update 2/4/26: I understand this is a nonprofit with a mission and that they have policies about merchandise returns, as I’ve worked in nonprofit second hand thrift stores before. I try to support local and have bought some furniture from here, and despite my better judgment, a mini fridge just two weeks ago (which turned on in the store when myself and the staff member plugged it in before I purchased it.)
I moved here a month ago and I am still setting up my house/space and decided to temporarily store the mini fridge in my storage space at home until renovations were complete… until yesterday when I plugged it in. I had it plugged in for 24 hours and it never got cold at all. The worst part is that my ill cats all-natural (and expensive) raw food spoiled overnight while in the fridge. I explained all of this to the staff when I called and said that I understand the importance of store policy (so people don’t take advantage of the store and their mission) but when I was told there was nothing that could be done for me, it felt like essentially robbery.
I was so upset but I called back to speak with the store manager in hopes that this could be properly resolved instead of just never shopping at Otherside again. This interaction didn’t go well. While $30 isn’t a lot to many, it’s nothing to let go into the ether. The manager listened to me, put me on hold, then another employee lectured me about the return policy signs “posted all over the store” and also told me that I was wrong about when I bought the fridge, saying that “we haven’t had a mini fridge in over a month at least” insinuating I was being dishonest about when I purchased it - I moved here from Philadelphia on January 1st. My first visit to the boutique was about a week after that, which is the date of the first review I left (which was originally five stars). I visited again two weeks later to purchase the mini fridge and another item, so yeah just do the math on that one and trust your loyal customer.
Maybe I’m “being a Karen” but it’s just not a cool or fair way to treat a loyal customer who supports your business not just by purchasing items but also by speaking nonstop about how amazing this store/mission and their employees are to anyone who will listen - due to this, this whole experience rubbed me the wrong way, and unfortunately ended with me saying I will take my business elsewhere. I’m still giving it 3 stars because I believe in this mission so strongly but in this current climate and the way this world has been, supporting community doesn’t just go the way of the businesses but should also take into account special circumstances and make exceptions in good faith when they sell items that are broken - just because a fridge turns on doesn’t mean it will get cold apparently. This experience really breaks my heart as I thought I found a cornerstone of community. Nothing good lasts. /end
Ok, first of all, I was absolutely floored by not just the selection, but also the down to earth and passionate staff, and the overall mission of this amazing furniture shop!
I just moved here from Philly and the staff made me feel very welcome, and talked to me (because I was curious and asked questions) about the mission and their personal journeys with The Other Side Academy. This mission is very close to my heart personally and professionally and aside from that beautiful piece, the furniture really is in great condition, with a beautiful selection and some seriously gorgeous and unique pieces.
Pictured is the sturdy, beautiful chair I purchased for an absolute bargain price (I am used to Philly/NYC prices but it’s all still great pricing for the quality of the pieces that I’ve seen while visiting earlier this afternoon). Not pictured is the awesome, solid work table I also purchased or the dresser I am praying fits in my bedroom!! Also, they deliver for an extremely affordable price!!!!! This place really made my welcome to Denver warm and comfortable. Thank you guys for everything you do for the community and for my new space! Customer for life!!!