The good: Well curated thrift store. It's not too crowded or overwhelming like some thriftstores can be. I come here a lot to browse but rarely buy much. The bad: it's pretty pricy for second hand goods compared to Goodwill across the street. There is a pretty long wait often at the register for checking out. read more

I love this place. They just opened up maybe a couple of weeks ago, and since I live pretty much right across the street, I've been going in every few days to check it out. It's like a permanent yard sale. It's constantly changing, all kinds of weird and awesome stuff, and it's ridiculously cheap. I got a flour sifter in there for 50 cents, and a stuffed tiger almost as big as my 10-year-old son (for whom I bought it), for a quarter. Seriously. A quarter. This thing seemed almost brand-new, and was like 4 feet long. There was a much smaller lion next to it marked at $2 though, so I don't know what sort of system they have for the "priced-as-marked" stuff, but if you look around, there are some real steals. Oh yeah, and they have clothes and stuff. It doesn't seem like they have a lot of stuff for guys. I'm weird about clothes shopping though, so my opinion here likely won't matter to you. I do a quick scan of everything looking for any of the 5 basic items of black clothing I wear, and if a place doesn't have them, I move on. In this place, it takes me about 5 minutes to make my clothing scan, and I have yet to find something I like. But at least I know that when that perfect size medium black suit vest with lots of pockets shows up on the rack, it'll only be $3, so i can snatch it up quickly, so I'll keep scanning. One word of advice: they have a pretty much constantly changing selection of CDs, which you should totally check out.. Before buying one though, make sure the disc is actually in there. I bought two CDs the first time I went in, and when I got home, one of the CDs was missing. Obviously, I should have checked while I was still at the store. Oh well. Lesson learnt. Now, some stuff in there is priced more like you might expect in the average used-stuff store. There's usually a couch in the window (it seems to be a different couch each time I go, but I could be wrong) the price has fluctuated from between $150 and $300 so far, which sounds out of line with their pricing elsewhere in the store, but these were all really sweet, plush couches with no stains. The one they had in there yesterday looked all antique and shit. Velvet I think, with lots of old fashioned lacy stuff going on. There seems also to be a coffee-table-of-the-day, which if memory serves (which it often doesn't- beware) has ranged in price from $15 up to maybe $25. Nothing too fancy there so far, but all sturdy, clean and unkitschy. They also had a brand-new, plastic-still-on-the-box Apples to Apples game for $8. Yoink! One area where I haven't noticed a lot of turnover so far is their small electronics department. There were some video cameras (I only really picked up one to look at, and the battery was missing), and I didn't look at the prices on them. Those sold, but everything else in that section seems to have been the same each time I've gone. There a coffee maker, and some Foreman-style grills. I think I saw a panini press and some kind of tea maker? It looked like a coffee maker but had a porcelain tea pot instead of a carafe. That stuff's all still there. I'll likely be exploring that section in more detail later, in which case I'll update this. Anyway, bottom line: I love this store, and I hope they stick around in Central Square a long, long time. I'll keep going in there to see what's new today, and I kind of hope you do too. What seems to make this place so awesome is how quickly there's always new stuff. So go buy something and make room for something I want. read more

I loveeeee this place. I always find really interesting, fun things. Surprisingly, I also find a lot of good-condition brand name clothing (e.g. JCrew, Banana Republic, GAP, etc.). If you're a student, come on Wednesdays for 50% off! Also, be sure to get a stamp card from them if you come often. If you don't want to pay 10 cents for a bag... bring your own! Otherwise they'll give you a paper bag from Shaws and charge you 10 cents (remember this is Cambridge!). read more

I have never actually bought anything from this Boomerangs (however, the Boomerangs in JP is great -- they have the best assortment of ties!) but I really love the company. This location is extremely clean and has a bunch of stuff (mostly women clothes). However, their house section has really neat nick-nacks and a pretty hefty book section. Come in, stay for five minutes, and find a new hidden treasure. Part of the proceeds go to HIV/AIDS and the company employs many folk who live in the city and students... seriously, what a great cause. Keep on truckin', Boomerangs. Shop here before you go to Goodwil across the street. read more

A great thrift store! I walked out with a $2 Coldplay CD, a $1 pair of Rainbow flip flops and an $8 pair of Cole Haan loafers. Everything here seems well organized, and well priced! They have a 20% student discount on Wednesdays and half price books on Thursdays. The CD section had some really good disc. The housewares section had some beautiful pieces so if you're looking for a dining set, this is the place to go! So much better than Goodwill! read more

