Denver represents a haven for those who want to shop until they drop, with popular shopping centers located in Cherry Creek, Union Station, and along 16th Street, the pedestrian-centered shopping strip.
We’ve assembled a list of some of the city’s most popular stores and boutiques, as well as a few hidden gems that have the locals raving. Next time you’re shopping for the perfect birthday gift or you want to update your wardrobe for the season, check out these Denver-based retailers and small businesses to support the local economy.
Where? 56 S. Broadway
Contact: (303) 733-2288
Decade hosts the latest fashion trends for Denverites wanting to upgrade their style. The store is divided by theme, so shoppers can enjoy a tailored shopping experience. Themes include garden, nautical, lodge, date night, and positive vibes. This boutique has won Westward’s “Best Store on Broadway” for several years and is a favorite amongst locals who are looking for vintage and antique furniture, baby shower gifts, and clothing that’s on trend and affordable.
PRO Tip: Decade offers in-store and online gift cards which make the perfect gift for those who frequently find themselves in search of unique items that enhance their style.
Where? 18 S. Broadway
Contact: (303) 832-1493
Sewn is a one-stop shop for crafters looking for vintage fabric, handmade clothing items, and unique patterns to include in their next project. Whether you’re looking for a tailor-made gift or an unexpected vintage find, Sewn has a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that’s cherished by the local community. Over 10 local designers are represented through handmade goods, as well as an entire room dedicated to fabric yardage dating back to the 1930s.
PRO Tip: You don’t have to be a crafter to find a “must-have” at Sewn. There are beautifully designed goods for purchase that make thoughtful gifts, all while supporting local Colorado artisans.
Where? 189 S. Broadway
Contact: (303) 722-0994
T-Trove has been a Denver mainstay since 2002. With over a decade of sourcing Asian-influenced gifts from China, Japan, and Taiwan — this store is a popular stop for new homeowners looking to decorate their space. Thousands of unique items adorn the 10,000-square-foot showroom, such as Japanese stone lanterns and handcrafted wood furniture. They also boast the best collection of outdoor ceramic planters that are resistant to frost for those cold Denver winters.
PRO Tip: If you have extra packaging and shipping material (peanuts, bubble cushions, newspaper, etc.), T-Trove is happy to accept them for reuse.
Where? 500 16th Street #264
Contact: (720) 317-2328
Located in the heart of downtown, this shop is one of the most recognizable in the city and currently has over 200 Colorado-based artists showcased. This is the best place to shop if you’re looking to support the state’s creative economy, as artisans receive 60% commission from the sales of their products. Started in 2011 as an experiment, I Heart Denver quickly grew into a viable business model and provides recognition to many local businesses and sells products such as screen-printed T-shirts, locally designed furniture, and original works of art.
PRO Tip: I Heart Denver is always looking for new artists to feature. The application to sell can be found here.
Where? 2 S. Broadway
Contact: (303) 778-7579
Mutiny is a new and used bookstore, coffee shop, comic book store, and pinball aficionado hangout all in one. Located in one of Denver’s oldest shopping districts on Broadway, the cafe hosts all sorts of events including magic shows, author readings, comedy skits, and live bands. Grab a matcha latte and peruse over 30 years of book collecting or find your next favorite alternative record. Don’t forget to check out the cereal bar, featuring all the breakfast cereals you could ever want.
PRO Tip: Comic lovers rejoice because there is a free subscription service that includes discounted comics each week, ranging from 10-20%.
Where? 451 Broadway
Contact: (303) 321-4304
The Wizard’s Chest first opened in 1983 and three decades later, the whimsical castle is still going strong. This family-owned store sells magical treasures year-round in its 16,000-square-foot castle. Costumes, makeup, and accessories dominate the top floor, with professional-grade products and a staff eager to help you find the perfect getup for your next event. There is also a play area, featuring books, puzzles, outdoor toys, and science kits for the curious child in your life.
PRO Tip: There is metered street parking available in front of the store and free parking available after 5 PM on weekdays at the south end of the building.
Where? 2757 E. 3rd Avenue
Contact: (303) 333-1201
The Artisan Center has been showcased in The Denver Ear, National Geographic, and TripAdvisor and it’s not difficult to see why. When you walk into the shop, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and home and accent decor to personalize your space. This is Cherry Creek’s best spot for gift giving and complimentary gift packaging is included to make every gift extra special. There is a custom gift form available to fill out if you have something in mind but can’t quite find it.
PRO Tip: Don’t forget to check out the corner window, which features crafts handcrafted by children in Denver-area schools, as well as pieces up for auction to benefit local organizations.
Where? 5910 South University Boulevard
Contact: (303) 756-2222
Winner of the 33rd Annual ARTS Award, Lulu’s Furniture and Decor is constantly shuffling merchandise to include new arrivals and to curate an inviting space. Owned by a mother and daughter duo, Lulu’s prioritizes affordable furniture that has been custom-made by actual humans — not mass-produced by machines. Items can be bought directly off the showroom floor and custom orders are welcome.
PRO Tip: Buy with confidence. Lulu’s has a return policy that allows customers to bring their furniture back within 14 days for store credit if they find that it doesn’t suit their style as much as they thought it would.
