Find Thrift Store in Colorado

Colorado has hundreds of thrift stores spread across the state. Whether you live in Denver or a small mountain town, you can find great deals on clothing, furniture, and more. This guide helps you locate the best thrift shops and shop smarter.

Major Thrift Store Chains in Colorado

Several large chains operate multiple locations across Colorado. These stores are reliable, well-organized, and easy to find.

Goodwill of Colorado

Goodwill is one of the most common thrift chains in the state. Colorado has its own regional Goodwill organization. They operate dozens of stores from Denver to Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. Goodwill accepts donations of clothing, housewares, electronics, and books. Their prices are generally low, and they restock shelves daily. Many locations also have a Goodwill Outlet store nearby, where items sell by the pound.

The Salvation Army Thrift Stores

The Salvation Army runs thrift stores in cities across Colorado, including Denver, Pueblo, and Grand Junction. These stores carry a wide range of donated goods. Proceeds support local shelter and rehabilitation programs. The Salvation Army often runs color-tag discount days, where certain tag colors are 50% off or more.

Savers and Value Village

Savers operates several large stores in the Denver metro area, including locations in Aurora, Lakewood, and Thornton. These stores are known for being well-organized and carrying large selections of clothing. Savers buys donations from local nonprofits, which means your purchase supports community organizations. They frequently offer loyalty card discounts and weekly sales.

Arc Thrift Stores

Arc Thrift is a Colorado-specific chain and one of the largest in the state. They operate over 30 stores across Colorado, with many in the Denver metro area. Arc Thrift supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are known for their low prices and huge inventory. Locations include stores in Westminster, Englewood, Greeley, Loveland, and Colorado Springs. Arc also runs frequent half-price sales on specific categories.

Rerun and Local Boutique Thrift Shops

Beyond the big chains, Colorado has many independent and specialty thrift stores. These include consignment shops, vintage boutiques, and charity-run stores. Rerun in Denver focuses on quality vintage clothing. Many smaller towns like Steamboat Springs and Durango have beloved local thrift shops run by churches or community groups.

Best Cities for Thrift Shopping in Colorado

Thrift stores are most concentrated in urban areas. Here are the top cities to explore.

Denver

Denver is the best city for thrift shopping in Colorado. It has dozens of stores from major chains and independent shops. Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Colfax Avenue, and South Broadway are known for vintage and used goods. Denver also has specialty thrift stores focused on outdoor gear, books, and antiques.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has a strong thrift scene. You will find multiple Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Arc Thrift locations here. The city has a large military population, which often donates high-quality household goods. Prices tend to be very affordable compared to Denver.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, which means frequent donations of furniture, clothing, and electronics - especially at the end of each school year. The city has Goodwill, Arc Thrift, and several independent shops. The Old Town area has vintage clothing boutiques worth checking out.

Boulder

Boulder thrift stores often carry high-end outdoor gear, name-brand clothing, and quality furniture. Residents donate expensive items regularly. Prices can be slightly higher than other cities, but the quality reflects that. Crossroads Mall area has several options. Boulder also has strong Buy Nothing groups where items are free.

Pueblo and Grand Junction

These smaller cities have fewer stores but less competition. You can find excellent deals without the crowds. Salvation Army and Goodwill both have locations in each city. Local church-run thrift stores in these areas often have very low prices.

What You Can Find at Colorado Thrift Stores

Colorado thrift stores carry a wide variety of items. Here is what shoppers commonly find:

• Outdoor and ski gear - Colorado residents donate expensive hiking boots, ski jackets, snowboards, and camping equipment regularly. This is a major advantage unique to Colorado thrift stores.
• Clothing for all seasons - Heavy winter coats, fleece pullovers, and thermal layers are common finds. Denver thrift stores also get donations of professional work attire.
• Furniture and home decor - Couches, bookshelves, lamps, and artwork show up frequently. Arc Thrift and Goodwill both have large furniture sections.
• Books and media - DVDs, vinyl records, paperbacks, and video games are always in stock. Prices are usually under $2 per item.
• Kitchen and housewares - Dishes, pots, small appliances, and glassware are plentiful. You can often furnish an entire kitchen for under $30.
• Electronics - Computers, monitors, phones, and gaming consoles appear regularly. Always test electronics before buying if the store allows it.
• Children's items - Toys, baby gear, and children's clothing cycle through quickly at most locations.

Tips for Thrift Shopping in Colorado

Use these strategies to get the most from your visits.

Shop on Sale Days

Arc Thrift runs half-price sales on specific categories each week. Goodwill and Salvation Army use color-tag rotation systems. Ask staff which tag color is currently discounted. These sale days can cut your total bill in half.

Go Early in the Week

Weekends are the busiest days. Restocking often happens Monday through Wednesday. Shopping mid-week means you see fresh inventory before it gets picked over. Early morning visits on weekdays give you the best selection.

Visit After College Move-Out Season

Late May and early August are peak donation seasons near Fort Collins, Boulder, and Denver. Students leave behind furniture, electronics, and kitchen items. This is the best time of year to find quality goods at thrift prices.

Check the Outlet Stores

Goodwill Outlet stores sell items by the pound. These bins contain overstock from regular Goodwill locations. Prices are extremely low. You need to dig through bins, but the savings are worth it for patient shoppers.

Bring Cash and a Measuring Tape

Some smaller stores prefer cash. A measuring tape helps you verify furniture dimensions before buying. This saves you from hauling a couch home only to find it does not fit your space.

Join Loyalty Programs

Savers has a loyalty card that earns points toward discounts. Arc Thrift and Goodwill offer email signup discounts. Sign up before your first visit and check your inbox for coupons before heading out.

Donate and Shop the Same Trip

Many Colorado thrift chains give you a discount coupon when you donate. Goodwill and Arc Thrift sometimes offer 20% off your same-day purchase when you bring in a bag of donations.

Frequently Asked Questions