ARES Thrift Store

Category:	Thrift Store
Address:	2536 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
Phone:	+1 303-444-8088
Site:	boulderthriftstore.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 62

Reviews 18

Sherrie Marquet

BOYCOTT ARES THRIFT STORE IN BOULDER! My husband and 3 year old daughter were kicked out of the store today AFTER MAKING A PURCHASE, had the cops called on them and accused of TRESPASSING by Jennifer the GM, all because of a complaint my husband made to a now former employee over a year ago. The original complaint was that every time he goes into the store (with or without our daughter and dog), he is followed closely as if he was a shoplifter, even after being a loyal customer who has donated over a thousand dollars in merchandise over the years and spend hundreds more. Apparently Jennifer had an issue with my husband not going to her directly, so she decided to bring it up (a year later) in front of the whole store, conveniently right after he had purchased a puzzle and an Elsa figurine for our daughter. After an exchange of words between them in which my husband reminded her that he had been a customer for years and was simply voicing a valid complaint that he had hoped would address an uncomfortable situation for him when he shopped, she proceeded to belittle him and asked him to leave, calling the cops and accusing him of trespassing. I will mention he is Latino and targeted in stores by loss prevention often, and ironically has a background in loss prevention, so he knows the process well. I highly encourage all citizens of the city of Boulder to boycott this store due to the highly unprofessional and extremely rude way they treat loyal customers.

Kurt Brennan

Today just reminded me that it’s long overdue to leave a 5 star review of my favorite store in Boulder. I stop in at ARES a few times a week and every time I find new fun things and I have to restrain myself from spending too much, and I’ve never been to a store with such great music! I really have to give props to the staff for dealing with some of the astounding things that come out of mouths certain entitled individuals in this town. On several occasions, I’ve witnessed interactions between ARES staff and what appear to be the stereotypical self-aggrandizing Boulderite who act like they own the place wherever they go, and expect strangers who actually work for their money to be their personal slaves. I was especially entertained today by the gentleman who professed several times what an important person he is, that the artwork he was carrying around with him was extremely valuable and belittling the cashier, telling her that she doesn’t understand local art. I don’t think “understanding local art” is much of a priority when every time I’m in there, the staff is busy helping what appears to be victims of abuse, homeless people, etc. get free stuff that they need to survive. I left both laughing that this person exists and feeling sorry for his unfortunate self-deluding mind, and for all the people that fall victim to it every day. Ironically, I’ve won some pretty cool local art from the weekly auction ARES does.

David Madison The Guardian

For about 2 years Ive been coming in; and for a while they had this 99 cents for a grocery bag of books (all the ones with a yellow tag). Ive learned a lot from those books. Ive gotten clothes and kitchen items like plastic ladels, dish drainers, and tongs. A few pots and pans, too. If it werent for these guys tireless efforts and their reasonable prices, I would have to take a bus in order to get the stuff I need. I really appreciate how everyone there has been really helpful. I once asked if they had a massage table, and they didnt - but one of the women gave me their card and said to simply call up once or twice a week to check on one. Additionally, when I was living on the street and needed clothes, they accepted a clothing voucher (about $25); and I was able to get t-shirts, pants, and other necessary items for a job interview. They have been unbelievably helpful in my life; and I wish them many more years of business. Thank you

Matt Lappé

The staff at ARES go above and beyond to make sure customers have a wonderful experience. Last week, I made a mistake and dropped off a backpack that my wife just received as a baby shower present from a close friend. It just happened to be in the back seat of our car next to a few bags for donation. Oops! Once I realized my mistake, I contacted ARES and told them what happened. Their team cheerfully said, "no problem!" And said they would get back to me. Sure enough a couple days later they found the bag and held it at the front desk for me to pick up. They wouldnt even let me pay anything or leave a tip, saying its just their job to make customers happy. Amazing service! Its the only place we go to donate and to buy used. Huge thanks to Jennifer for the thoughtful customer service.

Neil Nguyen

Has a good and ever-changing selection of thrift shop clothes and furniture. Lots of little trinkets and the sort in the back. Includes a student discount and rewards for frequency. Has an auction for special items. All the furniture in my current college house are thrifted from here for prices that are almost akin to stealing!

Abbey Van Horn

ARES is the best second hand store in Boulder county! They always have lots of very nice clothing when I stop in. Great environment and love the energy. By far my favorite place to shop! Plus they support the Safehouse and many other local charities:)

Isha Ojha

Very rude management. Id much rather support one of the many Nonprofit thrift shops in town than deal with the awful customer service here. Plus the inventory is not good and the prices arent good compared to other local thrift shop.

Cooper Hansen

Best thrift shop in Boulder. Lots of the usual - clothes, kitchenware, decorations - but also a stockpile of electronics. This great selection combined with their daily specials makes Ares my #1 shopping destination!

Alexander Falconburg

This place has higher quality clothing than Goodwill and a lot of other cool miscellaneous items. They have stuffed animals that look and feel new for 50 cents! Its an excellent thrift shop!

autumnbottom072

Is it possible to spend too much at a thrift store? I couldnt get enough of the quirky little pieces in here! Loved the music, the staff was super nice, and the vibe was killer.

Matthew Gordon

Fun little thrift store. They do CU student discounts as well as discounts on most other things. Stock is transferring so rapidly its a new experience every time you go back.

Kenneth Reeves

Fairly descent thrift store. They have quite a bit of merchandise, but the store is not as organized as it could. Everyone there was friendly, and helpful.

Dustin M

My favorite thrift store in Boulder. Mens clothing is very hit or miss, but their prices are usually reasonable, and the staff is super chill and helpful.

Hugh Bell

Friendly staff! Lots of old Nat. Geographics and postcards. Clothes are hit or miss but the earlier you go the more likely youll find something you like.

Annie Kaup

Ive never had a favorite thrift store before but now I do. Wonderful staff. Great options. Frequent buyer card. Great weekly silent auction. Fantastic

Jenna Jonker

I used to love this place, but theyve raised their prices the last few years and their clothing selection has deteriorated somewhat in quality.

Benjamin Cieslinski

Its almost cheaper to buy clothes new than to scour Ares. Its not terrible, but certainly not my favorite place in the city to find deals.

Cam C

Good deals, lots of variety, sales too. Poor variety of mens pants but other than the small mens section place was nice and very quirky.