DU sits right between two of the biggest streets in Denver: Colorado Boulevard and Broadway Street. The latter is home to an array of awesome finds for students. Amidst bars and dispensaries are scattered a collection of the best thrift stores in the city, all within a ten minute drive from campus.
Although these stores hold vintage treasures for any time of year, Halloween is an especially prime time to go out and find a costume that is more unique than what you would pay for the overpriced bag o’costume found at Halloween specialty stores.
Regal Vintage – 1866 S. Broadway St.
With a name like Regal, this vintage store is all about exclusivity. The quaint yellow building, with a life-size robotic ape out front is ideal for anyone looking for a era-inspired outfit for Halloween. The store is selective about what they choose to take, and therefore the selection of clothes and accessories is top-notch. Expect to pay around $25-50 or sometimes more, but usually on goods that are quality and worth the price. Currently outside the store is also a sale rack full of Halloween costumes for under $20. You’ll likely find a groovy jumpsuit and a pair of go-go boots, but be prepared to try plenty of eye catching items before deciding on the one that’s just right.
The ARC – 1515 S. Broadway St.
ARC is the go-to for super cheap used and consignment items. They accept all donations so there is quite a lot of merchandise in the store, meaning you might need to dig for buried treasure. There is a notorious musk that hangs around the building and it is definitely recommended to wash whatever you buy there before wearing it. But without a doubt, there are definitely some golden finds amongst it all. Currently they have three or four entire large aisles dedicated to Halloween costumes. Expect to save some money because nearly everything is under ten dollars, not to mention ARC offers an additional discount of 50 percent on Saturdays.
Flossy McGrew’s – 1824 S. Broadway St.
If you’ve ever driven down Broadway, you’ve probably seen Flossy Mcgrew’s – its unique and elaborate exterior is difficult to overlook. Covered from roof to sidewalk in an assemblage of skulls and bones, this vintage and used clothing story is the quintessential Halloween store, even in the off season. At once terrifying and fascinating, there’s no telling exactly what you’ll find within Flossy Mcgrew’s vast interior. Prices range depending on the item’s rarity or authenticity. Flossy’s also offers costume rental, so Halloween aficionados on a budget will appreciate the opportunity to find an extravagant costume for a not so extravagant price. Items with a combined retail value of $120 can be acquired for three days for $40, and over $120 costs $70 for three day rental. Flossy’s offers discounts during the Halloween season, so keep an eye out for weekend sales.
Boss Vintage – 10 S. Broadway St.
Boss specializes in retail and wholesale vintage clothing from the turn of the century to the 1970s. It seems like Boss and Regal are each other’s competition because both carry along the same lines of clothing style from similar eras, for similar prices. Boss groups its clothing items by era, so if you have a specific decade in mind you’ll have no trouble finding a suitable getup, and probably some mint accessories to add authenticity. Both are definitely worth going to. Bright colors, patterns and exotic fabrics are prevalent throughout the boutique. Boss is also very neatly set up, with quality vintage finds that could enhance a closet for any time of year.
Goodwill – 21 S.
Broadway St.
Good ol’ Goodwill, one of the country’s largest used items store. This location, near 1st Street on Broadway, is hands-down the nicest Goodwill there is. The building is very clean and all of the clothes are well maintained and organized in neat aisles. Their items are top-quality for what you would expect from typical donation centers. Most of the lower story is currently dedicated to a large selection of Halloween costumes and decorations. They also have a nice selection of inexpensive used furniture. Prices are reasonable throughout the store.
Buffalo Exchange – 51 Broadway St.
Buffalo is a national chain of high-end vintage shops. It is a hipster mecca that provides good deals on trendy and gently used clothing and accessories. They are known for their exchange program where you can get store credit for whatever you donate. Beware though, they are exclusive with what they accept, limiting their picks to brand new items, seasonal favorites or pieces they might be lacking in. They currently have a corner dedicated to particularly Halloween appropriate pieces. With the low prices on nice goods, it can be hard to go in and buy just one thing. Items are anywhere between $5 to $45, depending on the product.
Now that you’re armed with basic Broadway thrifting knowledge, get out there and find yourself some rare garb for your closet.
To view an interactive map online go to: http://bit.ly/1eFoZ24
