Best of Boulder East County 2023 — Retail

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Photo by Susan France The staff of Valley Nissan and Subaru in Longmont

AUTO DEALER – NEW

Valley Subaru 

1800 Industrial Circle, Longmont, 720-539-7321

Broomfield Winner: Audi Flatirons

It’s no secret — Boulder County residents like Subarus. There are a number of factors that lure people to purchase a car from this company, like good fuel efficiency, all-wheel drive and a sporty look. But our readers end up choosing Valley Subaru when they’re in the market for a new car because of its excellent service and wide selection of vehicles. 

AUTO DEALER – USED

Valley Subaru 

1800 Industrial Circle, Longmont, 720-539-7321

Niwot Winner: Gunbarrel Import Motors, Inc.

It can be hard to find a quality used car from a trusted source. That’s why our readers turn to Valley Subaru’s certified pre-owned vehicles to find a car that will stand the test of time. The dealership’s finance center provides shoppers with the best lease and loan deals around, and the service center will keep your car in tip-top shape. 

AUTO SERVICE / REPAIR

Louisville Tire & Auto Care

1190 Griffith St., Louisville, 303-665-4902

Lafayette Winner: Christian Brothers Automotive

Longmont Winner: Best Auto Repair of Longmont

You never know when the notorious check engine light will rear its ugly head, but probably on a weekday afternoon. When it does, our readers rely on the handy work of Louisville Tire & Auto Care. From oil changes and tire rotations to new tires and more, this company has some of the most reliable and trustworthy automotive experts in the county. 

BANK / FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Elevations Credit Union 

Multiple locations, 800-429-7626 

East County Runner-Up: Wells Fargo

East County Second Runner-Up: Premier Members Credit Union

With at least 10 Elevations Credit Unions in the county, the company has become a trusted institution our readers rely on for all things money. The company can help you invest, prepare for home ownership, borrow money at a low interest rate and more. In an area with a growing cost of living, turn to Elevations to achieve your financial goals. 

BICYCLE SHOP

Louisville Cyclery

889 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-665-6343

Longmont Winner: Longmont Bicycle Company 

Niwot Winner: Niwot Wheel Works 

Residents of this county can be entranced riding parallel to the Rockies on two wheels through east county’s rolling hills and prairies. Louisville Cyclery, claiming to be the oldest bike shop in the Boulder County region, has given those cyclists top-rated service since 1980. But it goes beyond service — the company also has a strong selection of bikes, skateboards and scooters to choose from. 

Susan France The Read Queen

BOOKSTORE

The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe 

129 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, 303-974-5978

Longmont Winner: Barbed Wire Books

Louisville Winner: Little Horse Books & Vintage

Niwot Winner: The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop

As a newspaper, words are our thing at Boulder Weekly. We know you like words too. In a world that is increasingly virtual, the Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe is an independent, women-owned bookstore that prides itself on building community and bringing people together around books (with words!) and espresso. If you didn’t know: The store’s name pays homage to The Red Queen of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, one of the staff’s favorite books. 

CAR WASH

Breeze Thru Car Wash

1213 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-834-8387

2025 Main St., Longmont, 720-491-3727

Lafayette Winner: 95th Street Car Wash & Detail Center

Broomfield Winner: Waterway Carwash

Driving through a car wash can be a stressful experience: Are my windows shut? What if I get stuck here? Could those blow dryers break my windshield? But we know one thing is for certain: Breeze Thru has flexible wash packages and free vacuums at all 12 of its locations across Northern Colorado and Wyoming to make cleaning your vehicle easy and fun. 

CLOTHING STORE – CHILDREN’S

Pitter Patter

720 Front St., Louisville, 720-485-3129

Longmont Winner: Once Upon a Child

Lafayette Winner: Sister Carmen Community Center Thrift Store

Pitter Patter is a family-owned boutique in historic downtown Louisville with a carefully curated collection of products and unique gifts for youngsters. Its specialty is clothing for babies (newborn to 2 years) and children (2 to 8 years), which is why it ran away with our Best Clothing Store – Children’s category. Pro tip: Look for the “Purple Peacock Pant.”  

CLOTHING STORE – MEN’S 

JAX Outdoor Gear

900 S. Highway 287, Lafayette, 720-266-6160

Louisville Winner: Acme Fine Goods

Longmont Winner: Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply

JAX started in Ames, Iowa, under the name Ames Surplus in 1955, mainly selling items purchased from government surplus sales. Fast forward nearly 70 years and you have a business that provides functional gear — including footwear, clothing, hunting equipment and hardware — for an outdoor and active lifestyle. With the plethora of access to natural areas we have in Boulder County, it’s no wonder the fellas around here choose JAX. 