Im no thrift store expert...I was actually a thrift store virgin until coming into Boomerangs last weekend, but I think I will be seeking out thrift stores much more now! I walked in, and the girls all said hello from behind the counter, good vibes. I was freezing and it was rainy out, that is why I stopped in, I needed a cheap sweater and fast. Well I found a lot of cheap sweaters and cute ones too! I ended up looking at everything in the store because I was shocked by the fair quality of things for the super cheap prices...(again I was a thrift store virgin).... I found their jewelry selection to be really cute. i got a pair of earrings and a necklace. My boyfriend also found an Ipod charger he had needed for 4 dollars. We checked out, the cashier was really nice, and we got a entry into some raffle they were holding! woo! I dont hate it. read more

I love this place! Always find something unique. Especially a fan of the staff's picks and vintage racks. I got a dress here and get at least two compliments per day on it...impressive. read more

Love it here! It just opened last week and I scored a relatively new (and dry cleaned, as tags from dry cleaning were still on there) Ann Taylor dress for a wedding for $12! I was pretty psyched. I also bought a rubber ducky for 50 cents :) I will be visiting more often now that it's close to my work. read more

I was really impressed with the quality of the clothes. They're really small and all profit goes to, I believe, AIDS research. Unfortunately, at the time of the visit I was unable to ball out of control like I would've liked, BUT I DID FINALLY FIND WOOL MITTENS WITH CUT OFF THUMBS AND FINGER TIPS THAT TRANSFORM INTO MITTENS WHEN IT'S BRICK AS FUCK OUTSIDE! They're a bit of a hole-in-a-wall but totally worth a visit. read more

Boomerangs - Right on time. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Occasional furniture/fabric/art that seems like a good score. Decent books, lots of DVDs. Rarely anything else good, and I visit often. Selection is tiny, quality poor and prices tend toward the high. Start donating better stuff, people! Very seldom there is a nice-looking dress or suit in a size 2 or 4. It does not, however, stink like Sally's or Goodwill. So really 2 1/2 stars. read more

All books are now 50% off on Thursdays, and they have a new frequent buyer card which gets you 30% off eventually. And....they are now open on Sundays again. This place is clean, well managed and the sound track continues to entertain the entire population of shoppers. (You will see some rather eclectic shoppers in here; I am sure the staff could tell some very interesting stories. What have I seen in the few times I have been in? One very old, practically nude lady coming out of the dressing room, two people arguing loudly and endlessly that the prices are way too high and that they know more than the staff about pricing and three people trying to steal things. ) I recently picked up two NYT best sellers and a 5 star cookbook I have been craving for the grand total of $3.00. Nice. This Boomerang's proximity to The Dosa Factory often means you will leave smelling like Indian food. After a quick trip the other day, I got home and had to toss everything in the wash. Everything was saturated with the aroma of curry. read more

Sigh, how I miss the thrift stores in NYC. Boomerangs though is probably the closest I'll get to one in the Cambridge area. Leather skirt for 5 bucks? Solid. Men's blazer for 15? Done. Go with an open mind and you'll never know what you'll run into. read more

When I discovered Boomerangs was opening in Central Square, I was stoked. Its not entirely easy for me to get out to the JP one, and while I love Boomerangs Special Edition, getting there also requires a bit of planning. I scored some great finds on my first visit, including a couple of adorable strapless dresses. While there I inquired as to when they would be taking donations, as the website says they are not taking any at this time. The staff (also super super nice!) said they took donations any time they were open. Upon hearing this, I likely let out some sort of whoop and told them they would be seeing a lot more of me. And then I went on my merry way with my new-to-me purchases. I've been in the process of cleaning out my closets and frankly I'm sick of looking at stacks of crap I've piled in the hallway to giveaway. I cleaned out yet another closet, and because Boomerangs takes books and DVDs and housewares, I was able to amass quite a drop and was a little nervous they would tell me I couldn't give drop off that much on a busy Saturday afternoon or something. Nonsense. They were awesome. I'll be donating everything to Boomerangs for now on not only because its convenient, but it supports the AIDS Action Committee AND because I love shopping there. I always find some of the best stuff, both vintage and otherwise. The staff is great and the way the goods are merchandised is exceptional. read more

