PHOTO COURTESY OF HIMALI
Check Out These Unique Stores in Boulder BOULDER IS SO UNIQUE THAT THE WORD “BOULDER” ISN’T JUST A CITY NAME. IT’S ALSO A DESCRIPTION. SOMETHING IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT? IT’S SO BOULDER. “ONLY IN BOULDER” AND “KEEP BOULDER WEIRD” STICKERS MARK THE STREETS. SO IT’S ONLY FITTING THAT THE CITY HAS SOME INTERESTING STORES. AS A SUPER OUTDOORSY COMMUNITY, IT’S ALSO FITTING THAT MANY OF THESE SHOPS ARE ATHLETIC AND OUTDOOR-FOCUSED. By Aimee Heckel
Whether you’re looking for a quirky souvenir or just want to experience Boulder’s “Boulder-iness” in another way, here’s a glance at some of Boulder’s many interesting shopping options. Boulder is always growing and evolving. And that goes for its shops, too. So these are some of the city’s newer stores that you may not have experienced yet. Add these to your 2022 bucket list to check out for their unique offerings — and great backstories. HIMALI 1418 Pearl St. Himalilife.com This Boulder-based outdoor-adventure shop opened downtown in October, founded by Dave Schaeffer and Tendi Sherpa, a climbing guide who has summited Mount Everest 13 times. The partners met while climbing the highest mountain in South America. Himali sells high-quality, performance-based mountaineering clothes. Trans-seasonal, light, versatile vests. A breathable, moisture-wicking button-down shirt. Collections named after renowned mountaineers. The most unique item Himali offers is its 8000-Meter Downsuit, a full
head-to-ankle, down-filled suit designed to withstand extreme conditions. But what makes Himali truly outstanding is that the shop gives back to the community in Nepal. A portion of proceeds get donated to the Himalayan region, with an emphasis on helping schools and providing clean water for the residents there. Himali also partners with various social programs and donates its gear to people in need. As the company says, “This is not business as usual. It’s about going the extra mile to develop products that take our communities further, helping them unleash capabilities they … never knew existed.” STIO 1505 Pearl St. stio.com This store, which opened in July 2021, is all about connecting with nature through products with “mountain soul.” What’s that look like? Products with Bluesign-approved textiles; audited supply chains for best practices; and an eye always on conservation and sustainability. It also means innovating products — fresh, new items you can’t find just anywhere. We’re talking groundbreaking styles
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