Susan France

CLOTHING STORE – USED

ARC Thrift Stores 

1349 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-666-8060

Longmont Winner: Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment 

Lafayette Winner: Treasure’s Upscale Consignment 

Everybody loves a good thrift. In fact, I’m wearing a thrifted flannel as I write this blurb. Arc Thrift Stores is our readers’ go-to for some of the best selection and prices around, including a deal every Saturday where “most items” are half off. And, better yet, Arc is one of Colorado’s largest employers of people with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. A purchase from Arc supports your community in so many ways.  

CLOTHING STORE – WOMEN’S

Due South

802 S. Public Road A, Lafayette, 720-638-4047

Longmont Winner: Ivy Rose

Louisville Winner: Eleanor and Hobbs

After collecting antiques with her mother for more than 30 years, Due South Founder Noel DeVries decided to open a boutique in downtown Lafayette. The family-run clothing with Southern roots has a wide assortment of clothing, furniture and antiques, along with drinks and snacks from the coffee bar in the same building. From bottoms and dresses to jumpsuits and sweaters, Due South is a top destination for women looking to upgrade their wardrobe. 

COMPUTER REPAIR

Shawn’s Computer Repairs

75 Waneka Parkway, Lafayette, 720-427-6628

Longmont Winner: Longmont Mac Repair 

It didn’t surprise us when we saw Shawn’s Computer Repair took home the Best Computer Repair category. The local technical support company has won every year since 2017, meaning it’s taken the cake seven years in a row, an impressive feat not many other businesses in Boulder County can claim. But it’s not just repairs: The father-and-son team at the helm of this beloved business helps our readers with viruses, backups, data recovery and more — at a great price. 

DRY CLEANER

Art Cleaners

Multiple locations, 303-447-8700

Louisville Winner: Continental Cleaners

Lafayette Winner: John’s Dry Cleaners

Art Cleaners has served the Boulder area since 1921. This humble shop has multiplied into seven locations over the last century, serving Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Lafayette and Erie. Having convenient locations is definitely one of the reasons our readers love Art Cleaners, but it’s also because they offer free pick-up and delivery service. Most importantly, Art Cleaners uses the GreenEarth Cleaning system, an environmentally friendly textile cleaning process that is free of the petrochemicals typically used in dry cleaning. So the next time you spill wine on your finest clothes, let Art Cleaners take care of the problem. 

Photo by Susan France Mark Guttridge, owner of Ollin Farms in Longmont

FARM

Ollin Farms

8627 N. 95th St., Unit 7718, Longmont

Erie Winner: Anderson Farms

East Boulder Winner: Munson Farms

Kena and Mark Guttridge chose the Aztec word Ollin, which translates to “motion,” to capture the ever-changing nature of life on the farm. On the 165 acres of Ollin Farms, the Guttridges practice regenerative agriculture, eschewing the use of pesticides or herbicides — even organic products. The goal is to produce the most nutritious and flavorful produce possible while also contributing to healthy soil. From running youth classes and field trips, to hosting farm dinners, providing vegetables to local school districts and collaborating with scientists to track ecosystem data on the farm, the work on Ollin Farms is focused on working together to help build a resilient food system within Boulder County. It’s the reason our readers say it’s their favorite farm in East Boulder County. 

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Oliver Asset Management

1729 Terry St., Longmont, 303-485-7509

Louisville Winner: Edward Jones

Frank Oliver literally wrote the book on financial planning. In Your T.I.M.E. is Now, Oliver teaches readers how to understand taxes, income, money and estate so you can retire comfortably. But you can also go to Oliver Asset Management in Longmont to learn from the man in person. Frank’s one of the nation’s top-tier IRA advisors, undergoing continual training through Ed Slott’s Master IRA Advisor Group, which means Frank has access to the most up-to-date research on IRA transfers and other methods to enhance and protect your assets. For nearly two decades, Oliver Asset Management has helped folks understand their financial needs and live their best life.

Kim Long

GIFT SHOP

Cheese Importers

103 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9599 

Lafayette Winner: Local Goods Colorado

Louisville Winner: Old Friends

When our readers are stuck on what to get that special someone for that special day, be it a birthday, anniversary or holiday, they head to Cheese Importers in Longmont. That’s because Cheese Importers is much more than cheese. Inside this quaint shop you’ll find a whole European market, brimming with books, art, soaps, games, house goods, glassware and, of course, cheese. Drop by and pick out the perfect selection of cheese, salamis and spreads, because nothing says “I love you” like a gift basket of cheese. 

