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.

UPDATE: A few months after this local music store opened, it closed its doors. The space at 668 Centre Street is now for rent. Mud Dog Media Company, a new music store in Jamaica Plain, opened in April 2008 at the former CD Spins storefront at 668 Centre St. Mud Dog is a regional chain based in Wakefield, MA. In addition to music, the store will sell clothing and feature a full skateboarding supply shop.

Hatched is a small boutique specializing in the finest organic fiber clothing, eco-friendly toys and cloth diapering supplies.

Formerly Gumshoe, 40 South Street has brought this older vintage shop a new coat of paint, better hours of operation, and more choices in clothing. Channeling a former era - about mid 20th century or so - you can find all sorts of clothing and accessories to compliment your inner Dean Martin, Doris Day or whichever 50s icon works for you.

JP Dame opened it's doors on Jan. 24th with a boutique filled with vintage clothes from the 1940's and 50's. With designers from couture Versace to run of the mill, there are alot of classic fashions for the clotheshorse.

Children's clothing and gift items.

Store closed due to fire in August 2006 - unclear when (or if) it will reopen.

Located within the shopping plaza this is primarily a shoe store (with a focus on sneakers) but it also has some clothing.

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.

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