Best of Boulder 2025: Retail

By Boulder Weekly Staff - May 8, 2025
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Paradise Found Records and Music. Credit: Jacqueline Collins

Accountant

Boulder CPA Group
1790 30th St., Suite 418, Boulder

Whether it’s personal taxes or filing for a small business, Boulder CPA Group provides comprehensive and friendly support in both planning and compliance. Management advisory services are also available to help businesses navigate challenges and optimize growth. The team’s commitment to service, trust and wellness has cultivated a portfolio of satisfied clients in Boulder County and beyond. Outside of in-person services on weekdays, the firm also has online guides and a newsletter to help keep subscribers up-to-date on tax deadlines. 

Silver: Cahill & Associates
Bronze: Kristi L. Hattig - CPA


Auto Dealer - New 

Flatirons Subaru
5995 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder

There are few cars Coloradans love more than Subarus, and Flatirons Subaru is our readers’ pick for where to get a new one. On-site parts and service departments with factory-trained technicians ensure customers find what they’re looking for, while honest and personable staff make the dreaded car-purchasing paperwork a breeze. Don’t just take our readers’ word for it: Flatirons Subaru has 4.8 stars on Google from almost 4,000 ratings. 

Silver: Fisher Acura/Honda
Bronze: TIE - Corwin Toyota, Valley Subaru 


Auto Dealer - Used

Super Rupair
4403 N. Broadway, Boulder

If you’re looking for a Subaru that’s less factory shiny but just as reliable, Super Rupair Auto Sales has you covered Monday through Saturday. Our readers love the honest assessments, reliability and efficiency. And while there is no shortage of Subarus to choose from, used cars from other brands can also be found. If your Subaru needs some repairs, they also have a service center a few blocks up the road where all they do is Subaru, and they do it well. 

Silver: Flatiron Subaru 
Bronze: Fisher Acura/Honda


Auto Service / Repair

Hoshi Motors
2907 55th St. Unit 1, Boulder 

For when your car needs some tender love and care, Hoshi Motors is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Locally owned and operated, they’ve been repairing cars in Boulder for 40 years and counting. Since the shop relies on word-of-mouth over advertising, it’s safe to say that customers are satisfied and loyal. The mechanics have a reputation of being kind, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile. Their waiting area being next to an awesome coffee shop (Baby Goat) is a nice bonus. 

Silver: Super Rupair
Bronze: Fisher Acura/Honda


Bank / Financial Institution

Elevations Credit Union
Multiple locations

With multiple locations throughout Boulder County, Elevations Credit Union is our readers’ go-to for all things banking: credit cards, mortgages, savings accounts, and even more services for members. What started as a 12-member credit union for CU Boulder staff with $100 in assets is now 170,000 members strong with assets totaling over $3 billion, beloved for its friendly staff and excellent service. Elevations is more than just a bank, also offering community event sponsorships and financial literacy classes in schools. 

Silver: Chase Bank
Bronze: Premier Members Credit Union


Bicycle Shop

University Bicycles
839 Pearl St., Boulder

Since 1985, University Bicycles has been providing Boulder with the best in bikes and cycling service for both locals and visitors. No matter how familiar you are with bikes, friendly and dependable staff will guide you through the best equipment for you. If you’re not in the market to purchase a bike, you can also rent one as soon as the shop opens its doors at 10 a.m. any day of the week. A rental comes complete with helmets, flat kits and a bike lock for maximum fun and safety. 

Silver: Full Cycle Bikes & Colorado Multisport
Bronze: Louisville Cyclery 


Courtesy: Boulder Bookstore

Bookstore

Boulder Book Store
1107 Pearl St., Boulder

It’s safe to say that with its vast 100,000+ book collection, Boulder Book Store has your next read, and perhaps the next 10 as well. From books new and used, curated staff picks, current bestselling hits and frequent author events, there will never be a shortage of titles to catch your eye. And that’s before exploring the maps and gifts. Visitors warn that once the doors open at 10 a.m. (11 on Sunday), it’s easy to lose yourself perusing. 