GROCERY STORE

King Soopers

Multiple locations, 303-673-1800

Lafayette Winner: Sprouts Farmers Market

Longmont Winner: Cheese Importers

Niwot Winner: Niwot Market

King Soopers is a staple in Boulder County. The employees at this beloved chain have served our community with unyielding dedication and friendly service, through thick and thin, good times and bad. King Soopers’ produce is fresh, its protein is high quality and its pharmacists are knowledgeable, supporting the day-to-day needs of folks across Boulder County. All of which is why it’s not surprising that King Soopers was voted the best grocery store in Boulder yet again.   

HARDWARE STORE

Ace Hardware

1727 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-5173

1343 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 720-736-7111

Lafayette Winner: JAX Farm & Ranch

Ace Hardware has been a staple since its opening; it has multitudinous departments and nearly 200,000 items. With their expansive inventory and dedicated staff, there’s almost nothing they can’t help you do. From cleaning supplies to power tools, pet supplies, and even a plant nursery, you can leave with your whole list checked off. When our East County readers have home improvement projects, Ace is the place.

Julie Kruger

HOTEL

Niwot Inn & Spa

342 2nd Ave., Niwot, 303-652-8452

Broomfield Winner: Omni Interlocken

Longmont Winner: Residence Inn by Marriott

Set in picturesque downtown Niwot, the Niwot Inn & Spa is a beautiful 13-room bed and breakfast, just 10 minutes from downtown Boulder — but our East County residents know you don’t have to go to Boulder to have a good time. Niwot is full of quirky shops and art galleries just steps from the front door of the Niwot Inn. Each luxurious guest room is unique, with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walls made of hand-plastered clay. Some rooms have steam showers, others have jetted Jacuzzi tubs, and there are even heated toilet seats. So whether you have family in from out of town or just want to take a staycation, Niwot Inn is where our readers say you should turn.

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

Trivium Salon

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542

Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe

Rori Bass and her crew at Trivium Salon have dominated Best of Boulder East County for years, from Best Salon to Best Day Spa. But we think this is the Louisville establishment’s greatest honor: In a county that prides itself on offering unique, non-corporate businesses, being voted Best Independent Business says a lot. Trivium treats patrons and staff with respect, which is why you’ll see the same faces over and over again when you visit the salon. The stylists and estheticians are trained in the latest methods and treatments so you walk out feeling and looking your best every time. Consistency and quality are Trivium’s not-so-secret ingredients for success. 

INSURANCE AGENCY

Bolder Insurance

800 Jefferson Ave., Louisville, 303-449-9595 

Lafayette Winner: Rocky Mountain Insurance Center

Our readers think Bolder Insurance is the best in East County because this independently owned business lets customers compare rates and policies from more than a dozen of the best insurance agencies in the country, ensuring (get it?!) you get the right coverage at the best price. Owners Brent and Jackie Friesth are longtime members of the community, so you know just who to talk to when you have a problem with your insurance plan — no nameless, faceless corporation here. Auto or homeowner, life insurance or business plans, Bolder Insurance is where our readers turn when they want to feel safe during any of life’s toughest moments. 

JEWELRY STORE

Susan France Anspach’s Jewelry Co-owners Ty Kuppinger (left) and Graig Anspach (right)

Anspach’s Jewelry 

101 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-5313

Longmont Winner: Snyders Jewelers

Louisville Winner: Eric Olson Master Jeweler

Niwot Winner: Niwot Jewelry & Gifts

Anspach’s Jewelry has been a staple in the Lafayette community for more than 60 years. Glen and Dee Anspach founded their jewelry business on the motto “Our Sincerity is Your Security” to demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction and service. Anspach’s offers a wide selection of wedding and engagement rings, jewelry repair and custom designs. The store has since been taken over by the Anspach’s son and grandson, both of whom are accomplished goldsmiths and designers. They’ve carried on the store’s legacy of commitment to customer satisfaction and the production of quality jewelry, continuing to make Anspach’s jewelry the gem of Lafayette — just ask our readers.

