I've been a long time visitor at Ares thrift store. This week I dropped by to make a donation (thank you Marie Kondo for encouraging me to get rid of some things that no longer bring me joy). It was super snowy out and I noted there were no donations left at the door. There was also a sign that said to knock (as the doorbell is out of order) to ensure that you leave your donations with a staff member. No prob! A few knocks later a nice woman came out to retrieve my donation and offer me a receipt. And off I was to my next errand. On other occasions I've perused their aisles for nearly an hour. There is truly a lot to look at. I picked up a stellar pair of like new Levi's jeans (for only $8) and am now a huge Levi's fan. During Halloween and Christmas their offerings are unmatched. They do a stellar job of putting everything out neatly and at fair prices. They also have events from time to time, one of which I won two $5 vouchers (they are so cute and have prarie dogs on them!). Excite to make another donation soon. Three cheers for spring cleaning! read more

Love this place. Great deals on anything under the sun. Punch cards are a lovely bonus. Miss it like crazy.

ARES is my favorite thrift store in the whole wide world! Everyone here is so kind and I always find tons of amazing things for great prices. The store is so clean and they are working extra hard to keep their staff and customers safe during this crazy time. My favorite days are bag sale days! read more

See all

I love this shop!! I moved from Texas to Colorado and checked them out right when we arrived. They have so many cool things at reasonable prices and Jennifer is AMAZING!! I bought a cool throw pillow with a 'life' quote on it and my bf bought snow walking sticks, all in GREAT condition. To find a small business who is so active in their community is such a gem. They really make you feel like a community of one here. We had a super rad experience !! read more

ARES Thrift Store - My throw pillow with a quote about "Life" from Fitzgerald. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

A well owned business with high quality finds. I have noticed ARES has handled Covid very responsibly. Definitely my favorite thrift store in boulder (and I visit them all)!!! read more

Such a great find! Not very crowded and has a great selection! Central Boulder but far enough hidden it's not picked over!

The person in the back accepting donations on the afternoon of July 11, 2020 was excessively rude and condescending. I dropped of my donations and left feeing upset after an otherwise enjoyable day. I called the front desk to potentially have the situation addressed and the person that answered the phone was very passive about the situation. I also emailed the store using their contact page on the website with no response. I am hurt that Ares did not address this situation and I will not be returning to donate or to shop. read more

I always find the best stuff here! From kitchenware to furniture, I'm always happy when I leave. And usually find a few things I didn't know I needed! read more

This place is great! Real cool vibe and good variety of things :)) staff are all very friendly and helpful as well! read more

ARES Thrift Store - Haul - Thrift Stores Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I was disappointed looking for clothing, but I could see this being a great place to hunt for special finds and deals without going to Goodwill. They had a good collection of home goods and some outdoor stuff, although the displays are a bit messy or overcrowded. Most of the clothing I saw had no price tag (not sure what that means), but things that did have one were very affordable. I would come back with lower expectations and see what surprises me! read more

I'll come into this place solely for the shoes. Whoever's giving their old stuff to this thrift shop, at least one of them is a lady with big feet. They always have more than a few size 10, 11, and 12 shoes for me, and for that, I am grateful. But otherwise, it just has the feel of a smaller, more cramped Salvation Army, with even more stuffed racks of clothing that practically no one would buy. I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're just on the lookout for clothes. But they have occasional sales on other things which makes their already dirt-cheap prices totally un-pass-up-able. You have to dig a little, but I found a really nice purse here for 3 bucks and a pair of fancy boots for 7. Their furniture and kitchen supplies don't look bad either, though I've never been in the market for them when I've been at Ares. read more

This is a great little thrift shop. They write brand names and sometimes little comments on the clothing tags, which is a nice touch. Their selection of jeans is especially good. They also have lots and lots of kitchen ware, some furniture, books and DVDs, shoes, and the prices are reasonable. Side note: some of the reviews here seem to imply that this shop's cause is not as worthy as some others. From what I understand from having donated clothing here and subsequently receiving in-kind donation receipts, they donate their proceeds to Boulder's Safehouse (i.e., shelter and counseling for victims of domestic abuse). I cannot see how anyone would ever deem this an unworthy cause. read more

Wow! I had noticed a wire basket in the donation pile so I returned the next day hoping to purchase it. The short dark straight hair female manager was over the top rude! I have never experienced such behavior when I was attempting to spend money at a store. The was the Boulder store on Spruce street. I had asked a few employees if they had seen it and would they look in back for me, nothing more. I have to wonder if she is a 'dry drunk'? Has a severe mental health issue? Has an anger problem? Should have a different job? Does her supervisors know ? I hope she gets professional help very soon. Perhaps she does not like well dressed professional women. Nothing happens in a vacuum, so watch out you may be next. I won't be dropping my donations there anymore. CUSTOMER/BUYER BEWARE. Vote with your dollars. read more