Silver: Trident Booksellers and Cafe
Bronze: Bookworm Used Books


Multiple Categories

Mike’s Camera - Best Camera Store; Best Stereo / Electronics
2500 Pearl St., Boulder

Here’s a snapshot of the best camera and electronics store in Boulder: staff specializing in photography and digital imaging, cameras for every occasion and skill level, plus services to meet all your photo needs — be it special memories, cameras for hikes or professional passport pictures. In addition to photography equipment, the store also stocks various electronic accessories, studio equipment and drones. Since 1967, Mike’s Camera has expanded to include nine stores in Colorado and Northern California. Swing by any day of the week to get what you need to capture the moments that matter. 


Camera Store

Silver: Victory Camera
Bronze: Photo Craft Imaging


Best Stereo / Electronics

Silver: ListenUp
Bronze: Little Horse Books & Vintage

Write-in: Paradise Found


Car Wash

Gloss Auto Wash & Detail
3100 28th St., Boulder

For Gloss Auto Wash & Detail, being the best car wash isn’t enough. They also have some of the best coffee and gift selections in Boulder. For other fine touches, the shop also offers detailing, coatings and window tintings, all part of a mission to make going to the car wash a highlight of the week. Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, it’s easy to drop by for a clean before getting where you need to go with a spruced up ride. 

Silver: Breeze Thru Car Wash
Bronze: Cobblestone Car Wash


Clothing Store - Children’s

Childish Things
3183 Walnut St., Boulder

Children deserve all the love and then some, and what better way to show it than the stylish and high quality items at Childish Things? Whether it’s clothes, bows or bikes, there’s something for every child. But it’s not all for the kids: comfy maternity clothes are also available for mamas-to-be. If your little ones are now less little, the store is more than happy to accept clothes and toys from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, provided they’re fleshly cleaned and neatly folded. 

Silver: Once Upon a Child
Bronze: Pig + Pearl Secondhand


Clothing Store - Men’s

REI
1789 28th St., Boulder

When it comes to the men’s clothing at REI, there’s an understated sense of style. Perhaps it’s the outdoorsy look, the comfort or the utility. After all, what’s comfortable on a hike remains comfortable walking along the Pearl Street Mall or grabbing dinner. The outdoor outfitter’s garage sales are legendary, but you can get deals any day of the week on new and returned gear.

Silver: Apocalypse 
Bronze: Jax Outdoor Gear


Clothing Store - Used

Clothing Store - Women’s

Apocalypse - Clothing Store - Used; Clothing Store - Women's
1813 Pearl St., Boulder

Never sacrifice sustainability for style, or vice versa, when Apocalypse is open for purchases 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Locally and family owned, the consignment store welcomes anyone looking to express themselves while participating in more sustainable fashion. With so much variation in style comes an authentic, curated chaos that leaves our readers obsessed. Their selection of women’s clothes is among the most unique and vintage around, with the men’s section not being something to sleep on either (a welcome change from the sometimes paltry men’s sections at vintage shops). Used clothes can be dropped off up to 5 p.m. daily, either for cash or something from the store.

Apocalypse team. Credit: Chris Sawyer


Clothing Store - Used

Silver: Rags Consignments 
Bronze: ARC Thrift Store
Write-in: Boulder Sports Recycler 


Clothing Store - Women’s

Silver: Anthropologie
Bronze: Christina’s Luxuries
Write-in: Ivy Rose


Computer Repair

Boulder Mac Repair
2525 Broadway, Boulder

Got an iPhone with a cracked screen or a Macbook that endured some water damage? Bring them over to Boulder Mac Repair, Monday through Saturday, for a specialized team to repair anything Apple for a fraction of the price from an Apple Store without sacrificing the expertise. You can even mail them in for repairs! For old, slower Macs, the shop can either help you upgrade your system or buy it from you, while you can walk out with one of their refurbished products. 

