Across the Denver metro area, antique and vintage shops are doing more than selling old treasures—they’re cultivating communities rooted in nostalgia, sustainability, and the joy of discovery.
From sprawling antique malls to curated thrift boutiques, business owners and shoppers alike are contributing to a vibrant, evolving scene that celebrates the past while connecting people in the present.
Colorado Antique Gallery: A Monument to the Past
In Littleton, the Colorado Antique Gallery stands as a local landmark for vintage lovers. Spanning an impressive 52,000 square feet, the store is billed as “Denver’s largest antique mall” and is home to 275 individual vendors.
President and owner Chris Rodriguez, who took over the business in 2012, describes the experience of running the gallery as unpredictable and dynamic.
“Every day is different. Every day is new,” Rodriguez said. “You’re going to run into different people. This business brings out eccentric personalities—people you might not meet in a regular mall.”
Rodriguez rents vendor space and earns a commission from sales, making the gallery a diverse collection of personal tastes and historic artifacts. The store, founded in 1992, offers everything from Native American jewelry to vintage glassware.
Beyond commerce, Rodriguez sees the gallery as a form of environmental preservation.
“We keep all this stuff from going into the landfill and give it a second home,” he said. “We like saving stuff.”
He describes the store as “large, different and fun,” reflecting the evolving tastes of generations over three decades.
Heirloom Antiques Mall: Community Through Collecting
In Aurora, Heirloom Antiques Mall offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Nestled in a shopping center that also houses a bingo hall and hobby shop, the two-story store is packed with everything from toys and art to vintage furniture.
Owner Scott Davenport, who began his career as a vendor at another antique store, bought Heirloom after falling in love with it at first sight.
“I stepped on the bottom stair, looked at my wife, and said, ‘I’m going to buy this store,’” Davenport recalled. A year later, he did—and will celebrate 10 years as owner this August.
What keeps him going isn’t just the antiques—it’s the people.
“I like the interaction with the customers. You get to know them and their families,” he said. “We have so many regulars.”
With over 100 vendors currently and recent expansions, Heirloom is growing steadily. Davenport notes that the antique market has shifted, with more young people showing interest in vintage and upcycled items.
“It’s better now,” he said. “The younger generation has found a greater interest in repurposing and recycling.”
Overkill Thrift & Consign: Vintage for the Modern Age
In Englewood, 26-year-old Megan Hartberger is bringing a fresh, punk-inspired edge to the antique and thrift scene. Her store, Overkill Thrift & Consign, opened in May of last year and blends affordable fashion with a rotating selection of vintage and antique goods.
“While we primarily deal in modern second-hand clothing, we often receive vintage and antique pieces—from the 1960s to early 2000s,” Hartberger said.
Located in a bright purple building at 3041 S. Broadway, Overkill features everything from vintage magazines and cassette tapes to quirky collectibles. With bins of $2 items and consignment pieces priced higher, the store balances accessibility with curated quality.
Hartberger, a former customer turned owner, wanted to create a space that reflects her identity and invites others to do the same.
“No matter what your style is—goth, grunge, grandma, gearhead—we’ve got it all,” she said. “Let yourself be yourself.”
Much like her peers in the industry, Hartberger sees Denver’s vintage scene as flourishing, especially along Broadway.
“Thrift stores offer lower prices if you’re willing to dig, while vintage and antique stores are more curated,” she said. “There’s something for every budget.”
A Scene Rooted in Meaning
Whether operating massive malls or niche boutiques, these shop owners share a common thread: a passion for preserving the past and connecting with people in the present.
As younger generations embrace sustainability and individuality through vintage fashion and decor, Denver’s antique and thrift scene is thriving—and evolving—with every sale, story, and secondhand treasure.
