Whether you’re looking for the latest puffy jacket, a whimsical sari with bohemian flair, a quick (and healthy) pre-ride bite, or the perfect housewarming gift for your new neighbor, Pearl Street has long been the place to find whatever it is you seek. And with nearly 80 percent of these brick-and-mortars owned and operated by a Coloradan, odds are good you’ll support a local business in the process.

Chances are even higher it will be a new local business owner that you’re supporting. Even Boulder’s most well-known shopping and dining destination wasn’t immune to pandemic-induced turnover. Yet circumstances that closed doors for some businesses—we loved you, The Med!—have provided opportunities for others. Downtown Boulder, a business improvement district dedicated to preserving and enhancing the heart of the community, reports that 20 new businesses opened in 2023 alone.

So, without further ado, in west-to-east order, let us introduce you to the new Pearl Street.

Jump Ahead

Near Pearl Street

Mabel and Moss

The curated collection of new and independent labels at boutique Mabel and Moss caters to the modern woman and her capsule wardrobe. Expect chunky wool sweaters, silk button-downs, and wide-leg jeans alongside ethically handmade pillows, vegan wellness candles, and elegantly understated decorative platters—plus, classic jewelry. All of it is classically stylish. 935 Pearl St.

Marine Layer

West Coast whimsy meets Colorado casual at Marine Layer, a California-based brand focused on what it calls the “seven-day weekend” lifestyle. Its simple, ribbed Lexi dresses are consistent bestsellers, as are its three-for-20-percent-off everyday tees for guys and gals.  Be sure to grab a Take Back Bag while you’re there to participate in the Re-Spun program, which upcycles unwanted fabric items (think: clothes, towels, curtains, etc.) and gives you a $40 Marine Layer credit. 1102 Pearl St., Ste. 101

Allbirds

Tug on the toes of the foot-shaped door handle at 1218 Pearl Street (right on the mall) and you’re into Allbirds’ Boulder locale. The fast-growing brand has earned a faithful following not only because its medley of active and lifestyle shoes are comfortable—rather, its kicks (and clothing, for that matter) are also made with sustainable materials like eucalyptus tree fibers and recycled plastic water bottles and natural fibers like wool. Two to try: the Tree Runners and the Wool Loungers. 1218 Pearl St.

HIMALI

HIMALI in Boulder
Photo by Courtney Holden

Those on the hunt for a new puffy coat know that Pearl Street is a great place to find one. Dave Schaeffer, founder and president of outdoor apparel brand HIMALI, has heard his customers liken a stroll down Boulder’s premier shopping destination to running the down jacket gauntlet. That close proximity to the brand’s competitors—both purveyors of puffy coats and vendors that sell other adventure-focused accoutrements—was what drew the brand to open its first-ever storefront on Pearl in October 2021. “The conglomeration of outdoor brands here is beneficial for everybody,” Schaeffer says. “We get people who come from long distances to check it all out.”

Of course, as a Boulder-based brand, it was also convenient to have a brick-and-mortar location right in their backyard. Notably, seven of HIMALI’s co-owners are Sherpa, mountaineers, and/or climbers based in Nepal. That dual, East-meets-West ownership informs much of the brand’s ethos, from its Everest-ready gear to its dedication to donating five percent of its net proceeds to nonprofits that support schools and clean water in the Himalayan region, like co-owner Tendi Sherpa’s foundation.

Since opening in 2014, the brand has expanded its line to include everything from full-body down suits to trail-running tech tees, though Schaeffer notes down jackets are HIMALI’s most popular items. “We offer very premium products at a pretty fair price point,” he says, adding that because they sell primarily directly to consumers, they can lower prices but retain quality. “It’s always a really great feeling when those folks hunting for a puffy jacket on Pearl Street circle back around and end up choosing us.” 1418 Pearl St.

Black Diamond Equipment

Gearing up to climb a Flatiron or a series of Boulder Canyon routes? Stop in at Black Diamond and stock up on ropes, cams, backpacks, and biners. The climbing specialty shop also sells more general hiking gear like approach shoes and trekking poles—useful for a romp around Chautauqua, if you need ’em. You’ll find a curated collection of the brand’s expansive apparel lines as well, from its bestselling men’s and women’s Stormline rain jacket series its new, breathable Notion pants. 1427 Pearl St.

