a top priority for Kornick and Waterman. They also want the space to be fun, welcoming and adaptable.  

The space is adorned with fun decor, bright pink lights, couches and easy to access displays for all shopping needs.  

As Princess and the Buck continues to grow, the owners look forward to boosting the community through pop up events, chill events and getting involved with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and other community groups.  

Princess and the Buck is located at 139 Main Street in Kalispell. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shop posts retail updates on its Instagram, which can be found at instagram.com/princessandbuck/.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].