Great little 2nd hand store, more upmarket and trendy than Goodwill, with great prices read more

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I got a weird vibe from the staff today. Does it warrant a reduced star? No, but perhaps an update. I bought two items for $1 each which were pretty nice for $1, IMO. A corduroy GAP jacket (reg. thrift store price $15) and a very pretty wool blend sweater (staff pick- so reg. thrift price more than $6, I am guessing). The cashier was not very friendly; even after laughing and talking with the customer before me. It had happen to me before when I shopped there, but maybe I'm reading too much into it? Will still go here for stuff, but a little bummed. read more

New, who needs new? I certainly don't, specially since so many things come from a child in a third world country. Why would i want o be a part of that? I like to come here almost on a weekly basis which is bad but at the same time they have so much stuff that I just can't say no. I guess this one isn't as big as the one in JP but that's ok. I like bringing stuff here that I don't anymore. Then it makes feel better about buying something else. An any day of the week it's hit or miss. But should you find something, snag it because by the next day it will most likely be gone. Since this is a local organization that helps those w/ AIDS I find it to be satisfying that I am helping them in some small way. read more

Your typical hip eclectic college-town thrift store. An emphasis on fun clothes and thingamajigs. Not so much for baby clothes. Good selection of used books. +1 for having a big comfy couch where you can wait while the rest of your crew goes through every rack to find that "one perfect item" read more

I've fallen in love with this place. Their inventory is constantly changing. The first time I went I spotted a couple of things I liked, however short on cash and needing money for my Charlie Card, I left empty handed. Went back 2 days later the stuff I wanted was gone. So if you really like something take it because chances are it won't be there next time. Yesterday however, I walked out with a beautiful Armani Exchange sweater for a mere 2 bucks!! Yes folks, 2 bucks! Also got a Patagonia jacket for 3 bucks!! I wish it were bigger, but hey, there's not much they can do about that. Also, more DVD's than VHS would be nice. There are tons of books and some nice furniture for decent prices. The staff is also friendly and the place is clean. This place is awesome and I will definitely be making tons of visits! read more

Cambridge Boomerangs is great! I always find a couple of neat pieces like dressy pants or blouses that would have cost me 30 bucks otherwise, and they are true to the "gently used" philosophy. The store has the right size and organization to have a good browsing experience without becoming overwhelmed, so I keep coming back! read more

I would definitely come back. I found and bought some very affordable furniture there. I also liked how vintage the store was. Shop assistants were very nice and helpful read more

Thrift store, and therefore cheap, so plus points. Somewhat curated, and therefore has a better selection than Goodwill across the street. They always have one or two gems in the clothing selection but you really have to dig deep. Requires digging deep in a lot of gross clothes, so minus points. In terms of general non-evaluative information, they have a wide selection of: - clothes (both men and women) including lots of outerwear - shoes (both men and women) - housewares (vases, plates, lamps, etc) - books - large pieces of furniture Bottom line: The clothes are definitely less good than Buffalo Exchange, but everything is pretty cheap and I've found some nice vases/glasses here. read more

Love everything about this store. The staff is amazing and friendly. Extremely helpful. Sweet and honest when they try to openly have conversations with their customers. They definitely feed off their customers- if you're not nice, they will return the same attitude. Prices are great, and I don't always find a gem but when I do, it's an amazing find, so well worth it. I visit here a few times a week and I plan on continuing that! read more

I love Boomerangs Central Square. I visited the JP one once and I definitely like Central's better. I was SO excited when this opened two blocks from where I live. The prices are amazing, and you never know what you're going to find. On a good day I walk out with a shirt or two for under $10. It is hit or miss, but I like it better than Goodwill because there is less junk to pick through and the music played overhead tends to be awesome. P.S. you can donate at this location now. Check the website for hours to donate. read more

I cannot hold myself from sharing this on the internets...since learning Youth on Fire gets proceeds from Boomerang's I started bringing donations to the Central Square location. My first trip (two years ago) was met with ratchet attitude and distain, and anytime I am met with such HORRID customer service I would vow NOT to return...but I ran a number of clothing drives (the kids loved the fashion things I brought to Harvard, but Youth on Fire ran out of space) and it's for a good cause....so, I held my tongue. But 4/23 at 3:15pm I called Central Square to inquire after a big-ticket donation my company made. As soon as the first gentleman answered the phone I thought I insulted him by saying "Hello, how are you". After a bit of conversation mishaps/misery I was transferred to a female who was as receptive as a roused rattlesnake, and just as helpful. I come to this shop as it is the closest to me & work, but after this frustrating experience I will have to re-examine how/where to make donations....I have not had this type trouble with Second Chances, and they take care of locals too. read more