Silver: uBreakiFix
Bronze: Shawn’s Computer Repairs


Dry Cleaners

Art Cleaners
Multiple locations

Getting the laundry done is a breeze at any of Art Cleaners’ locations across the county. Offering full-service since 1921, they’ve got dry cleaning, laundry and alterations down pat while making sure clothes are ready on time so customers can always look their best. On top of clothes, they also take larger household items such as bedsheets and curtains. Through a process called GreenEarth Cleaning, fibers are protected from damage and the environment from toxins to give you comfortable, clean clothes and a cleaner planet. 

Silver: John’s Dry Cleaners & Laundry
Bronze: Boulder Cleaners


Farm

Black Cat Farms
9889 N. 51st St., Longmont

With over 250 regional and introduced cultivars, a variety of livestock and locally foraged wild ingredients, nothing embodies Front Range cuisine like the 500-acre, certified organic Black Cat Farms. Exquisite four-course farm-to-table dinners are available Wednesdays through Saturdays at their farmstead location. For other opportunities to taste Black Cat Farms goodness, their bounty goes to stalls at farmers markets in both Boulder and Longmont, their farm store at 4975 Jay Road, and their restaurant Bramble & Hare in downtown Boulder.  

Silver: Aspen Moon Farm
Bronze: Munson Farms

Write-in: Ya Ya’s Farm & Orchard


Financial Advisor

Edward Jones
Multiple locations

When it comes to navigating finances, Boulder Weekly readers look to Edward Jones for guidance. The firm may be over 100 years old, but their vision is on the future — your financial future. Advisors work with over 8 million individual investors. Their online tools make it easy to identify your personal goals and find a suitable advisor, who will provide a complimentary consultation to make sure they’re the right person for your financial needs.   

Silver: Raymond James
Bronze: BSW Wealth Partners


Gift Store

Peppercorn
1235 Pearl St., Boulder

One of the coziest stores on the Pearl Street Mall, Peppercorn catches the eye with beautiful, high quality home goods. From niche kitchen gadgets to seasonal offerings, it’s an adventure to explore the inventory. Since opening in 1977, Peppercorn has become one of Boulder’s most beloved shops. Owner and operator Doris Houghland poured her heart into the store, and it absolutely shows. Stop by 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day to peruse the offerings or have staff help you pick out the perfect gift. 

Silver: Cheese Importers
Bronze: Jacque Michelle


Grocery Store

Lucky’s Market
3960 Broadway, Boulder

Lucky’s Market was established in 2003 and is still going strong at its original location in North Boulder. It’s a small grocery store with a big heart, packed with natural and organic foods that are as delicious as they are healthy. Founded by two chefs looking for the best flavors, Lucky’s commits to sourcing locally to ensure that the highest quality food does not come with the highest price tag. If you’re looking for something tasty and local, the Lucky’s Bakehouse Cafe or the Lucky’s Bakehouse and Creamery any day of the week for brunch or a delicious treat. 

Silver: Sprouts Farmers Market
Bronze: King Soopers


Hotel

St Julien Hotel & Spa
900 Walnut St., Boulder

Courtesy: St Julien Hotel and Spa

Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, St Julien in the heart of Boulder is the place to stay when visiting the city. It’s got everything. Easy access to Pearl Street Mall? Check. Gorgeous Flatiron vistas? Check. The perfect blend of luxury and service? Check. Coupled with thoughtful touches and impeccable service, tourists leave feeling refreshed following unforgettable stays. The hotel’s spa services are also available for locals and should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. 