Colorado Glass Works

Photo by Courtney Holden

At Colorado Glass Works, owner Meggy Wilm spins dreams into stained glass. Drawing inspiration from both nature and glass-shard rainbows, she creates playful designs like a swan with a strawberry wing, multi-colored mountain scenes, and pastel snowflakes. Since 2020, she’s committed to donating 10 percent of her glass profits to environmental organizations like Sierra Club and Rainforest Action Network and in 2022, she donated a total of $11,201. This year, she plans on directing some of her profits toward supporting the Boulder community. 1500 Pearl St., Ste. D

John Allen Woodward

John Allen Woodward in Boulder
John Allen Woodward works in his shop on Pearl Street in Boulder. Photo by Mark Leffingwell

Since Yellowstone began climbing the rankings of top television shows in 2018, the demand for high-end leather boots and statement-making belts has grown, says John Woodward, owner and namesake of John Allen Woodward, an artisan leather apparel business. After all, what wannabe ranch baron wouldn’t want to adopt John Dutton’s (or Rip’s…) sophisticated cowboy aesthetic? “High-style Western is what our customers come here looking for,” Woodward says. “We’ve had people who are particularly looking for that Yellowstone look, which is Western—but a more luxurious Western.”

Woodward, a custom bootmaker, works with his son Jason to offer a range of premium leather products from handbags, wallets, and watch straps to jackets, belts, and boots. They use python and ostrich hides in many pieces but are best-known for their alligator-skin products, which can run upward of $10,000. Everything is custom-made with stitching done by hand and measurements taken specifically for each customer. “We make things the old-fashioned way: one at a time,” Woodward says. “They’re completely bespoke products.” 1505 Pearl St., #105B

Stio Mountain Studio

Like its next-door neighbor John Allen Woodward, Jackson, Wyoming-based Stio brings a touch of Western flair to Pearl Street, albeit with a strong outdoor twist. Its apparel’s technical benefits—think quick-dry technology, water-resistant finishes, and UPF 50+ sun defense—often hide behind lifestyle aesthetics like pearl snaps, plaid designs, and button-down silhouettes. The bestselling Eddy (available in men’s and women’s versions) is a shining example of all these hallmarks. Parents, don’t miss the unisex line for younger adventurers, which includes brightly colored puffy coats, rain jackets, and the signature Eddy for kids ages four through 14. 1505 Pearl St.

Backcountry

Outdoor lovers likely know the Backcountry name from its longstanding presence as an online specialty retailer focused on apparel. They may know that in 2018, Backcountry introduced its own line of technical apparel, which includes outer layers like Gore-Tex jackets and bike gloves, as well as midlayers, base layers, and lifestyle pieces like the fun and functional Tahoe Sun Crew (available in men’s and women’s). And now those consumers will be stoked to know that as of July 2021, Backcountry has a brick-and-mortar presence on Pearl Street. 1537 Pearl St., Ste. 5432

Arc’teryx Boulder and ReBird Service Center

Arc’teryx Boulder and ReBird Service Center in Boulder
Utilizing the ReBird Center to patch an Arc’teryx puffy that lost a battle with a pair of crampons during some haphazard packing. Photo by Maren Horjus

Don’t mistake this high-end outdoor equipment store for a laundromat. Yes, those are fully functional washers and dryers behind the checkout area. No, they aren’t there to give your stinky socks a refresh. Arc’teryx’s new retail location and service center offers gear restoration on its products, including washing and re-waterproofing outer layers, patching small holes and tears, and repairing zipper sliders—all gratis. Most of the fixes can be done in 15 to 20 minutes, giving you time to peruse the brand’s wide selection of outdoor apparel. 1600 Pearl St., Ste. 100

Skratch Labs Cafe

Sandwiched between two outdoor retailers, Skratch Labs’ new Pearl Street location couldn’t be more perfect. After all, the Boulder-based brand known for its natural sports nutrition and hydration products is dedicated to fueling athletes on their hikes, bike rides, runs, and more.