Where? 4315 West 44th Avenue
Contact: (720) 328-5091
Established in 2019, Miller Lane Mercantile is a relative newcomer to the scene. Hosting products in the kitchenware, home decor, and women’s accessory space, this shop promotes community gatherings and joyful living. Everybody’s home should spark joy for them, after all. Whether you’re shopping for a housewarming gift or a piece of handmade ceramic to decorate your own home, Miller Lane has it all. Current brands include Caveglow Studio, Minor History, Good Flower Farm, and Salt & Still.
PRO Tip: New items are always being added, as the owner sourced products by visiting trade shows and bringing in merchandise that remains timeless or is in step with current trends.
Where? 3003 E 3rd Avenue #D
Contact: (303) 321-3011
Items are sourced from around the globe, with special emphasis on the rich cultural history of Turkey and the surrounding areas. Shoppers will be amazed by the exquisite hand-loomed decorative pillows that have been dyed with the natural color of vegetables and organic Turkish soaps crafted from organic olive oil and other natural ingredients. There are also handmade home accents, such as bowls, plates, candle holders, sculptures, and hand-painted carvings using Old World methods.
PRO Tip: Lolo also provides home consultations to upgrade your interior design and create an inviting space to host guests and loved ones around the holidays.
Where? 2526 East Colfax Avenue
Contact: (303) 322-7727
The Tattered Cover brand has been around since 1971, eventually opening multiple locations across Colorado to become the largest independent bookstore within the Centennial State. The local chain has stayed true to its roots, by offering personalized service and a well-curated and extensive collection of both new and used books. Featuring over 600 authors and illustrators, avid readers are sure to find a novel they can’t put down. Tattered Cover Bookstore also spearheads the Colorado Local Author Program, which provides the opportunity for local writers to get their work out to the public.
PRO Tip: If you’re looking to change up your scenery from your home office, check out the cafe that has free WiFi.
Where? 1626 Wazee Street
Contact: (800) 776-2566
Rockmount Ranch Wear was founded by Jack A. Weil, also known as “Papa Jack,” back in 1946. Since then, the business has thrived into a recognizable brand sold in over 1,000 retailers across the globe. Rockmount is also included in collections seen in the Smithsonian. Customers can add a custom logo to an existing style or order a custom-made cowboy hat. If you don’t want to commit to the cowboy image by buying a large belt buckle, you can stick with a button-down shirt or a bandana. Either way, you’ll be in good company — with the likes of Elvis Presley, Robert Redford, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton also being past customers of Rockmount.
PRO Tip: If western wear just isn’t your thing, stop in anyway and take a look at the range of home goods. Gift ideas include coasters, blankets, books, and rodeo-inspired tea towels.
Where? 3180 Meade Street
Contact: (303) 477-9673
Operating as Denver’s only brick-and-mortar paperie, Wordshop represents a haven for all paper lovers, handwritten note enthusiasts, and font nerds. Goods are handmade and oftentimes, minority-made. This commitment to the local economy and small artists helps to promote new designs. Wordshop Paperie can handle all of your printing needs, such as custom invitations, personalized stationery, and specialized thank-you notes to send out after your event.
PRO Tip: For those looking to create custom-made products, such as wedding invites or business cards, the business requests that you book an appointment ahead of time.
Where? 3616 W 32nd Avenue
Contact: (720) 855-7067
Ruby Jane has multiple locations across Denver, as they have expanded greatly since opening in 2007. Featuring women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry, Ruby Jane provides outfits that are as unique as the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Denver’s backyard. Each store has handcrafted finishes and helpful staff, eager to find something to suit your unique and individual style. Women across all generations can find something to add to their closet, as well as unique gifts and home decor sprinkled throughout the shop.
PRO Tip: Those who can’t make it to the brick-and-mortar shop can look at merchandise via the online portal for their next favorite piece of apparel.
Where? 3600 West 32nd Avenue
Contact: (303) 480-0966
The Perfect Petal has been in operation since 1995. Whether you’re planning a wedding or another special event, the floral master artists can provide stunningly intricate installations to make your big day shine. For those not in the midst of wedding planning, this is also a great place to shop for gifts such as candles, paper goods, jewelry, and pantry additions. Stop by and peruse the selection of hostess gifts for the homebody in your life, such as stoneware mugs, charcuterie tools, craft cocktail ingredients, and embroidered sketchbooks.
PRO Tip: If you’re looking for the perfect curated gift collection, The Perfect Petal sources special gifts for Valentine’s Day.
Where? 3000 East 3rd Avenue
Contact: (303) 623-1151
Mariel has been outfitting all the best-dressed women walking around Denver for over 30 years. Considered so much more than a boutique, shopping in Mariel is an experience all its own. Outfits are custom-curated to suit all aspects of a woman’s life, including shoes, belts, handbags, and an extensive hat collection. Inventory is limited, to prevent repeated looks. Rest assured when you shop Mariel, you’ll be finding something unique from collections across the United States and Europe.
PRO Tip: Upon entering from Milwaukee Street, free parking can be located behind the store.
Where? 227 North Broadway #102
Contact: (303) 447-0065
Goldmine Vintage has been curating vintage wardrobes since 2007 when the shop began in Boulder. Upon relocating to Denver, the shop has continued to provide quality clothing and accessories dating back to the Victorian Era through the 1990s. The owners travel the United States in search of items to bring back to their collection, which keeps inventory fresh and ever-changing. Shoppers can also discover independent artists and vintage LPs, as well as find their next costume.
PRO Tip: First-time vintage buyers are welcome. Keep in mind, sizing information on vintage labels is often completely different than modern sizing.