BOOMERANGS
Shop Thrift. Fight AIDS.
Boomerangs was started as part of a long-term strategy to diversify revenue streams in the face of declining state and federal funding. As public funding for HIV support, prevention and education programs continues to dwindle, this entrepreneurial approach allows Fenway Health and AIDS Action to continue providing services—the need for which increases each year.
Our Stores Feature:
Furniture
Artwork
Books
Clothing
Jewelry
Our Special Edition store in the South End is highly curated to realize the full potential of high-end donations.
Online Shopping
In addition to our brick and mortar stores, Boomerangs has a variety of online storefronts, including Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, and Poshmark. Learn more and check out our online sales here.
In fiscal year 2020, Boomerangs was named
Washington Gateway Main Street 2019
Business of The Year
Boomerangs, Special Edition
Jamaica Plain Gazette
Best Storefront
Boomerangs, JP
Boston Magazine’s Best Neighborhood Shop
Boomerangs West Roxbury
One of BU Today’s Best Thrift Stores Around Boston
Our Volunteers
Boomerangs relies on volunteers to ensure our smooth operation. We provide fun and unique opportunities for individuals, community organizations, and corporations to get involved and support AIDS Action and Fenway Health. Unfortunately, we were forced to suspend our volunteer program in March due to COVID-19. We hope to be able to welcome volunteers back soon! Through February 2020, nearly 120 hours of volunteer service were contributed each month to help ensure our stores were filled with the best merchandise and client programs remain funded.
Responding to COVID-19
Like other retail stores in Massachusetts, Boomerangs was forced to close our doors in mid-march 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We used the shutdown to expand our online shopping options and to reconfigure our stores and donation system to help keep our staff and shoppers safe and healthy. As we reopen our stores, you’ll notice reconfigured floor plans and signage to help shoppers and staff maintain healthy distances. All staff and customers will be wearing face masks, and we’ve created a contactless donation system. You can learn more on our web site here.
Thrifting Helps the Environment
Synthetic clothing may take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. If the average life of clothing was extended by just three months, it would reduce by five to ten percent their carbon and water footprints, as well as waste generation. The recycling of two million tons of clothing per year equates to taking one million cars from U.S. streets. Read more about the benefits of textile thrifting and recycling here.
