There aren’t too many places left in Boston where you can get a pair of overalls, a midcentury dresser, vintage records, a working XBox, a crockpot, a few paperbacks, and a new set of wine glasses all in the same trip. With four locations around the city, Boomerangs is a one-stop shop for everything.
Each store is a deep-rooted part of its neighborhood and a regular destination for locals, and each one’s got a different vibe. Hit up the JP location and redo your entire apartment with their huge (and cheap) furniture and art selection. Treasure-hunt the racks for vintage outfits in Central Square. Browse for vinyl, books, and antique jewelry over in West Roxbury. And for the super fashion-minded, check out their boutique in the South End for a thoughtfully curated, always changing selection of designer clothes.
At Boomerangs, they’re constantly restocking. You can go three different times in a week and find completely new items. Tons of regulars stop by every day so they don’t miss out on any of the cheap treasures. They also have some of the most creative window displays in town, filled with one-of-a-kind curiosities that you can bid on.
The best part? All of the money goes to run services for those living with HIV/AIDS. Under AIDS Action Committee and Fenway Health, shopping at Boomerangs supports live-saving programs as state and federal funding for HIV/AIDS declines. The community knows how important this is, too, so they’re more than eager to give back—you’d be amazed at some of the high-quality stuff folks donate. Bring them your gently-used clothes, books, and other knick-knacks and know that they’ll find a good home and support a much-needed local cause.
The Boston Hassle and Boomerangs have supported each other for a long time, and you can find the Compass at all of their stores. Stop by to pick up your next issue, and you’ll probably leave with something else you can’t live without.
Check out shopboomerangs.org for Boomerangs locations and hours in Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Central Square, and the South End.
