Nestled in the heart of Denver’s lively Bluebird District is Scavenged Goods, a thrift store that pays homage to punk culture and vintage treasures.
Launched on Black Friday of 2023 by Chip Litherland, the shop quickly filled its small space with a kaleidoscope of finds, from vintage tees and posters to old cassettes and hidden treasures in bins.
Every visit to this vibrant store promises a unique adventure, as new discoveries await around every corner.
In less than two years, Scavenged Goods has garnered substantial popularity and a dedicated following.
However, Litherland’s journey to opening this shop wasn’t originally part of his life’s plan; it was born out of necessity.
Raised in Colorado, Litherland pursued his passion for photography at the University of Colorado, Boulder, initially capturing the energetic essence of punk rock shows.
Describing this phase of his life, he fondly recalled the joy of being in the pit surrounded by both chaos and community, all through the lens of his camera.
Everything changed for him on April 20, 1999, when he happened upon the tragic events at Columbine High School while on a photography assignment.
Witnessing the heartbreak and chaos of that day ignited a new desire within him — to connect with his community through more compassionate visual storytelling.
This pivotal moment led Litherland to a diverse career in photography, from working at a local newspaper in Sarasota, Florida, to building a freelance career capturing everything from sports to political campaigns for prominent publications like The New York Times.
By 2011, he took a corporate route, joining Legoland to develop marketing campaigns, but his passion for photography remained at the core of his existence.
Litherland’s career trajectory remained steady until the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, drastically altering the landscape.
As a result of the pandemic, he lost all freelance and editorial work, plunging him into financial uncertainty and with the looming threat of eviction.
Faced with these challenges, Litherland was compelled to think outside the box for survival, leading him to the world of storage unit auctions.
At these auctions, he discovered eclectic collections of items, from vintage vinyl records to peculiar oddities.
As his collection grew, he began organizing pop-up garage sales to sell his findings, which became a means of survival during a difficult time.
However, as his home overflowed with unusual items, an idea began to take shape: opening a thrift store.
And thus, Scavenged Goods was born from Litherland’s leap into entrepreneurship, despite having no prior experience in retail or running a business.
Remarkably, the venture thrived, evolving into more than just a thrift store; it has become a welcoming community gathering space.
“People come in every day just to say hi or share what’s going on in their lives,” Litherland noted, emphasizing the significance of building connections.
Scavenged Goods embraces its punk roots by ensuring a sense of belonging for all, regardless of their backgrounds.
While the store still occasionally sources items from storage auctions, Litherland’s network has expanded to various channels, where word-of-mouth and direct finds enhance his curated selection.
He includes his community in the treasure hunt, regularly updating his Instagram with new finds and tips for avid thrift store enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, Litherland envisions Scavenged Goods as a thriving hub that merges thrift shopping with concerts and perhaps even a tattoo shop or bar, fostering a creative co-op environment.
This ambitious dream reflects his determination to create a unique space in the community, something he believes could materialize in the next five to ten years.
Although Litherland’s path veered unexpectedly into shop ownership, it has become an integral part of his identity, stating, “I can’t imagine not doing it.”
Despite various challenges, he has remained resilient and committed to his vision.
Today, Scavenged Goods is more than just a destination for vintage finds; it has transformed into a community haven.
So next time you find yourself visiting, take your time and explore, as many of the best things in life come from unexpected journeys.
image source from：303magazine
