The Denver neighborhood south of downtown known as “LoBo” (short for “Lower Broadway”) features a six-block mini neighborhood called Antique Row. The area’s 100-year-old buildings, once home to factories and boarding houses, now are filled with shops offering vintage clothing, rare books, rugs, handmade musical instruments, florists, art galleries, gift shops, a custom metal plating shop and a variety of locally-owned restaurants and bars.
Walking by the many stores offering resale and vintage clothing, we were drawn to Mercer Place, a business with a handsome exterior and appealing window displays. One step inside confirmed that this was indeed a special place.
Owner Lana Mercer has been at the helm of a successful resale business for 28 years, 17 of them in the current 3,000 square-foot location. Her clothing for men, women and children, jewelry and home wares are not consigned, as she buys what she likes outright, pleasing both those who offer her items and customers who appreciate her careful curation. She specializes in “high end casual and artisan and unique items,” with brands ranging “from Gap to Gucci,” as her website states.
It is a beautifully organized store, with compelling displays and one-of-a-kind garments and accessories. We were smitten, and couldn’t tear ourselves away without buying some gorgeous European black rhinestone clip earrings for $40, a vintage polished stone belt buckle for $45 and a winsome beaded purse (marked at $40, but $36 as it had a green 10 percent off sticker). All were wrapped in colored tissue and nestled in small colored or dotted bags. The prices are higher than thrift shops (remember, most thrift stores get their inventory donated), but they are fair for the quality, pristine condition and uniqueness.
There are color-coded discounts on many of the items, and a long rack in the back of clearance items at 75 percent off. We bought a beautiful silk fringed scarf in that section, marked down from $25 to $6.25.
The store’s website touts its “kind hearted, knowledgeable staff,” and Judith, the longtime employee who helped us, absolutely fit that description. She told us that Mercer Place offers personal shopping, such as helping customers complete a look or find a special occasion garment.
The store also hosts private parties and events, and we can’t imagine a better backdrop. I can guarantee we’ll visit again on our next trip to Denver.
Mercer Place: A Resale Boutique, 1388 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80210. 303/765-4776 www.mercerplaceboutique.comOpen Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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