Silver: Hotel Boulderado
Bronze: Chautauqua


Independent Business

MECHA
2546 Spruce St., Boulder
1817 Hwy-42, Louisville

Offering classes in resistance, cardio and strength, trained athletes and casual gym-goers alike choose MECHA for fitness. The gym is committed to selecting only the best instructors with decades of experience for the best coaching, and our readers agree. With modifiable workouts, all fitness levels are welcome at classes, whether you’re training for a marathon or finally committing to getting yourself in shape. While “ish time” is almost a cultural staple of Colorado, late arrivals are discouraged and entry won’t be guaranteed.

Silver: Nude Foods Market
Bronze: Apocalypse


Jewelry Store

Schapell Jewelers
3163 Walnut St., Boulder

Schapell has been family owned and operated for over 60 years with a strong commitment to ensure that every piece of jewelry is as special as the memories behind it. Open every day except Sunday, the shop’s certified team specializes in jewelry and watch repair, appraisal, restoration, engravings, and can even bring custom designs to stunning life. From engagement rings to personal gifts, the warm staff, fine materials and impeccable craftsmanship make the jewelry shopping experience shine. 

Silver: Walters & Hogsett
Bronze: Hurdle’s Jewelry 


Law Firm

Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein, P.C.
4750 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder

Clients across Colorado choose Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein, P.C. for their professionalism and caring approach.The firm provides a full range of legal services encompassing various practices of law. The service is guided by the client’s needs and offers representation throughout the legal process. The firm also has seminars and publications to help keep clients up to date with recent legal trends. When the attorneys are confident and the service comprehensive, Boulder Weekly readers are more than satisfied. 

Silver: The Moorhead Law Group
Bronze: Berg, Hill, Greenleaf & Ruscitti, LLP


Liquor Store

Hazel’s Beverage World
1955 28th St., Boulder

They say there’s a drink for every occasion, and we are certain you can find it here. Imagine if a liquor store was the size of a big box store but not owned by a multi-state corporation, while also boasting a rich variety of drinks and fantastic deals to boot. That’s Hazel’s. If 15,000 options of wine, beer and spirits seem overwhelming, friendly and knowledgeable staff can help navigate you to the bottle you need. The store opens at 8 a.m. every day, perhaps a bit on the early side for a drink but certainly not too early to purchase one. 

Silver: Wyatt’s Wet Goods
Bronze: Superior Liquor


Moving Company

Free Range Movers
Denver to Longmont

The next time you’re moving, let Free Range Movers do the heavy lifting. The company dispatches trustworthy and courteous movers from Boulder to serve communities across the metro area, including Erie, Lafayette, Longmont and Louisville. Their full service offerings mean they can help customers load and unload, decluttering and even assist in staging a home to sell. They can also pack your things, ensuring that everything is put away nicely and protected for the big move. 

Silver: Taylor Moving
Bronze: Boulder All Star Movers


Music Store

H.B. Woodsongs
3101 28th St., Boulder

Boulder’s longest running music store earns another win in this category. The retail store offers new and old instruments of all sorts of purchase, as well as musical accessories and recording gear, and rentals. Woodsongs Band Repair, for brass and woodwind fixes, is on site while a string repair shop is across the street. The vintage wooden aesthetic and friendly staff help make Woodsongs a welcome space for customers of all ages and musical experience every day of the week. 

Silver: Wildwood Guitars
Bronze: Lafayette Music


Natural Foods Store

Natural Grocers
Multiple locations

If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality produce, it’s hard to go wrong with Natural Grocers — in Boulder, Longmont and Lafayette (plus a whole lot of other places throughout the state). Natural Grocers cares about your food every step of the way, from how it’s grown to how it’s packaged. Everything sold in their stores is meant to foster health and wellness, with nutritional health coaches available to help guide shoppers towards products that further their health goals. After all, you are what you eat. 