That their first-ever brick-and-mortar location, called Skratch Labs Cafe, features a full kitchen and robust breakfast and lunch menus might come as a surprise, at least to the rest of us. But Skratch Labs founder and co-author of the Feed Zone Cookbook series Allen Lim notes it was in the cards all along. “Our brand is fully about hospitality and about nurturing and about care,” he says. “We always wanted to take care of the strong and vibrant endurance and outdoor community that’s here in town.”

He hopes that the cafe becomes a hub for exercise meetup groups looking for pre-ride coffee drinks or post-run sustenance. In preparation, Lim and Team installed a bike rack capable of housing 15 two-wheelers and offer free Skratch hydration on tap. Their menu features a variety of breakfast burritos and sweet and savory rice cakes, along with soups, salads, and rice bowls. Everything starts out vegan, and then customers can add proteins like a seven-minute egg, lemongrass pork shoulder, or karaage fried chicken. “If people are familiar with the cookbooks and how we fed athletes on the Pro [Cycling] Tour, then they’ll be really familiar with the food here,” Lim says. “It’s all based on the same architecture, except now we have a really badass espresso machine, too. Ultimately, it’s real food fuel that you want for your hike or your bike ride or your run.” 1600 Pearl St., Ste. 110

Crystal Joys Gallery

Crystal Joys Gallery caters to the introductory crystal buyer looking for something eye-catching yet still approachably priced. Many pieces are under $50, and the shop’s wide selection of agate earrings, bloodstone pendants, and amethyst palm stones mingles with bath bombs, tarot cards, and zodiac medallions. The gallery also sells museum-quality geodes, fossils, and petrified wood specimens—which are all currently 50 percent off. 1302 Pearl St.

Pearl Convenience

This isn’t your standard neighborhood corner store. Rather, Pearl Convenience is an exploration into global snack foods. The Pearl Street mini-mart offers a wide range of exotic bites from melon-flavored KitKat bars to spicy crayfish-flavored Lays chips. Of course, you’ll also find more traditional grocery items, along with tobacco products and an ATM. 1640 Pearl St.

Paradise Found Records & Music

If the mix of denim-wearing college students, puffy-coat-clad young parents, and slightly mulletted 60-somethings thumbing through the vinyl at Paradise Found Records & Music is any indication, records aren’t just a fad. Vinyl is back. Formerly located across from McGuckin’s Hardware on Folsom, Paradise Found still offers the same mix of used records, high-end collectibles like the Beatles’ controversial “butcher cover” for their Yesterday and Today album, stereo equipment, and a smattering of CDs that it did in its old location. Having a Pearl Street address, however, brings in a lot more foot traffic. The Pearl shop will also buy those old records you don’t want (and will even pick them up from your house!). 1646 Pearl St.

Old Barrel Tea Company

Old Barrel Tea Company in Boulder
Photo by Courtney Holden

Back in 2015, a mother-daughter duo began selling a few homemade tea blends in a New Mexican general store. They didn’t have the funds for fancy display cases, so they got creative, using wine barrels left over from a family member’s winery. Since then, Old Barrel Tea Company has opened four more locations in their home state, along with one in Arizona and four in Colorado.

Visitors to their Pearl Street storefront, which opened in spring 2022, will find house-blended spices and local honeys, along with close to 70 proprietary tea blends—many of which are available for sampling.

So, what to try when you stop in? Store owner Heather Maccalous says that the “top seller, hands-down” is the Bee Pollen Black, a black tea with vanilla, apple, and dehydrated bee pollen. Those looking for iced teas often choose the Strawberry Mojito Green tea, which features peppermint, strawberry, and a touch of lemon. Multiple blends like the Lavender Crème Brûlée and Bourbon Brew feature rooibos, an anti-inflammatory tea variety. One of Maccalous’ personal favorites is a seasonal blend dubbed Winter Cabin, a coffee-and-tea hybrid with peppermint and chocolate, “so it’s like Christmas in a cup.” 1647 Pearl St., Unit 1

Apocalypse

Though Apocalypse sits in the former site of Buffalo Exchange and shares its thrift store MO, this local- and women-owned sustainable shop taps into Boulder’s heritage as an anything-goes style spot. The funky buy, sell, and trade shop offers a variety of on-trend, vintage, and designer threads and accessories in diverse styles and inclusive sizing. With the majority of pieces in the $20 ballpark, prices are approachable even for those living on a college student’s budget. 1813 Pearl St.

