Think you know everything there is to Breckenridge? Think again! The heart of the winter ski season isn’t just the perfect powder; it’s also the prime time for shopping and strolling through the charming streets of Breckenridge. With its historic charm and modern amenities, Breckenridge’s retail scene offers a variety of unique and locally owned shops that cater to every need and interest.
This September, locals and visitors alike have a special opportunity to experience the best of Breckenridge’s retail offerings during the annual Shop + Stroll event. This unique event is an annual tradition of supporting local businesses and celebrating the town’s vibrant retail scene. It’s a chance to discover new favorite shops, score great deals, and support the local economy.
Why Shop Breck?
While most know Breckenridge for the resorts, it’s the local shops and businesses that truly give the town its character.
Many shop owners came to Breckenridge for the skiing and outdoor lifestyle but stayed to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The result is a Main Street lined with stores as unique as their owners, offering everything from handcrafted goods to outdoor gear and quirky souvenirs.
Must-Visit Shops in Breckenridge
- Downhill Dog: A haven for yoga enthusiasts at 100 N Main St. Breckenridge, CO 80424.
- Outsider: Stylish outdoor apparel and gear awaits at 227 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
- OffSlope, Knives and Locally handcrafted Gifts: Find unique treasures and handcrafted knives at 311 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
- Wandering Daisy: A delightful boutique filled with charming finds at 115 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
- Folcland: Discover contemporary women’s clothing and accessories at 113 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
- Bhava Boutique: Embrace mindful living with their curated collection at 323 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
- Joy of Sox (324 S. Main Street) Don’t let the name fool you – this 30-year-old establishment offers much more than just socks. Owner Ann Evans has curated a delightful mix of accessories, gifts, and family-friendly items. It’s a local favorite for its fresh inventory and knowledgeable staff.
- Ole Man Berkins (326 S. Main Street) Book lovers, rejoice! This quirky bookstore, owned by artist and musician Justin Schlosberg, houses an impressive collection of 60-70,000 books. With a focus on classics and non-fiction, it’s a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts.
- Peak-A-Boo Toys (117 S. Main Street) Possibly one of Colorado’s best toy stores, Peak-A-Boo Toys is a wonderland of unique and retro toys. Owners Jeff & Emily Boyd have created a community gathering place that delights both children and adults with its nostalgic and hard-to-find items.
- Wandering Daisy (326 S Main St) This women-owned shop is perfect for finding locally made hand-crafted gifts, pottery, jewelry, and more. They even host a romance book club and offer private shopping experiences.
- Magical Scraps (310 S. Main Street) Owner Mary Anne Stecken transforms fabric scraps into beautiful hats, children’s clothing, and women’s accessories. Watch the sewing process in action and choose your own fabric for a custom piece.
- Rocky Mountain Underground (114 S. Main Street) More than just a ski shop, RMU offers a unique experience where you can enjoy a beer while watching skis being made. They also offer demo ski rentals in winter and bike rentals in summer.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss these other unique spots that offer a variety of shopping opportunities:
- Breckenridge Bike Guides (411 S Main St #12)
- Mountain Goat (117 S Main St.)
- Pup’s Glide Shop (107 Ski Hill Rd)
September Shop + Stroll Event
Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 19th, 2024, for the Breckenridge Shop ‘n Stroll event, presented by the Summit Chamber and ALLO Fiber. This is your chance to explore Breckenridge’s local boutiques and specialty shops while enjoying some extra perks.
- Thursday, September 19th, 2024
- 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM MDT
- Main Street Breckenridge
The Shop + Stroll is your chance to visit all of the best downtown shops, all while enjoying a glass of wine and snacks. You can also enter to win some amazing prizes from local businesses!
Here’s how to take part:
- Start at the Riverwalk Center near the Breckenridge Welcome Center.
- Pick up your swag bag and shopping card.
- Visit the stores listed on the “Shoppers Card” and get your card punched at each location.
- Complete your card to enter for a chance to win a grand prize!
- End your evening at Main Street Station for live music, food, and drinks.
The Shop + Stroll is a key part of the business calendar for many of the downtown shops and is a great way to support local businesses while having a fun evening out. So mark your calendars for November 19th, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM MDT and get ready to shop, stroll, and win! See you there!
The Benefits of Shopping Local
In Breckendridge, we take pride in our small businesses and the unique offerings they bring to our community. By participating in the Shop + Stroll event, you are not only supporting local entrepreneurs but also contributing to the local economy. Here are some additional benefits of shopping local:
1. Personalized Service
When you shop at a small business, you are more likely to receive personalized attention and service from the owner or employees. They have a vested interest in making sure their customers are satisfied and happy with their purchases.
2. Unique Products
Small businesses often offer one-of-a-kind products that you won’t find at larger chain stores. These products are often handmade or locally sourced, adding to their charm and uniqueness.
3. Community Support
When you support local businesses, you are also supporting your community. Small businesses often give back to the community through donations and sponsorships of local events.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Shopping at small businesses can have a positive impact on the environment as these businesses tend to source their products locally, reducing transportation emissions. In addition, smaller businesses typically use less packaging and produce less waste compared to larger corporations.
5. Job Creation
Small businesses are one of the main sources of job creation in many communities. By shopping at a small business, you are helping to create more job opportunities for your neighbors and contributing to the growth of your local economy.
Learn More About Local Shopping with the Summit County Chamber of Commerce
Local businesses are the heart and soul of American towns – yet they are often the companies that struggle the most to thrive. As a community, we have the power to change that by choosing to shop local.
By supporting small businesses instead of big box stores and online retailers, we are helping to create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve our unique communities.
That’s why the Summit County Chamber of Commerce is proud to create opportunities for you to visit and support the local businesses in our area. Whether you want to find a new small business to support – or are a new small business looking to grow – we have the resources and connections to help.
Visit us online today to learn more, and let’s help small businesses grow in Breck – together!