LAW FIRM

Murgallis Law Firm

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-444-4353

“Small firm—big commitment”: That’s the motto of Murgallis Law Firm, and the perfect way to summarize their work ethic and dedication to clients. Murgallis attorneys take on a wide variety of cases including family, civil, criminal and personal injury matters. They are committed to providing excellent service to each client, and don’t back away from tough cases. Their work speaks for itself, since our readers have voted Murgallis Best Law Firm time and again.

LIQUOR STORE

Wyatt’s Wet Goods

1250 S. Hover St., Unit C, Longmont, 303-485-9463

Superior Winner: Superior Liquor

Lafayette Winner: Atlas Valley Purveyors

Louisville Winner: Union Jack Liquor

We love an on-the-nose business name that exercises alliteration. Wyatt’s Wet Goods is not only a great name, it’s a privately owned, family business offering an exceptional alcoholic beverage selection. Check out their weekly ad for great deals on an expansive selection of wine, beer and spirits. Browse the store before or after you enjoy one of the free wine tastings they regularly hold. And while we love the name, might we allot alliteration advice? Wyatt’s Wet Wares. Just think about it. 

MOVING COMPANY

Taylor Moving & Storage

1275 Sherman Drive, Unit B, Longmont, 303-443-5885

For countless Boulder residents, moving has been a breeze thanks to the unwavering expertise of Taylor Moving & Storage, once again crowned as the Best Moving Company in East Boulder County. With a history of delivering top-tier service, Taylor Moving & Storage can make your commercial or residential move seamless, offering an all-inclusive hourly rate that always includes the people, trucks and equipment your move will need with no hidden fees — ever. 

MUSIC STORE

Wildwood Guitars

500 S. Arthur Ave., Suite 700, Louisville, 303-665-7733

Lafayette Winner: Lafayette Music

Longmont Winner: Guitars, Etc.

Whether you’re a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, or something else all together, Wildwood Guitars has your musical needs covered. The staff is passionate about music, so they can provide you with the perfect gear, whether you’re a pro or a newbie. Wildwood has it all, from electric guitars to amps, acoustics, effects and accessories. They also sell vintage and used guitars and gear in amazing shape. Check out their blog for new music recommendations, info about Fender amps, interviews with rock icons and more. If you’re thinking about getting some new musical gear, find out for yourself why readers chose Wildwood Guitars as the best in East County. 

NATURAL FOODS STORE

Natural Grocers 

100 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-926-1600

Longmont Winner: Sprouts Farmers Market

When our readers are looking to keep things natural in every aspect of their lives, they turn to Natural Grocers. Here, you can find 100% organic produce, 100% pasture-based dairy, 100% free-range eggs, and 100% conscientiously and humanely raised meats. Even the household and body care products are free of ingredients you can’t pronounce. From apples to zucchini and everything in between, Natural Grocers keeps things, well, natural. 

99 Bar Saloon, photo by Jacqueline Collins Photography

NEW BUSINESS

99 Bar Saloon

449 Main St., Longmont, 720-815-2875

Louisville Winner: Cultivate Kitchen

The “99 Bar” brand goes back four generations, starting with Frank Gafner selling his first cow in 1930. Frank’s son Randy used the brand on all his cattle, and now, Frank’s grandson, Sean, is using the name to “brand” his watering hole, 99 Bar Saloon. If you know their history, you know the Gafner family takes beef seriously, which is why 99 Bar Saloon uses only grass-fed meat from Longmont’s Buckner Family Ranch to make hamburgers. And they’ve made sure to curate a bar menu full of nectarous cocktails and delectable beers to wash those burgers down with. 

OPTICAL STORE

Eyeworks Louisville

615 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6320

Longmont Winner: Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado

Lafayette Winner: Lafayette Eye Associates

Maintaining good vision and healthy eyes is what Eyeworks of Louisville is all about. This Old Town Louisville business has been offering full-service eye care to Boulder County residents for the past three decades. Let their knowledgeable staff and experienced optometrists help you get the vision care you need, whether that’s finding the perfect pair of glasses, getting fitted for a comfy pair of contacts, or diagnosing common eye conditions. 

PET STORE

BlackPaw

459 McCaslin Blvd., Unit 4, Louisville, 303-554-9343

Longmont Winner: Chuck & Don’s 

Lafayette Winner: The Happy Beast

BlackPaw is a locally owned and operated small business, which is part of why our readers say it’s their favorite pet store. But it’s also because BlackPaw sells premium food and treats, sustainable and safe toys, self-service dog wash and patient grooming.