Fiori Flowers

Formerly located in north Boulder’s Ideal Market shopping area, Fiori Flowers joined the Pearl Street brigade in October 2021. Owner Lara Debroux says she values the foot traffic their new address brings in. “I am passionate about retail, customer service, and supporting local artists and makers,” she says. “You can always do flowers out of your home or garage with way less overhead but having a retail storefront is a unique offering that I am so happy to be able to curate and uphold for the community.”

Add to that the fact that her father’s former grocery store, Pearl Street Market, shared the same walls in the ’70s, and the spot was the perfect match. “When the space became available,” Debroux says, “it felt like an opportunity I could not pass up.”

Fiori Flowers’ blooming displays—many of which are artfully arranged right behind the counter—prioritize in-season and local buds and foliage wherever possible. The team veers away from the standard carnation and uninspired rose displays. “Our goal is to create arrangements that are as fresh, local, and thoughtfully sourced as possible,” Debroux says. “Our arrangements are unusual, thoughtful, and a little bit unexpected.”

Once in store, enjoy the large display of blooms on the front-and-center stem bar, but also be sure to wander around to see Fiori’s collection of small gift items like housewarming candles, vases, and “growable” greeting cards embedded with wildflower seeds that the recipient can then plant, water, and watch grow. 1833 Pearl St.

milehimodern

The real estate brokers at milehimodern (“MHM” for short) don’t just guide their clients through the real estate process. They focus on the “artistry of living,” tease out the unique architectural qualities of a home (and the richness of its surrounding neighborhood), and ensure that their clients walk away from the process completely satisfied.

Ultimately, the team goes beyond industry standards for service, explains Jennifer Fly, managing broker for MHM Boulder. “For our sellers, that means we are going to tell the story of your residence in the most beautiful way possible, illustrating the home’s innate value so that we are able to command top dollar. For our buyers, we are diligent to ensure they are getting concierge-level service at every point in their journey,” Fly says. “Our brokers are fierce representatives, and it shows with our consistently growing list of client successes.” 2015 Pearl St.

Near Pearl Street

You probably came to Boulder for Pearl Street, but don’t miss these nearby newbies.

Catwoman Pole Academy

Stop dancing in your living room with the shades drawn. The myriad in-person classes offered at Catwoman Pole Academy promise to help you find—and share—your inner cat and leave you feeling “energized, joyful, and filled with all the passion and self-confidence that dance brings.” The company’s pole dancing, high-heel choreography, “twerkshop,” and flexibility-focused classes cater to beginners, experts, and everyone in between. 949 Walnut St., Ste. B

Spotted James

Not sure what a pickle shot is? Find out for just $5 a pop at the Spotted James, the new watering hole off Pearl Street. You’ll find well-maintained pool tables, darts, a lounge area, and what owner Jimmy Shviraga calls a “sneaky good whiskey bourbon list” every night. Keep an eye out for weekly specials from half-price tequila on Tuesdays and rotating DJs 10 p.m. to close on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays to $3 U-Call-Its on Sundays. 1911 11th St., Ste. 100

Originally from the Caribbean island of Roatan, Ana Weir has been deeply involved in Colorado’s premier art scene since 2004. “I have always loved art and have gotten to know many artists over the years,” Weir says. “​​Art keeps me very optimistic about life. It makes me happy.”

She had been placing paintings in different galleries and organizing private showings for years, but during the pandemic, that all stopped. “There was not a spot to show the art,” she remembers, “so I decided to find a place of my own, something I had been dreaming of for a long time.”

Her namesake storefront, Ana’s Art Gallery on 11th and Spruce, features international and local fine art ranging from oils on canvas, sculptures, and carvings to beadwork, African masks, and more. In her nearly two decades curating art, Weir has formed relationships with established artisans from the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond, which she now brings to her Boulder audience. 1100 Spruce St., Ste. 101

Over the Moon Aveda Salon

If the gilded mirrors and gold inlays in the floor don’t make you feel like royalty, the shear—oops, sheer—expertise of master stylist and co-owner of Over the Moon Ramon Schicchi certainly will. The second-generation hair stylist hails from Florence, Italy, though he’s worked as a hair guru in Boulder for a decade. Now with his own Aveda salon, he offers a wide variety of hair care and color services, including men’s and women’s cuts, perms, and Brazilian blowouts. No matter the service, Schicchi promises time in his chair will be renewing, relaxing, and rejuvenating. 1100 Spruce St., Ste. 103