Boomerangs is a small thrift store, but the selection was impressive! Like other reviewers mentioned, I definitely felt pieces were more modern than your typical thrift shop. I was just window shopping, but I spotted a number of mid-century modern style furniture at reasonable prices: dresser for $150, desk for $40, dining table for $120, floor lamps for $20, etc. Some of the smaller random stuff (wooden storage bin for $10, bronze paper towels holder for $6, etc. were really nice too - although I really didn't need anything. My friend scored a like new Banana Republic button down shirt for $6. I would definitely visit more often if I was a local. Staff couldn't be friendlier. read more

I have done business recently with boomerangs. Counter help is outstanding. The kids behind the counter are always so helpful to the elderly and the general Cambridge crazies. Always feel welcome and important as a customer. read more

Okay - I first want to say that I love Boomerangs, BUT........I will sometimes go to Boomerangs, see something that I like, ask a clerk for the price (having to wait for this bit of information if the store is busy) only to be told that the item "isn't for sale because it hasn't been priced yet". This is nuts. Usually when this happens, it's just one item, but I've also been in the store when dozens of things weren't for sale yet because they were waiting to be priced. I once waited an hour (really) for the "pricing magic" to begin; a sales clerk told the pricing czar that I had been waiting for a price on a dresser, and he thoughtfully priced it LAST. Attention, Boomerangs: please don't put donations onto the store floor (in attractive displays no less) if you aren't ready to sell them! Customers should be able to purchase things from you on a first-come basis. They shouldn't have to call or come back to see if the thing that they are interested finally has a price sticker on it, especially since you will not HOLD things for customers. If you must put unpriced donations on the floor, please cover it up like other thrift stores do. You have a sign on your door re: donations, stating that it's rude for people to just leave donations at the door. Well guess what? Putting things on display that aren't for sale until a day or two later is rude too. read more

Boomerangs is GREAT! First they restored my faith in thrift stores. Then they restored my faith in humanity. *Heart* This is the review I planned to write after Saturday: 1. Prices are really good. They're like flea market I-just-need-to-make-space-please-take-my-treasure prices. 2. Effective displays. 3. Clear pricing. 4. No broken/stained stuff. 5. I'd much rather support AIDS Action Committee rather than a certain overpriced thrift chain whose branches often blast preaching radio. But that's just me. This is what I have to add after Tuesday: My mom and I went for the first time last Saturday and in the course of buying a bunch of awesome kitchen stuff and fitting it into our bags, my mom left sunglasses she had borrowed from me. They were really expensive (I don't wear leather, so eyewear is one accessory I can indulge in. What?) We called another store we had been in, when the girl heard the brand she laughed as if to say 'you won't be getting those back if I find them first.' That killed my soul a little, though she wasn't telling me anything I didn't already know. When Boomerang opened after the holiday, we dropped by... and the sunglasses were safely behind the register! I was mildly ok with never getting them back, but I can't even begin to say how much it meant that the people who work there are honest. Maybe it's because they're volunteers but whatever. This place has great karma all around. I'll also add that there was definitely new stuff on Tuesday compared to Saturday. read more

My favourite thrift store! It makes me a little sad to post this review because I don't want too many people to find out about my favourite place to thrift shop. But all for a great cause for the AIDS committee :) I've found lots of clothing pieces that I absolutely adore from this shop. I love checking out the kitchen supplies as well. P.s. They'll be switching to a new (computer based?) loyalty program, but details haven't been pegged down yet. Bring in those little cards soonish if you have them! read more

Love this Boomerangs location! I've found other locations to be abbot pricier, and this one usually has some pretty great finds for a great price- with profits going to the AIDS Action Committee. Can be kind of hit or miss depending on the day, but definitely worth a shot checking out for gently used clothing, housewares, and books. read more

Cuter/more unique finds than goodwill, also doesn't smell overwhelmingly like human piss which is a big plus. And everything was reasonably priced which is hard to find with trendy thrift stores. read more