Silver: Trader Joe’s
Bronze: Nude Foods Market


New Business

Miae Beauty LLC
3280 28th St., Unit 21, Boulder

Miae Beauty has quickly made a name for itself as the place in Boulder for permanent makeup services that give you a unique, natural look. Alice, the founder, is a Certified Permanent Makeup Artist with a deep understanding of wellness. Her clinic uses specialized pigments to enhance brow, eyeliner and lip blush, and customers love her for her skill, attention to detail and kindness. Anyone looking for a glow up or to streamline their morning make-up routine can contact Alice for a free consultation. 

Silver: Moss Houseplants


Optical Store

Aspen Eyewear
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Unit E-23, Boulder

Aspen Eyewear has been bolstering Boulder’s optical health since 1985. All in-store opticians are certified by the American Board of Opticianry and are available Monday through Friday to provide customers the best prescriptions and support in managing eye-related diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts. An extensive selection of frames ensure customers achieve both fashion and vision, and a custom lab can quickly repair broken frames. If you’re due for an eye exam or a new prescription, make sure you’ve got Aspen Eyewear in your sights. 

Silver: Envision
Bronze: Eyecare Center of Northern Colorado


Outdoor Gear

REI
1789 28th St., Boulder

REI is the go-to place for outdoor gear in Boulder. With a huge selection, extra offers for co-op members, and powerful discounts it’s the best bang-for-your-buck for all sorts of adventurous equipment and activewear. Knowledgeable staff will always ensure customers are outfitted with what’s best for their needs, which is topped off by a customer-friendly return policy. The in-store rental shop, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, stocks all sorts of equipment, such as skis and climbing gear, for adventurers more frugal with their wallet or storage space. 

Silver: Boulder Sports Recycler
Bronze: Neptune Mountaineering 


Pet Boarding

Cottonwood Kennels
7575 Valmont Rd., Boulder

Pet owners can rest easy knowing their furry friends are getting the best boarding experience at Cottonwood Kennels. The spacious farm has plenty of space for dogs to play, and private serene rooms for cats to lounge. Daycare and boarding services are available for both cats and dogs, as well as small animals such as birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. Discounts are available for boarding multiple pets or booking extended stays. Topping off the amenities is a dedicated, caring staff that treats each pet like their own. 

Buddy at Cottonwood Kennels. Credit: Kathy Roth

Silver: Camp Bow Wow
Bronze: Bowhaus


Pet Store

PC’s Pantry
2828 30th St., Boulder

PC’s Pantry is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for any pet parent looking for anything for their little friends. Dogs especially will enjoy the daily fresh baked biscuits, premium chews and a wide selection of dog food ensures that any dietary need is met. For the felines: handmade knitted mice and a high quality selection of treats. Cats and dogs are both allowed at the store, and free delicious snacks seem to solve all apprehensions. 

Silver: Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies
Bronze: Humane Society of Boulder Valley


Real Estate Group

Live West Realty
1938 Pearl St., Suite 200, Boulder

At Live West Reality, it’s not just about the houses and the process: It’s about the people — sellers and buyers. This local firm of more than 40 realtors and over $1.9 billion sold in real estate serves the greater Front Range, from Denver to northern Colorado. Brokers are also always on top of the real estate market to provide clients information on the latest trends and best strategies. 

Silver: Remax of Boulder
Bronze: TIE - Compass Real Estate, Jennifer Egbert


Shoe Store

Pedestrian Shops
1425 Pearl St., Boulder
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder

A great pair of shoes can make all the difference. Owned and operated by locals Richard Polk and his daughters, Pedestrian Shops have been in the business of outfitting folks with the comfiest shoes for over 50 years. Both their flagship store on Pearl Street Mall and a retail store in Boulder’s Village Shopping Center are favorites with locals for great options and attentive staff. The shop also holds two shoe drives each year, around Earth Day and Thanksgiving. 

