Antique shops across the Denver metro area are flourishing, serving as vibrant spaces where history intertwines with creativity, attracting vintage lovers and curious newcomers alike.
Across the metropolitan area, a growing scene fueled by nostalgia, community, and the excitement of discovery is evident in the eclectic mix of antique stores.
One standout location is the Colorado Antique Gallery, heralded as “Denver’s largest antique mall.” Located at 5501 S. Broadway, Unit 135 in Littleton, this expansive 52,000 square foot venue is filled with unique vintage items for all types of shoppers.
Operated by Chris Rodriguez, who took ownership of the business in 2012, Colorado Antique Gallery boasts 275 vendors renting space on a monthly basis, providing a diverse array of items that reflect the eclectic tastes of the community.
Rodriguez, who describes the store as “large, different and fun,” emphasizes the store’s commitment to sustainability.
“We keep all this stuff from going into the landfill and we give everything a second home so they can use it again,” he said.
With over three decades of evolution, Rodriguez finds joy in the everyday surprises of antique dealing.
“Every day is different. Every day is new,” he remarked, reflecting on the fascinating encounters with eccentric customers and the range of items that come through the doors.
In contrast, Heirloom Antiques Mall, nestled in a quaint shopping mall in Aurora, offers a more intimate two-story experience filled with treasures ranging from vintage toys to art.
Owner Scott Davenport, originally a vendor in another antique shop, decided to take a leap of faith and purchase the store after realizing its potential.
“It’s just a fun place,” he said, aiming to create a family-friendly atmosphere in which everyone can find something that resonates with them.
Davenport, who has been running Heirloom Antiques for nearly a decade, cherishes the relationships he builds with his customers.
“I like the interaction with the customers… We have so many regulars,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of community in his business model.
As dealer numbers surpass 100 in the shop, Davenport also plans to expand, hoping for ongoing growth in the antique business.
Interestingly, he notes a noticeable shift in the antique scene in the Denver metro area, shifting towards vintage clothing and a new interest in repurposing among younger generations.
Meanwhile, Overkill Thrift & Consign in Englewood offers a blend of modern second-hand clothing and vintage finds, catering to the tastes of the younger crowd.
Opened last year and situated at 3041 S. Broadway, Overkill showcases an array of unique items, from vintage Playboy magazines to antique knickknacks like wooden kaleidoscopes, thanks to consignments from customers.
Owner Megan Hartberger seeks to create a space where everyone can find items that speak to their personal style.
“No matter what your style is, I want you to be able to come in and find anything,” she emphasized, illustrating her commitment to diversity in offerings.
Hartberger, who maintains a “punk rock” aesthetic herself, encourages customers to embrace their individuality, inviting them to explore quirky and eclectic pieces.
“Put it on. If it looks good, keep it,” she advises, fostering a welcoming environment for all who cross her threshold.
Having inherited a strong customer base from the previous operation, Hartberger has not only preserved the essence of Overkill but also infused it with her own vision.
Reflecting on the broader antique and thrift scene in Denver, Hartberger describes it as “thriving.”
“Broadway especially is bustling with thrift and vintage stores alike, while several antique malls can be found throughout the area,” she noted, emphasizing the variety available for collectors at all price points.
Overall, these antique shops and thrift stores not only serve as places of commerce but also as community hubs where relationships flourish and stories are exchanged.
In Denver’s antique scene, the joy of discovery, the charm of history, and a commitment to sustainability converge, ensuring that these treasures continue to find new homes.
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