Cute thrift store in Central Square. Like the feel and layout. The prices are mostly pretty good, but a bit too high on some. Not a large selection and not the best quality stuff when I visited. But I did manage to snag a pretty silky scarf to go with my large collection for $5. They could use a little quality adjustment to become a really good store. read more

I will admit, it took me a while to get into the groove of this place. I looked through all the racks, and felt simply uninspired. The whole store has a certain stuffy smell to it (maybe just because it was a hot day?), and all I seemed to be finding were a bunch of oversized Gap button-downs. They had some interesting houndstooth/various patterned--trousers (for women) that I would have tried on and looked into buying if I had felt comfortable putting something right off the rack onto my body. You know how right after you eat a bag of chips, your fingers have a gross residue on them? The same thing here, after browsing for a half hour. Grimy, man. However, my vigor was renewed after finding the vintage section. There were some cool pieces (prices slightly higher than in the rest of the store). I looked into buying an 80s blouse, but the worn, bright blue polyester didn't seem worth $12. After this, I looked more closely at the rest of the store, and found a simple, versatile, (possibly silk) black skirt. All the skirts were $6. Sure, it's not designer vintage or anything, but at $6, why not pick up a somewhat-high-quality basic? I also walked away with an oversized Brooks Brothers button-down for $4 that I intend to wear as a cover-up at the beach. And the piece that won me over for Boomerangs and ensured a future visit? Black leather jacket, pretty-great condition, for $30! Sure, it felt kind of weird buying a heavy leather jacket on the hottest day of the week, but I'm not complaining. The staff very kindly got out a ladder to retrieve it from the top of the shelves, where it was being displayed. My advice? Don't go expecting great things, but go with an open mind, and be prepared to look. Expect to see a lot of button-downs and blazers. Check out the staff picks, vintage section, and don't forget to scope out the tops of the shelves, cause they put some pretty cool shiz on those mannequins. Remember, all benefits go to the AIDS action committee! read more

Cool place to shop for clothes on a budget. Wanna check out the other one in Boston. Nice prices. Friendly service.

I didn't usually care for this Boomerangs especially when they first opened but as I have grown into a better thirfter. I have been able to enjoy the finds my eyes have guided me to. I also may have to do with my patience. The last few times I have been I have been able to find some cool things. I have old school picnic basket! The amount of shoes that I have found in my size and in new/ really good condition always makes smile! I some furniture can be a bit over priced in comparison to other places a thriftier would go but still cool finds! Better for woman's clothes and housewares! read more

Super convenient to get to, and great selection on books and housewares. Clothing and shoes can vary, as is generally the case with thrift stores, but since there is a smaller quantity than nearby goodwill or garment district, you can occasionally find a really good deal! (example: J crew skirt in mint condition for $6) Bonus: they have fitting rooms! read more

I've been to this Boomerangs location 3 or 4 times and I've been pretty satisfied for the most part. I really dig the nice collection of cassettes they've got here; I've found cassettes from the Cutting Crew to Kenny G to this one interestingly foreign Arabic Egyptian cassette; RAD! But buyer beware the cassette tapes are occasionally broken but fortunately there is a return policy as far as I know. There's also a good selection of vinyls here! So if you've got some spare change I'd suggest heading on down to Boomerangs at Central and taking a gander at their rad cassette collection any day! read more

I love this place!!! It is a small thrift shop where the proceeds go to funding AIDS research. The prices on their clothing, shoes, and home-goods are usually fantastic and only occasionally not worth the cost. The furniture tends to be way overpriced, so I avoid those purchases here. I used to work in the neighborhood, but moved to the other side of the state over a year ago. I still make it a point to visit this store when I come to town. I always leave with a seasons-worth of amazing clothing for only around $100. People are always complimenting me on my amazing clothes and wondering where I bought them. Unless they are good friends, I like to keep them in suspense and will just say, "Central Square in Cambridge." ;-) read more

Like any thrift store, you need to search for gems among the junk, but that's the fun of it. I've snagged a number of brand new tagged items here along with fun vintage scarves and pretty jewelry from local artists. Best of all, this is 100% guilt free shopping - every cent goes to the MA AIDS Action Committee. read more

Neat store, very helpful staff, unique items and bargains everywhere. The book section is a particular favorite of mine.