I don't disagree with the other reviews here - thrift shops like the humane society are great(er) cause perhaps. And clothes will definitely be cheaper elsewhere - my Banana Republic dress shirt was $6. While not "expensive" compared to the original price, it's not exactly a by-the-pound price. What do they have? Lots of clothes racks, which is at least half the store. Even with all those clothes though, I only found a few jeans of my size, but I did find the aforementioned shirt. Browsing the cups and mugs was fun, they had lots. Very few small appliances. Small (but I found it interesting) selection of furniture. Bottom line - there seem to be a lot of thrift stores in Boulder, I'd put this one on my second-tier list of places to visit. read more

The people here are so nice. I went in for the first time today and was pleasantly surprised by the service (thank you!). Their clothing selection is somewhat limited (I think due in part to people not knowing it exists to donate there). However, their furniture selection is fantastic! 90% of the furniture looks brand new! ARES Thrift Store also has a nice selection of music, decor, and great deals. Today I bought 3 vinyl record for less than $1 each, one of which was signed by the musician. A super cool place I highly recommend checking out! read more

This place often has unique and odd items and as someone who uses thrift stores for work (prop designer) and for personal enjoyment ARES is always my first stop to shop! read more

Worst shopping trip ever! I've been coming here for years, and the staff has always been really nice, prices fair, I've had no complaints. However, recently, I had a really bad experience. One of the staff started being extremely rude, singling me out and being aggressive. I come to find out, it's the owner! you can imply I won't be coming back. Don't waste your money on this place, where it's going to a rude, bratty woman who doesn't even care about the customers who are the ones putting money in her pocket. read more

Amazing thrift shop, I would call it the best in boulder! The people who work and volunteer here are very friendly and their sales rock! But the best is the reward program, they pay you to shop!!! read more

This is my favorite thrift store in Boulder!! They have AMAZING sales and there is always new stuff. I find my biggest scores here! O and the staff is super super friendly :) read more

Best thrift store in BoCo! Staff, selection, and generous to communities in need in the area!

Rating is minus 1- The owner is rude and if there is an incident with a client it is because she treats them like dirt. 2 incidents today had her threatening to have me arrested for trespassing! 1st incident- I pull in to park but she is moving furniture into the space. I ask her if this is a parking space ? ( why continue to wait if it is not?) She makes some snarky comment. 2nd incident- I am 3rd person in line to pay and when it is my turn- the staff moves another person in front of me. I ask if I am invisible? This starts her ranting about my rudeness and threatening me. If I am not gone in 5 min she will have me arrested for trespassing!!! I walked out, did not pay and will never be back. Now I must file a police report to defend myself against her charges! She is a horrible person. read more

Great store! Lots of good finds! Beat thrifting in town! Lots of friendly people and easy Peking!

I love thrift stores and this one happens to be very close to my apartment, so it's the one I go to the most often. It's a little dusty and a little dim in there, but you can be sure you'll find a lot of interesting stuff! CLOTHING It's true, most of the clothing is a little scary but if you know what you want, you might actually find it. I don't recommend this place if you just want to browse. That being said, I found three awesome skirts, each for under $7 and in very good condition. One of them was a Billabong mini, so cute! But I digress... HOUSEHOLD Ares has a ton of furniture, most of it in pretty good condition. They have cribs, desks, dressers, shelves etc. And they'll even loan you a dolly to get the stuff home if you lack a car and live nearby, as long as you leave some collateral, like a drivers licence. They have tons of vases, dishes, glasses and mugs, most of which cost less than a $1 each, which is great if you break them often, which my roommates do... PETS If you have a dog who loves tearing apart tennis balls and you're tired of shelling out $12.99 for a set of 3 at Target, this is the place for you! They have a huge bin of loose tennis balls in the back of the shop for something like 50 cents a piece. If you have a smaller pet, you can usually find crates and cages in the back as well. Other than that, you can usually find some neat stuff at Ares. Plenty of ceramic chickens and angels, glittery photo frames, VHS tapes you had no idea existed (i.e. "Homophobia in the Workplace" circa 1982) and plastic jewelry. Enjoy! read more

