Consignment and thrift stores play a valuable role in the community as are a resource for affordable clothing, furniture and other goods. Plus, they help reduce waste by keeping unwanted items out of the landfill, reducing the need for the increased production of new items. And lastly, many secondhand stores give back to the community in tangible ways, through job opportunities and other philanthropic efforts.
There is no shortage of consignment and thrift stores in the trendy college town of Fort Collins. At these secondhand shops, you can find a wide selection of pre-loved, unique items for your closet and your home. Plus, if you’re in the midst of spring cleaning, you may be searching for a place to donate some of your excess belongings. Many of these places will gladly take your donations!
Whether you’re looking for a donation drop-off spot or you’re on the hunt for some one-of-a-kind treasures, shop secondhand at these local consignment and thrift stores in Fort Collins.
Brand Spanking Used is a locally owned and operated “thrift-ique” set up like a boutique with the variety and low prices of a thrift shop. It is primarily donation-based and relies on generous patrons for inventory, which includes gently used furniture, clothing, costumes, jewelry, housewares, sporting goods, office supplies, records, books and more. Store proceeds benefit RamStrength, which supports local cancer survivors by providing financial assistance for basic needs, scholarships, programs and services.
This community-based thrift store is putting the “reuse” in the old eco-friendly saying into action. Eco-Thrift takes gently used items and return them to service, partnering with several local Fort Collins organizations to help reduce the carbon footprint and keep items out of the landfill. At their store, you can find everything from furniture to electronics — all in fantastic condition. And, if you find yourself in the middle of a DIY project that requires the one-time use of a unique tool, you don’t have to go out and buy it! Rent tools, garden supplies, kitchen gadgets, sports equipment and more from Eco-Thrift’s Eco Tool Library.
Repeat Boutique has been a staple in Fort Collins for decades — well, more than three decades, to be exact! From their original location in downtown to their current spot on the corner of South College and Lake Street, Repeat Boutique is all about going green. In fact, they were “green” before green was cool. This mother and daughter-owned consignment shop sells a variety of used goods, from clothing and accessories to home décor and furniture. They are currently open for in-person shopping, but consignments are by appointment only.
For secondhand professional clothing, look no further than Clothes Mentor. They sell gently used name brand and designer clothing, shoes and accessories, for up to 70% off original retail prices. They only stock pieces that are in great condition and on trend — or classic and timeless items. Clothes Mentor pays cash on the spot or store credit for clothing in sizes 0-26, maternity clothes, and shoes, handbags and other accessories. This is an excellent resource if you’re looking for (or looking to sell!) some professional clothes for an interview or work.
Flamingo Boutique is a quaint resale clothing shop in the Oak Street Mall in downtown Fort Collins, offering clothing, shoes, accessories and furniture. The shop is pretty particular about the items they take in, which means you only get the best of the best — and the latest trends! At this quirky shop, you’ll find a pleasant mix of contemporary and vintage. At this time, Flamingo Boutique is only selling online and by appointment, so keep an eye on their Facebook page for their latest offerings!
Part used outdoor gear and clothing shop, part bike shop, The Gearage is your resource for all things outdoor recreation — made all the better by affordable prices. The Gearage believes in treading lightly on the environment, which means reusing equipment and therefore reducing the need for more production. They offer the highest quality camping, hiking, cycling, climbing, winter and water sport gear. You’ll find both new and used outdoor gear, including tents, backpacks, clothing, footwear, bicycles, kayaks, skis, snowboards, snowshoes, cross country skis and more!
Wear It Again, Sam has been in the same location in downtown Fort Collins for 21 years. Over the past two decades, they’ve established themselves as experts in the field of vintage clothing from all eras and for all occasions. You can sell your vintage items to the store and receive 30% of the selling price! Plus, Wear It Again, Sam is known for their excellent costume rentals, covering just about every genre and theme, including clowns and wizards, superheroes, Victorian era, military and pirates, and much more.
arc Thrift Stores has been around since 1968, and is one of Colorado’s largest employers of people with Downs syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and many other intellectual and developmental disabilities. They strive to be tireless advocates for both the vulnerable in the community and the environment. Plus, arc has an incredible selection of clothing, shoes, books, toys, kitchen items, furniture, décor, electronics, computers, household items, and more — all at great prices. arc Thrift Stores accepts most items for donation in addition to monetary donations to support their impact on the community!
Although Goodwill is certainly a nationwide operation — Goodwill of Colorado is hyper-focused on the local community. Since 1918, the organization has provided career development resources and life skills training for more than 140,000 Coloradans with disadvantages each year. At their Fort Collins location, you’ll find an amazing selection of affordable clothing for everyone in the family, plus furniture, housewares, electronics, books, music, movies, sporting goods, tools, and much more. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it at Goodwill!
Due to size and price point, furniture is often the most difficult subject to maneuver in the secondhand world. Thankfully, Curate Consignments exists! This 10,000-square-foot furniture consignment shop is packed with pristine sofas, chairs, tables, lighting, art, rugs and more, all pre-loved but still as pretty as can be. Whether you are looking to buy some new-to-you pieces for your home or sell some furniture to add to their collection, Curate Consignments is the go-to for all your secondhand furniture needs.
At their core, Habitat for Humanity believes “that every man, woman and child should have a decent and affordable place to live in dignity and safety.” All across the country, they seek to remedy the lack of affordable housing by providing families with a “hand–up” (as opposed to a handout), to own their home and pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat for Humanity operates a ReStore in Fort Collins, which sells new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. All sales proceeds are used to build homes, community, and hope right here in Northern Colorado.
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What thrift and consignment stores in Fort Collins are we missing out on? Let us know in the comments below!
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