Silver: Brown’s Shoe Fit
Bronze: Two Sole Sisters

Write-in: Dardano’s


Ski / Snowboard Shop

Christy Sports
2000 30th St., Boulder

Christy Sports is your one-stop shop all week long for ski and snowboarding gear before hitting the slopes. Committed to building opportunities to experience mountain life, the company has multiple locations in Denver and in the Colorado Rockies. The flagship location in Boulder has skis and snowboards for purchase and seasonal rentals, service and repairs, apparel and custom boot fitting from October through March. They also sell patio furniture, complete with delivery, maintenance and design services. 

Silver: REI
Bronze: Neptune Mountaineering 


Storage Facility

Guardian Storage
Multiple locations

If shelf real estate is a little hard to come by in your home or business, you could always get yourself a unit with Guardian Storage. At locations across Boulder County, climate-controlled units and active pest control measures protect your belongings from damage from the inside. From the outside: Security measures such as gated entry, on-site managers and motion detectors keep out any unwanted visitors. Access is available every day of the week for maximum convenience. 

Silver: Arapahoe Self Storage
Bronze: StorQuest


Tattoo / Piercing Parlor

Rising Tide
3193 Walnut St., Boulder

Great music, great art, and of course, great tattoos, Rising Tide is once again Boulder’s pick for the best tattoo parlor. Open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, what began as a one-man shop by Phill Bartell in 2005 has grown into a space beloved for its warmth, inspiration and incredible art–both on skin and canvas. From smaller pieces to full sleeves, tatted BW readers adore the talented artists and their immaculate work. 

Silver: Love You Tattoo
Bronze: Claw and Talon Tattoo


Tire Shop

Discount Tire Co.
Multiple locations

Tires are a key part in making sure your vehicle is prepared for whatever comes its way, and there’s no better — or cheaper — place to get them than Discount Tire. With more than 1,100 stores in 38 states, they’re the biggest independent tire retailer in the country. If you find the same tire for a lower price, they’ll match it. All locations also feature tire services such as pressure checks, flat tire repairs and rotations to maximize tire lifespans. 

Silver: Barnsley Tire Co.
Bronze: Big O Tires


Tobacco /Pipe Shop

The Fitter
1121 13th St., Boulder

From its location on the Hill, The Fitter has drawn in tourists and locals alike with quality merchandise and friendly staff. A strong connection with local artists allows for a beautiful selection of glass and water pipes for every budget, alongside hats, tapestries, posters and all the smoking accessories you could ever need. The Fitter is open for business 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.  

Silver: Smoker Friendly
Bronze: Little Dog Pipe & Tobacco 


Toy Store

Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder

Once you step into Grandrabbit’s, it’s best to let your inner child do the shopping. The shelves are packed with an excellent curation of toys, books and art supplies, guaranteeing something for children of all ages. Foundress Lynne Milot started Grandrabbit’s with the dream of helping make all children a priority. Everything at Grandrabbit’s is meant to foster learning, development and fun, whether you’re a toddler or a grown-up kid. To love Grandrabbit’s is to love play.

Silver: Into the Wind
Bronze: Time Warp Comics


Vinyl /CD Store

Paradise Found Records & Music
1646 Pearl St., Boulder

Embrace retro at Paradise Found from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. any day of the week. Whether you’ve got nostalgia for the good old days or looking to explore a new sound, Paradise Found has an extensive collection for reasonable prices with hidden gems ripe for finding. The staff’s love for music, the store’s variety and passionate customers make the place truly special. Anyone looking to sell records, CDs or cassettes should check out the store’s guidelines. 

Silver: Absolute Vinyl
Bronze: Recycled Records


Women-Owned Business

Alchemy of Movement
2436 30th St., Boulder

At Alchemy, dance isn’t just about moving your body. It’s a culmination of fitness, fun and transformation. Alchemy is a space for both experienced dancers and newcomers to just enjoy movement in a welcoming, non-competitive environment. Classes are follow-the-leader style and range from gentle to high impact, from restorative to party atmospheres, and from just vibing to cardio and strength training. What a way to boost your health while also getting lost in the music. 

Silver: MECHA
Bronze: Youthbar Medspa


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