My first time at this thrift. I had a few things in my cart and found a small 5" frame (modern and inexpensive looking) with a copied print inside. It was of a local scene of the town I live in and was looking forward to purchasing it. It was in with other frames but I couldn't see a price, so went up to the cash register to ask. When I inquired, the sales clerk grabbed it out of my hand and said "no price, we have to put this back for re-pricing. It is not for sale today." No eye contact, no apology and she just walked away taking the frame with her. Ironically ten minutes earlier I had overheard someone with a duplicate of something without a price and they worked with that person. I was extremely insulted and put everything in my cart back without purchasing anything. I realize they may have a policy for unpriced items like that, but there was almost a ridiculous implication that I had "removed the price sticker" on this cheap frame, that is the only explanation for the short, unpleasant response I can think of. A cart full of items and one item without a price. I'm a paying customer -- was hoping to get something they had for sale on their floor, a small apology to help with my disappointment would have gone a long way and I would not be writing this review. I won't be back. read more

We absolutely love this place. The staff is always helpful, pleasant, and friendly, the store is well organized and clean, and the prices are always fair- plus the funds go to a great cause. It's hands down our favorite boulder thrift shop and I highly recommend you check them out! read more

This is the best thrift shop in Boulder. This place saved my wallet during Christmas time. I always found at least one great item to get for a friend or family member. And the staff there are super friendly. read more

So many great options for women's clothes and very affordable. Store overall was very COVID safe and all employees were very nice and wearing masks! One of the best thrift stores in Boulder read more

We had the most enjoyable shopping experience at ARES, thanks to Sydney, Jennifer and Candice. The great deal on "all you can place in one shopping bag for $15" was fabulous! ARES in Boulder has a large array of furniture, some of which is brand new and priced right. Everyone who works at ARES in Boulder is kind, efficient and extremely helpful. Open business hours are convenient for their customers. And it's safe as well, with social distancing, fresh air circulating throughout the entire store, mask-wearing and available sanitizer. We're definitely going back. read more

Super awesome thrift store in boulder! Very clean with welcoming service. Easy to find some great deals here!

Wonderful local thrift store to support in Boulder! I love keeping up with them on Instagram and they are always having sales so it's a great spot for vintage deals! read more

Super cute thrift shop... I'm A fan ...Lots of eclectic finds - friendly helpful staff. Random stuff... it's a fun place. Lots of outdoors stuff. Trying to find a pair of snowshoes but didn't find it on my last visit.. lots of ski equipment... you never know what you'll find - they donate to local charities.. appreciate the local love..a lovely find in boulder ;) read more

This is by far the cleanest, nicest thrift store in Boulder. They have great stuff, and are selective in what they put on the floor. Their staff is so friendly and helpful, I never am disappointed. Also, they have fun events like raffles and discount days, so you can get all kinds of stuff for almost nothing. I bought five great kitchen knives and an insulated water bottle in perfect condition today for just over $6. Top all of that off with the fact that it is a locally owned store, what is not to like? read more

Shopping secondhand is awesome & double awesome when you shop at ARES! New items daily & great staff

Such a great place with some very unique items and name brand clothes! Staff are great, very friendly and always willing to help, definitely check this place out! read more

This is definitely a "digger" thrift store, in that frequent visits and a willingness to dig around in piles of stuff will be rewarded. Pricing is a bit erratic, and probably could benefit from some standardization by item type, but there is gems in here if you are willing to sift. Surprisingly the thrift scene in Boulder is not super awesome, so was glad to find this place and enjoy an hour or so or poking around. My friend found four items he was super stoked about and it came to less than $15, which is how it should be. Worth a stop if you are passing through and would be a regular if lived in town. Handy location between the outer pass-through roads and the downtown area as well. read more

Ares just keeps getting better and better! You never know what you'll find, from a gorgeous alpaca coat to a very funky, quirky and awesome lamp. Great, fun staff read more

Spent an afternoon looking around thrift stores in the area and I had great luck here!! Super cool furniture pieces and we found a dope lime green record playing in good condition. Totally worth checking out!! Also love the idea of having raffles and giveaways. read more

So I quit watching reality TV shows. Who needs it! I'm in ARES Thrift Store, for those of you who don't know, right in the heart of downtown boulder, and man- what a trip people can be. It's like dude, you were caught stealing! Just admit it and leave. Or, for the drama queen I struck gold and walked in on today, it's like, lady - the items in the store don't all belong to you! These are basic lessons we learned in kindergarten, come on people. But seriously, thanks so much customers of ARES, I love my new reality TV show. hahahaha read more

I love this place! Whenever I come home for a visit, I come and find the coolest things! Beats the hell out of Laramie's selections. The people working here are always sweet and helpful, too. read more

My boyfriend and I just moved in together and we found so many furniture items that allowed us to have a livable space! This is a great store that is staffed by really lovely people. read more