20 Worst Thrift Stores in Colorado

Now it means dodging resellers with barcode scanners, navigating stores that smell like a basement married a gym locker, and wondering why a chipped mug costs more than it did new.

Colorado’s thrift scene has become a full-contact sport.

You need strategy, stamina, and a tetanus shot.

Some stores closed their fitting rooms because of “incidents.”

Others have staff who treat customers like they’re interrupting nap time.

1. Goodwill Stores

Goodwill is one of the largest thrift chains in Colorado, with dozens of locations from Denver to Colorado Springs.

In 2023, the organization permanently closed fitting rooms in 42 Colorado stores because of rising theft, drug use, and vandalism, a change that frustrated many regular shoppers.

For older adults who like to try on clothes before buying, this policy shift can make bargain hunting feel more stressful than fun.

2. Salvation Army Thrift Stores

The Salvation Army runs thrift stores that support social programs, including in Colorado communities.

Employee reviews from different locations describe low pay, burnout, and management issues, including no raises for years and poor communication, which can spill over into customer service.

One Colorado-based social worker wrote that staff had no trust in one another and leadership was not transparent, a red flag if you want a calm, respectful shopping trip.

3. Arc Thrift Stores

Arc operates multiple thrift locations along the Front Range and is a familiar name for Colorado bargain hunters.

Recently, news reports highlighted an assault on an employee at a Lakewood Arc store, raising safety questions for both workers and customers.

For people over 50 who value calm, secure spaces, hearing about violent incidents in a retail setting can make these stores feel less inviting.

4. Overpriced Boutique-Style Thrift Shops

Colorado has a wave of newer, trendy thrift boutiques that present secondhand shopping as a curated, upscale experience.

News coverage of the state’s “modern thrift boom” notes that customers frequently complain about high prices, sometimes approaching regular retail levels.

For older shoppers who remember true thrift-store bargains, racks of used clothing priced like new items can feel more like a boutique gimmick than real value.

5. Thrift Stores With Weak Security

Some Colorado thrift locations have been in the news because of theft, vandalism, or unsafe behavior on-site.

Goodwill leaders reported that shoplifting incidents in their Colorado stores nearly doubled over a short period, part of the reason they tightened policies and closed fitting rooms.

For a 50+ shopper, a store battling constant theft issues can feel chaotic, with more staff focused on loss prevention than customer service.

6. Donation-Mix-Up Thrift Shops, Northern Colorado

In Northern Colorado, one thrift store recently made news after a woman appears to have accidentally donated highly valuable items hidden in a bag of donations.

Staff had to bring in local police to help track down the rightful owner, showing how easily important belongings can be lost in busy donation systems.

For older adults who may be downsizing, rushed intake processes and crowded back rooms increase the odds of costly mistakes.

7. Understaffed Chain Thrift Locations

Many big-name thrift brands in Colorado admit they struggle with staffing, from sorting donations to updating price tags.

Across retail, workers report that stores are often short-staffed, which can mean long checkout lines, cluttered racks, and items piled in aisles.

That is hard on older shoppers who prefer clear paths, quick questions answered, and less time on their feet.

8. Thrift Stores With Confusing Pricing

Some Colorado retailers linked to large grocery chains have been cited for having outdated sale tags that overcharge customers at the register.

While this report focused on grocery items, it highlights a bigger issue: when stores cannot keep price tags current, shoppers may pay more than they expect.

For older adults on fixed incomes, confusing or incorrect pricing is more than annoying; it directly hits the budget.

9. Stores With Poor Worker Treatment Stories

Online discussions and long-form posts have described harsh working conditions and low pay at some charity thrift operations tied to national organizations.

Commenters describe situations where staff or program participants worked long hours for very little compensation, raising ethical questions about how donations are used.

You are better off supporting secondhand shops where both shoppers and workers are treated fairly. That is why many older adults look for transparent charities before dropping off a car full of goods.

10. Thrift Stores Without Clear Fraud Protection

Colorado surveys show that concern about scams and fraud is especially high among residents, including older adults.

While this research focuses on financial services, it underlines how vulnerable some 50+ shoppers feel whenever personal data, cards, or checks are involved.

