Boise clothing shop is among the best in the US, New York Times says. Which one?

A Boise business known for its curated collection of vintage denim is one of the best clothing shops in the nation, according to The New York Times.

In late November, the publication released its list of the 50 best clothing stores in America — focusing mostly on independent small businesses that are “distinctive and inspirational.”

Times reporter Steven Kurutz said the included stores are “intently focused on the customer experience” and “keep alive the thrill of in-person shopping in this age of e-commerce.”

“A great store will make you think about who you are — and may change that perspective in real time,” Kurutz wrote. “Much like the visitor to Paris feels they could wear a beret, the customer browsing a great store suddenly envisions themselves in pony-hair knee-high boots or an Italian power suit.”

Although the Times featured clothing stores in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., one shop in Idaho made the list as well.

Here’s which one:

What Boise shop was listed among the New York Times’ 50 best clothing stores?

Located near Boise State University, Junkyard Jeans was established in 1991 by Eric Schrader, The New York Times reported.

The shop at 1725 South Broadway Ave. offers a “curated selection of unmatched American-made vintage denim” as well as custom garments and collectible pieces, Junkyard Jeans said on its website.

Customization is offered with chain-stitching and embroidery work.

“The funky store ... reliably stocks 1980s-era Levi’s 501s; old military attire and other uniforms (like a 1960s leather policeman jacket); and custom pieces that Mr. Schrader makes using a chain stitch machine,” Kurutz wrote, noting that fans include members of rock band Blink-182 and soccer legend David Beckham.

Schrader owns and runs the store with one full-time employee, Calista Garrard. Schrader’s son also does a lot of work for the shop’s online store, according to Garrard.

Boise clothing store named one of best US clothing stores

According to Garrard, New York Times staff reached out to Junkyard Jeans over the summer about possible inclusion in the best clothing store list. More than 100 other shops were also in the running at the time.

Schrader discussed the store’s history and operations in an interview over Zoom. He also got to show off some cool pieces available for sale.

It wasn’t until early November that the staff learned Junkyard Jeans had made the top 50.

“The payoff has been absolutely amazing,” Garrard told the Idaho Statesman. “It was so honoring and humbling to be included nationally, and to be the only store in all of Idaho to be on this list.”

Since the Times article came out, the seamstress said longtime customers have stopped by to say congratulations and new customers have been inspired to check out the store.

What’s more, Garrard said Junkyard Jeans had the most sales in a single week that they’ve ever observed during her two-plus years at the shop.

“My heart’s so warm and fuzzy, it makes me feel like I’m going to tear up,” Garrard said. “The community response has been incredible.”

What are customers saying about Junkyard Jeans?

On Google Reviews, Junkyard Jeans has a five-star rating, with reviewers emphasizing the store’s the customer service and quality options.

“As an unskilled and infrequent shopper, I kind of needed some help. Calista was on it before I asked,” one reviewer wrote. “She did a remarkable job and was so different from typical employees these days … it was a great experience.”

The shop has a rating on 2.8 out of five stars on Yelp, with some reviewers complaining about high prices.

Other Yelp reviewers mentioned the helpful staff and beautiful pieces.

“Ain’t cheap, no sir. But they did the digging so you don’t have to, sifted through the thrift store rubble, pulled the gems from the dust,” Yelp reviewer Jimbo E. of Boise wrote in a four-star review of Junkyard Jeans. “So yeah, open that wallet wide, pay homage to the past, wear something with soul.”

How expensive are the clothes at Junkyard Jeans in Boise?

While vintage denim can be expensive, items offered at Junkyard Jeans encompass a range of prices.

The store has a wall of lower-price vintage jeans, with pairs available for around $75, according to Garrard.

Another wall features premium products: American-made, high-quality vintage denim. Prices for these pieces generally range in price from around $125 to $275, Garrard told the Statesman.

The store also offers rare collector’s items, which aren’t usually on display, according to Garrard. These pieces can cost around $1,000 on the high end.

Rare pieces such as redline selvedge denim — a limited run of premium material denim with self-finished edges marked by red yarn — come with a higher cost, Garrard said.

Junkyard Jeans also has cheaper non-denim options including shirts and other clothing for around $25, or pins and buttons for $5 apiece.

Why buy vintage denim?

Garrard advocated for buying vintage denim over modern pieces for multiple reasons. The seamstress said the material is higher quality and lasts longer, while contemporary jeans often need to be thrown out after a few washes.

“These pieces you can wear over and over,” Garrard said. “Vintage in general is that rebellion against fast fashion, and going back to pieces that last.”

There’s also a nostalgia factor at Junkyard Jeans. The seamstress said she regularly hears customers come in and revel at certain denim pieces they haven’t seen in decades.

Garrard said the premium denim sold at Junkyard Jeans could also become a family heirloom in the future.

Vintage denim is already worn in, Garrard added, so it’s all about the current fit and feel. The seamstress said they try to make sure everyone feels good wearing what they buy.

When is Junkyard Jeans in Boise open?

Junkyard Jeans is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. On Monday, the store is by appointment only.

Garrard offered a “huge thank you” to the community for showing up and celebrating the coverage.

“It’s such a big win, not just for our little store but for all of Idaho, all of Boise, all vintage fans in this area that have kept us going all these years,” the seamstress said.