Boomerangs is the re-sale store run by the AIDS Action Committee. You can find clothing, furniture, home goods, CDS, movies, and lots of other stuff all gently used and available "new to you." The stock changes all the time, so you need to stop in often. The store windows on Centre Street change often too - and are really public art pieces more than retail tools. They cleverly feature items on sale but in unusual tableaus. Proceeds from the store support the work of the AIDS Action Committee. You can make donations of goods around at the back of the store - but please only during the set hours (otherwise you are subject to a fine for illegal dumping). Donations are also taken at the Boomerangs Donation Center at the Brewery Complex. And they will come and pick-up furniture -- call to discuss details.

TIPS FOR THE BOOMERANGS NOVICE:

• To find the truly fabulous deals, you need to scour the racks on a regular basis (at least once a week).
• Boomerangs staffers showcase seasonal goods--ranging from Halloween trinkets to Christmas snow globes--located at a table in the front of the store.
• The die-hard Boomerangs junkie knows that the shop also has brand-new clothing from top-tier shops like Brooks Brothers and Filene's Basement. The only catch? Staffers mark the collar with a black marker to prevent returns to the original location.
• Common brands found at Boomerangs include Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole and even Armani.
• Boomerangs has a strict "no returns" policy. So, don't even try.
• The store offers daily specials on clothing marked with a color-coded tag. So, if a specific shirt you like has a red tag, wait until it's "red tag day" to get additional savings.
• The staff is generally very knowledgeable so if you're looking for a hidden gem buried within the racks of clothing, they're always willing to help out.
• Centre Street regulars have come to expect funny, usually elaborate, window displays (their recent "Circus Freaks" sideshow-themed window, for example, is stunning) that creatively uses goods found within the store.
• Interested in purchasing items showcased in their elaborate window displays? Boomerangs now auctions of the goods in a raffle at the front desk.
• The staff's taste in music is impeccable--with indie-rock gems like Guided By Voice's "Bee Thousand" and Matador lo-fi classics like Yo La Tengo--seranading customers as they browse the racks.

Boing! offers toys for kids of all ages. Whether it's baby's first book, stuffed animals for your toddler, puzzles and games for your elementary schoolers or legos for your roommate - Boing! will have it. This store is a treasure trove and a lot of fun just to look around in. There are great artist supplies too.

This is a typical CVS - nothing unusual about it, but chock-a-block full of all those items you need every day.

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This antique shop is stuffed full of lovely things. They also have flowers, which are lovely too. Once you carefully (it's really, really stuffed full) make your way around the first floor, head down the stairs into the basement to view even more stuff. The lovely shopkeeper with his Irish accent is friendly and helpful. Knowledgeable about the antiques and bric a brac he sells and great at putting together a lovely bouquet as well.

Blanchards is a large liquor store, with a parking lot out back. There are tastings each weekend and they carry a big selection of wine, beer and liquor. There's also a nice snack section up front, so you can get cheese and crackers here to go with your Chardonnay or a bag of pretzels to go with that case of Sam Adams.

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This convenience store has a bit of everything. And a Dunkin Donuts inside too.

Fire Opal relocated into this larger space on Centre Street and now offers even more amazing handcrafted items. There is jewelry, pottery, clothing, art, and so much more. It's a place where you can just wander around and look for hours and be awed by the creativity in the world. It's a great spot to pick up the perfect present for someone who loves beauty.

Taking over a space once inhabited by Woolworth's, Foot Locker is the place to go for all your athletic shoe needs.