Beatrice the Divine

Beatrice the Divine in Boulder
Photo by Courtney Holden

High fashion has a new home in Boulder. Founder April Johanna’s boutique, Beatrice the Divine, specializes in curating an eclectic array of luxury collections from across the globe, including the known fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, and New York. Each season’s styles include elevated everyday wear and staple pieces from brands like Ines de la Fressange, Pomandere, and Wolford, but you can also expect to see harder-to-find statement pieces from Batsheva, Rejina Pyo, Manoush, and others. 1123 Walnut St.

Boulder Olive Oil Company

Gifting a bottle of wine is so unimaginative. To really surprise and delight your host, bring a bottle of Four Mushroom Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Chocolate Raspberry Dark Balsamic vinegar instead. Boulder Olive Oil Company specializes in gourmet food products sourced locally, as well as directly from the Mediterranean. Ask one of the knowledgeable salespeople, and you can taste the goods before making a purchase. 2014 Broadway St.

Cristos Coffee

Need a pick-me-up midway through your Pearl Street stroll? Pop into Cristos Coffee for a cup of ethically sourced, gourmet joe or a cold-pressed juice. Just like its original location 15 miles east in Erie, the locally owned coffee shop’s second location serves premium java in an atmosphere dedicated to relationship building, whether with old friends or new. Remote workers: You’re welcome to sit down, plug in, and stay a while. 2052 Broadway St.

La Sportiva

Photo courtesy of La Sportiva

Hardcore climbers, trail runners, and hikers often hunt for La Sportiva’s top-tier technical gear on the shelves of their local outdoors shop, but now they can find all of the brand’s most popular shoes and apparel under one roof: Nestled on the corner of Spruce and Broadway, the Italian brand’s very first U.S. retail store stocks everything from its durable Genius climbing shoe to its insulated Nature down jacket.

The team even managed to preserve a bit of Boulder history in the new storefront. Since the building used to be a bank, customers will find a vault masquerading as a mountain hut—the perfect place to display La Sportiva’s ski-touring gear. Be sure to poke around downstairs if you’re looking for a lower sticker price; this is where you can shop last season’s styles at a discount. 2100 Broadway St.

Velvet Elk Lounge

With a vibe that’s funky yet approachable, Velvet Elk Lounge is a study in duality. The new bar offers craft cocktails like the French Connection with Chandon Brut alongside local beers from Lafayette’s the Post—plus vittles like spicy Gochujang chicken saam and warm pretzel bites. The bar also offers live music and (their words) “dance your pants off” DJ parties. 2037 13th St.

Süti & Co.

Süti & Co. in Boulder
Inside Süti & Co. Photo by Lauren DeFilippo

For the uninitiated, süti means “sweet treat” in Danish. And when that sweet treat is shortbread made with Danish butter and locally milled flour, it’s freaking delicious. That’s precisely what guests at Süti & Co. will find. The cafe’s shortbreads are available in just-enough sizes (it’s a European treat, not an American one, remember?), which makes these swoon-worthy bites the perfect pairing to a caffeinated concoction from nearby Boxcar Coffee Roasters, also served on-site. 2031 16th St.

Lula Faye Fiber

Whether you knit, crochet, weave, felt, or embroider, Lula Faye Fiber has the tools and fibers you need. Pop in for a new skein of wool, alpaca, or merino yarn from brands like Blue Sky Fibers, Knitting for Olive, and Loopy Mango. Better yet, join them for an intro to Sashiko course or a cabled sweater class. 2017 17th St.

Amundsen

Mosey a block off Pearl Street for a peek into 12-year-old Norwegian brand Amundsen’s first-ever brick-and-mortar location. Hand-built wood displays, antique cross-country skis, and fir boughs bring a rustic homeyness to the small outdoor apparel shop, as does the smell of (free!) waffles every weekend. Invest in the Heroes Anorak, and you can strut your snuggly stuff in a replica of the garment brand namesake Roald Amundsen wore when he conquered the South Pole in 1911—the first person to do so. 2023 17th St., Ste. 4