Thrift stores that lack clear refund policies, secure payment systems, or posted consumer protections are more stressful for anyone already worried about fraud.

11. Goodwill Outlet Stores, Colorado Springs

Goodwill runs four outlet stores in Colorado where items are sold by weight from large blue bins that rotate every half hour.

Customers describe a “fast-paced” and sometimes chaotic atmosphere, with aggressive resellers shoving through bins and breaking fragile items like dishes and glassware.

For older shoppers hoping for a calm browse, the outlet model can feel more like a contact sport than a relaxing treasure hunt.

12. Thrift Stores With Poor Accessibility

Many thrift stores in Colorado occupy older buildings with steep ramps, limited handicap parking, or no customer-friendly lifts between floors.

One Reddit user described a popular thrift location with only one accessible parking spot and the rest of the lot up a steep hill, making it exhausting for anyone with mobility issues.

For shoppers over 50 dealing with canes, walkers, or limited stamina, stores without proper accessibility feel exclusionary and physically draining.

13. Disorganized Resale Shops

Some thrift locations in Colorado are described online as having a “chaotic energy” with items thrown everywhere and long checkout lines.

Customers report feeling overwhelmed by the mess, saying the disorganized layout holds “diamonds in the rough” but for many it is “just rough.”

Older adults who need clear aisles and easy navigation can find these stores exhausting instead of fun.

14. Thrift Stores With Rude Staff

Customer reviews mention encounters with staff who have “nasty” attitudes, refuse to explain policies, and treat shoppers dismissively.

One family described trying to buy toys for a two-year-old, only to be met with a dry, rude response and no flexibility over a minor policy issue.

For older customers who value respectful service, a bad attitude at the register can ruin the whole trip.

15. Thrift Stores With Strict No-Refund Policies

Some Colorado thrift locations refuse refunds even minutes after purchase, leaving customers stuck with items that do not fit or work.

One shopper described asking for a refund on an overweight item just five minutes after buying it, only to be met with rudeness and a flat refusal from a manager.

For older adults on fixed incomes, losing money on a mistake because of an inflexible policy feels unfair and financially wasteful.

16. Thrift Stores That Do Not Accept Cards

A handful of smaller thrift operations in Colorado still operate on a cash-only basis or have unreliable card readers.

One customer recounted driving to a store only to learn at checkout that cards were not accepted, forcing them to leave empty-handed and return another day with cash.

For older shoppers who rely on debit cards for tracking and security, cash-only policies feel outdated and inconvenient.

17. Thrift Stores With Broken or Dirty Facilities

Some Colorado thrift locations have aging infrastructure, including broken restrooms, poor lighting, and dirty floors.

Cleanliness complaints are common in online reviews, with shoppers noting dusty racks, stained carpets, and unpleasant odors in donation areas.

For older adults with allergies or respiratory concerns, a poorly maintained store can trigger health problems and make browsing unpleasant.

18. Thrift Stores With Inconsistent Hours, Colorado

Some smaller thrift operations in Colorado change their hours without notice or close unexpectedly due to staffing shortages.

Customers describe showing up during posted business hours only to find locked doors and no explanation, wasting time and gas.

For older adults who plan their days carefully and may have limited mobility, an unexpected closure feels frustrating and disrespectful.

19. Thrift Stores That Allow Resellers to Dominate

Goodwill outlets and other bargain-focused Colorado thrift shops attract professional resellers who rush bins, grab armloads of items, and leave little for regular shoppers.

Customers describe feeling pushed aside by people scanning items with pricing apps and filling carts before anyone else can browse.

For older adults looking for personal bargains, competing with aggressive resellers turns shopping into an unpleasant competition.

20. Thrift Stores With Inadequate Climate Control

Some thrift locations in Colorado lack proper heating or air conditioning, making shopping uncomfortable during hot summers and cold winters.

Customers mention sweltering conditions in summer and freezing drafts in winter, especially in warehouse-style outlets with high ceilings and poor insulation.

For older adults sensitive to temperature extremes, an uncomfortable store can cut a shopping trip short and make browsing physically unpleasant.