Rockin’ Resale

Boulder’s Garage Sale Vintage serves up fashion, food and flavor

By Kalene McCort  »  Photos by Matt Maenpaa

Heading through the revolving door at 1701 Pearl Street is like entering a time warp. Since opening in February 2024, Boulder’s Garage Sale Vintage has welcomed lovers of all-things eclectic plus cocktails! From refreshing salt-rimmed margaritas to perfect fur-lined coats circa 1970, the offerings served up by this renegade retailer continue to surprise and delight patrons. The beacon of second-hand style—dotted with disco balls—pairs an unmatched retro shopping experience with an in-house bar, attracting those who desire distinct flavor when it comes to what they put in their closets and their bellies. 

A high-volume soundtrack of danceable hits adds to the party vibe in the decked-out space that formerly held restaurant chain Ted’s Montana Grill. Among racks of clothes, visitors will discover an array of jewelry, novelty keychains, magnets, an entire wall of hot sauces and plenty of used vinyl records from artists like Blink-182, Styx and Jethro Tull. Old-school concert flyers—featuring Green Day, Johnny Cash, The Wailers and more—are plastered on the walls, along with signage that warns against the toxicity of fast fashion. 

“We’re bringing fun to Boulder,” says founder Josh Sampson, who opened the flagship Garage Sale Vintage in Denver’s Larimer Square in 2020. Locations can also be found in New York, Nashville and eventually Philadelphia. 

While the selection of clothes rotates daily, so does a packed events calendar that features Thursday Boombox Bingo nights, Sunday night trivia and sets from local bands. Whether one craves bluegrass twang or prefers tracks spun by a DJ, Garage Sale Vintage keeps the energy high. 

“We’re stoked to be on Pearl Street,” says Sampson, who worked for two and a half years to open his Boulder locale. “We are trying to bring life to East Pearl Street.”  

Vendors work hard to curate top-quality and hard-to-find pieces, and folks are also welcome to book an appointment to sell or trade their old threads. 

While living in New York, Sampson created the legendary Cameo Gallery, a funky Williamsburg venue that hosted an impressive roster of musical acts from members of LCD Soundsystem to Mumford & Sons. Additionally, his venue was a haven for stand-up comedy greats from Zach Galifianakis to Jenny Slate. 

Sampson—who has a degree in Urban Farming—has also found success with TheBigWonderful, an open-air music venue in Denver’s RiNo Art District and Denver Night BAZAAR, a multi-block outdoor market with live music, libations and a variety of vendors. 

“I love what I do,” says Sampson, often referred to as a social architect. “I get excited when small businesses succeed. No matter what I’ve done, it’s all about helping small businesses and artists thrive.”

Garage Sale’s culinary menu is as well-curated as the section of classic threads in the space. One of Sampson’s top picks is the Dancing on the Ceiling Taco, the outfitter’s take on a delicious queso-birria offering with chipotle crema. 

Spritzes, mini martinis and astrology cocktails designed for each zodiac sign add to the merriment. A multi-hued line-up of fresh infusions—from cherry bourbon to lemon and lavender gin—can be found in the bar, each possessing names of notable song titles. Mixologists craft a variety of imaginative margaritas and zero-proof mocktails with quality ingredients. 

Mickey Mouse sweatshirts, prairie dresses, silky slips, bolo ties, old-school candy cigarettes and a life-size cardboard cutout of “Super Freak” singer Rick James are all part of the festive mix. 

Garage Sale Vintage embodies a distinct authenticity and undeniable coolness, proving hand-me-downs can become cherished upgrades. 

“If you look around the store, there is some vintage outerwear that people love,” Sampson says. “There are 1980s ski onesies. That’s what’s cool about Boulder, is that vintage ski style is alive and well.”

While Garage Sale Vintage serves up good times daily, the operation is also firmly rooted in helping the environment and encouraging folks not to fall victim to the quick fix of mass-produced garments. 

“We are diverting landfill waste on a major scale,” Sampson says. “Just as electronics in the ’50s were made to last forever, so were the clothes. Vintage is made much better than clothes of today that are meant to fail fast. I just read that the average new garment is worn only an average of five to seven times.”

Eco-conscious shoppers flock to Garage Sale Vintage to obtain pieces that radiate timeless style. Looks peppered with edge and bohemian zest can be found in the space that is more reminiscent of a lively concert venue than a storefront. 

“Boulder style is old and new based on what I’ve seen,” Sampson says. “It’s eclectic.” 

Sampson often frequented thrift stores in New York to outfit the bars he owned in Brooklyn. Finding one-of-a-kind pieces to create an inviting and funky space is something he took pride in. As a musician who played in several bands, utilizing clothing as a form of self-expression was always in Sampson’s wheelhouse. 

“I still have everything,” Sampson says. “I have hordes and hordes of things—from vintage music gear to old-school Grateful Dead and Phish tees.” 

Out-of-towners and Boulderites continue to shop the spinning selection of eye-catching attire. If shoppers spend $100 on clothes and accessories, they are awarded a free shot. Tuesdays deliver $2 tacos all day, and a happy hour every weekday from 3–7pm boasts food specials and discounts on wine, beer, margs and more. 

“Future goals for our Boulder location are to continue to expand our community hub,” Sampson says. “We want to bring more people into it. It’s a feel-good experience.” 

Visit garagesalevintage.com and follow the fashion adventures on Instagram @garagesale__vintage. 1701 Pearl St., Boulder. Open at 11am daily. Closing times vary.