If one knows where to look, rare vintage finds and one-of-a-kind knickknacks line the shelves of quaint shops and second-hand stores, littered throughout Fort Collins. Whether seeking a unique gift or a statement piece no one else has, shopping ethically has never been easier. Here are College Avenues’ top five locally run and owned stores to start the search for something special. 

A&J Antique Mall

Stop into A&J Antique Mall, located at 6012 S College Avenue, if you have an hour – or five – to get lost in over 13,000 square feet of unique goodies. With over 110 dealers whose spaces each have their own personality, the store highlights small, local businesses.  Shoppers are sure to find what they are looking for, and possibly be introduced to much more.

Store owner Joann Malara said, “Older people love to collect. The next generation down – we’re not big collectors. Now we’re getting kids in their 20s, and all this is new and interesting to them, so we have a whole new generation we can share our knowledge with. That’s why we love having younger people in the store, they bring a different vitality to what we do.”

From restored furniture and home goods to rare collector’s items, everything sold at A&J has a story to tell. Become a part of that story and feel the unique soul behind each item when shopping at A&J Antique Mall. 

Wear It Again, Sam

Step into another time when shopping at Wear It Again, Sam. This true vintage shop located at 140 S College Ave, primarily sells clothing from the 1970s and before. featuring pieces like rare 1949 Lee Rider jeans and a suit from a Lon Chaney Jr. movie, it is easy to get lost in the racks here.

For store owner Kim Sewald, finding and selling vintage clothing is more than just a job, but a calling. Sewald takes pride in the preservation of history that is the heart and soul of Wear It Again, Sam.

“[In] a lot of families, the grandma or grandpa passes away, and they have these incredible vintage clothes. And then my role is to protect these items and present them to the next generation,” Sewald said.

Whether searching for a place to give new life to important old items or looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, stop in to Wear It Again, Sam for incredible finds.

Dandelions and Rust

Looking for a place with a little bit of everything? Dandelions and Rust, located in the heart of Old Town at 19 W Oak St Booth B, is home to over 45 local vendors who are responsible for their own space in the store. Step into a colorful array of candles, trinkets, jewelry, and so much more. Keep shopping, and discover a downstairs area full of vintage and upcycled clothing and shoes.

Store owner, Tanya Mielke jokingly described the shop as having “a flea market vibe without looking like a flea market.”

Dandelions and Rust places an emphasis on supporting local artists and creatives.

“There are a ton of people in Fort Collins that are creative, and having an outlet or a safe space for them to sell their things, and is affordable for them – I think that’s important because it keeps the community creating”, Mielke said.

Support local artists and small businesses in a space that reflects the creative spirit of Northern Colorado when shopping at Dandelions and Rust. 

Flamingo Boutique 

Located at 140 W Oak St. in the Oak Street Mall, Flamingo Boutique has a wide array of shoes, art, clothing, and accessories to choose from. This cozy consignment shop not only has rare designer finds, but also emphasizes making an impact on the community. 

My favorite part [of working at Flamingo] is how much interaction we do with donations. We’re giving hundreds of pounds of clothes a month away. So we’re clothing many people,” Employee Wyntr said.

A purchase from Flamingo means much more than a new pair of shoes in the closet. Shop ethically, contribute to a larger cause, and find something incredible when shopping at Flamingo Boutique. 

Walnut Creek 

Located on 222 Walnut St, in Fort Collins, Walnut Creek appears from the outside to be a run-of-the-mill shop. On the inside, it is anything but. 

Up the stairs of the historic building, customers will find The Merchant Room – a studio space available for photographers to rent. The space hosts a gallery show once a month with the Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art Walk. 

Also upstairs, is the Somewhere Secret escape room. In the mood for some shopping and a puzzle? Walnut Creek is the place to go. 

With over 60 vendors renting spaces in the store, Walnut Creek is supporting local artists and business owners, prioritizing conservation, with many of their artists using found objects and utilizing upcycled furniture, and gently used clothes. 

“​​I love working with customers that are coming in just to have some fun and see something they’ve never seen before,” Owner Linda Roth said. “Old or new or made. Or handmade or unique. Got everything including the kitchen sink”. 

Stop into Walnut Creek for an amalgamation of puzzles, galleries, and a unique shopping experience that has something for everyone.