REAL ESTATE GROUP

RE/MAX Elevate

724 Main St., Louisville, 303-974-5005

Lafayette Winner: RE/MAX Alliance

Longmont Winner: WK Real Estate

RE/MAX Elevate has been central to Louisville real estate since its founding in mid-2019. Its realtors have more than 100 years of combined experience, and are active in Louisville, Boulder, Superior, Lafayette, and other Boulder County locales. With this level of commitment to customer service and long-standing expertise, it’s no surprise Boulder Weekly readers have voted RE/MAX Elevate the best of East County once again.

SHOE STORE

Brown’s Shoe Fit Company

373 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-2920

Lafayette Winner: JAX Outdoor Gear

Located in the heart of downtown Longmont, the staff at Brown’s Shoe Fit is knowledgeable when it comes to finding the perfect shoe for the whole family. This reader-favorite shoe store carries a diverse selection of footwear including athletic wear, work boots, dress shoes and more. They offer the ability to customize each shoe, including the choice to adjust the width and insert for the most comfortable wear. With their long-standing expertise and commitment to customer comfort, it’s no wonder our readers named Brown’s Shoe Fit the best in East County.

STEREO / ELECTRONICS

Little Horse Books & Vintage, photo by Jacqueline Collins Photography

Little Horse Books & Vintage

820 Main St., Louisville, 303-242-5382

Longmont Winner: Recycled Records

For more than 20 years, Mike Price has curated an amazing inventory of vintage hi-fi and audio equipment, vinyl records, rare and collectable books, art, unique housewares, gifts and mid-century modern furniture at Little Horse Books & Vintage. The Louisville shop spreads a billion books and a zillion records across two floors, and you’re sure to find something new every time you visit. The original shop was so successful, Price opened a second location in Fort Collins in 2018. 

STORAGE FACILITY

Guardian Storage

721 S. Emery St., Longmont, 720-548-2652

Lafayette Winner: Lafayette Self Storage

Louisville Winner: Empire Storage of Louisville

In a county full of skiers, bikers, kayakers, climbers and outdoor types of all stripes, our readers turn to Guardian Storage to safely house their gear during the off-season. With clean, climate-controlled units in a variety of sizes, digital gate access for first-rate security, 50% off your first two months and easy-to-access customer service (property manager Christina White is often available on-site), stashing your stuff at Guardian Storage is no brainer. 

InkSmith Tattoo & Piercing, photo by Jacqueline Collins Photography.

TATTOO / PIERCING STUDIO

InkSmith Tattoo and Piercing 

565 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 720-248-6739

Longmont Winner: Tribal Rites Tattoo and Piercing

When your body is the canvas, you want to choose the right artist. Our readers turn to Kevin Powers and his crew at InkSmith Tattoo and Piercing for creative, beautiful art you’ll want to show off for a lifetime. This crew of talented tattoo artists passionately create lasting and meaningful works of art to your specifications. From children’s lobe piercings to septum rings, the InkSmith team provides you with safe, implant-grade jewelry that matches your style. And after your tattoo or piercing, they’ll send you home with all the aftercare steps you’ll need for your ink or hole to properly heal.

TIRE SHOP

Discount Tire

Multiple locations, 303-248-5680

East County Runner-Up: Big O Tires

Louisville Winner: Louisville Tire & Auto Care

When it comes to keeping East Boulder County’s wheels turning smoothly, there’s one name that stands out above the rest — Discount Tire. Chosen by our discerning readers as the Best Tire Shop in East Boulder County, Discount Tire has become synonymous with top-notch service and quality, offering a vast selection of tires and expert advice to help you get back on the road. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff go the extra mile, ensuring that you hit the road with confidence and peace of mind.

TOBACCO / PIPE SHOP

Smoker Friendly 

301 Martin St., Longmont

1136 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-2332

Longmont Winner: The Little Dog

Louisville Winner: Havana Manor

If you’re looking for cartridges for your vape, a new pipe for your weed, a premium cigar for a newly minted father or a can of smokeless, Smoker Friendly is the place to go. With two locations in Longmont, Smoker Friendly offers a full line of tobacco retails, including the exclusive SF brand family of products.  

WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

Trivium Salon

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542

Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe

Coming up in the fashion and beauty industry, Rori Bass set out to build a dream team at Trivium Salon, one that fosters creativity, collaboration and success. With a strong leader at the helm, the hairstyling and skin-care team at Trivium are not only dedicated to their art — continually learning about the newest techniques and products available — they are also committed to supporting one another and giving back to the community. And it’s all because of Rori Bass’ compassionate, experienced leadership.