When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
Boomerangs by More Than Words
Why Boomerangs by More Than Words is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Boomerangs by More Than Words is a thoughtfully curated thrift store located at 563 Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square, Cambridge. It stands out as a great place to meet up with friends not only because of its unique selection of affordable, pre-loved fashion, accessories, books, home goods, and music, but also because of its inspiring community mission. Formerly known for over two decades as a thrift store supporting HIV/AIDS causes, Boomerangs has been revitalized under More Than Words, a nonprofit dedicated to providing job training and business skills to vulnerable youth aged 16-24. This transition brings a fresh yet meaningful energy to the store, making it a hub for sustainable shopping and social impact. The store creates a welcoming community space where shopping is not only an enjoyable experience but also supports youth empowerment. Customers can explore quality second-hand items thoughtfully chosen for an excellent shopping experience, all while knowing their purchases help fund valuable job training programs. Boomerangs also serves as a tangible platform for program graduates to gain real-world retail experience, opening pathways to higher-wage jobs and meaningful careers. This blend of community, purpose, and affordability makes Boomerangs by More Than Words an exceptional spot for friends to gather, shop, and support positive change together.
Here's what people think of Boomerangs by More Than Words
As of recent, Boomerangs by More Than Words holds a 4.4-star rating based on 184 reviews.
Reviewers consistently highlight the strong community-centered spirit of Boomerangs by More Than Words. Many appreciate the store’s mission-driven approach, emphasizing how it provides meaningful job opportunities for young adults facing challenges such as housing instability or involvement with the judicial or foster care systems. Positive reviews often mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff, many of whom are graduates of the More Than Words program, which adds an authentic and personal touch to the shopping experience. Customers also praise the carefully curated variety of second-hand items, noting the store as a reliable place to find affordable and sustainable fashion and home goods. The store is recognized for maintaining a legacy of mission-driven thrift while revitalizing the community presence in Central Square. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional limited inventory variety compared to larger thrift stores and mention that the smaller footprint can make browsing feel a bit compact. A few customers have expressed a desire for extended hours or additional locations but recognize the store’s current focus on quality and mission over scale. In conclusion, overall reviews reflect appreciation for how Boomerangs by More Than Words blends social purpose with a quality thrift shopping experience, creating a supportive environment that benefits shoppers and young employees alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Caitlin Kinkema
Boomerangs is back and better than ever! The renovations to our beloved Boomerangs in Central are just lovely. It is bright and well organized with a lovely walk through added to help with aisle congestion. The quality of items for the price is tough to beat! I am so excited that More Than Words has taken on my favorite thrift shop, and I made out with some beautiful sweaters, and three tops for about $40!
Deborah C
A bright and open space filled with books, shoes, and clothing. There's a very limited selection of home goods and accessories. I didn't take anything home this time around, but I'd definitely come back if I'm in the area.
A Roberts
Reasonably priced clothes. The used books were a bit more expensive than I'm used to, but the selection is all high-quality and recent/relevant titles. The clothes seemed mostly for women, I couldn't find any men's clothing but maybe I just missed it
Katie Yang
Surprisingly a lot of cashmere sweaters! Other than it is a bit dimly lit so a bit harder to see everything, this store is perfect for sweaters and jackets. Everything seems to be about 15 dollars, so not very good for smaller items like tops, but very good if you are looking for heavier items. Lots of cool women’s shoes too!
Hyo Sun Park
Great variety of collections, high-quality items at very cheap prices, and very clean and well-maintained store! The workers are also so friendly and helpful.
How to reach Boomerangs by More Than Words
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Why Boomerangs by More Than Words may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Boomerangs by More Than Words with your friends? Boomerangs is not just a thrift store; it’s a vibrant community hub that combines affordable and curated secondhand shopping with a powerful mission to empower youth. Gathering your friends here means supporting a cause that makes a meaningful social impact while enjoying a unique shared experience. The store is staffed by alumni of More Than Words’ job training program, many of whom have overcome significant personal challenges such as homelessness or involvement with the court system. By shopping or meeting here, your group is directly contributing to youth empowerment, giving these young people stable employment and career-building opportunities. The welcoming atmosphere and the diverse selection of fashion, accessories, books, home goods, and music foster a spirit of discovery and connection. Unlike typical retail chains, Boomerangs offers a socially conscious, mission-driven environment where every purchase supports community renewal and sustainability. This makes it a particularly inspiring and rewarding place to host a meetup, where friends can bond over meaningful conversations, thrift treasures, and shared values.
What activities can you enjoy at Boomerangs by More Than Words? Primarily, the store offers an excellent assortment of curated, secondhand items, including fashion pieces, accessories, books, homegoods, and music, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate sustainable shopping. Friends can explore racks of unique clothing, hunt for vintage finds, or browse shelves filled with interesting reads and records, turning your meetup into a fun and interactive thrift adventure. Additionally, the store’s layout and community-oriented mission create a comfortable space to socialize, discover stories behind the items, and learn about the youth empowerment programs the store sustains. Boomerangs also serves as a conversation starter around issues like social justice, sustainability, and community development, enriching your group discussions. The location in Central Square, a vibrant neighborhood in Cambridge, adds to the experience, offering nearby cafés and eateries where your meetup can naturally extend before or after your visit. This blend of shopping, social impact, and community ambiance sets Boomerangs apart as a versatile venue perfect for group meetups.
Why is Boomerangs by More Than Words perfect for group meetups? First, its mission-driven nature provides a unique setting that combines leisure with purposeful engagement. Hosting a meetup here means your gathering benefits a larger community cause, which adds depth and meaning to your time together. The store’s curated selection caters to diverse tastes, so groups with varied interests—whether fashion lovers, bookworms, or music enthusiasts—can all find something compelling. The welcoming and safe environment ensures everyone feels included and valued, which is especially important for groups looking to connect in a relaxed, positive space. Employment by More Than Words alumni also means the staff brings passion and stories that can inspire your group, creating an enriching atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection. Lastly, the store’s location on Massachusetts Avenue places it within reach of other Central Square attractions, allowing groups to easily continue their outing with dining, entertainment, or a stroll through a lively neighborhood.
How does Boomerangs by More Than Words support youth empowerment? Every purchase and interaction at Boomerangs directly fuels a nonprofit mission dedicated to supporting young adults aged 16-24. These youths often face significant barriers such as foster care, homelessness, or involvement with the legal system. More Than Words employs program graduates in Boomerangs, giving them real-world job training, stable employment, and long-term career coaching. This hands-on experience helps young people build skills, confidence, and financial independence while they pursue further education or other career goals. The store acts as a soft landing place where these young employees can learn the ins and outs of retail, customer service, and business operations with supportive guidance. By rallying here, your group becomes part of a powerful cycle of opportunity and community impact, empowering youth to break cycles of poverty and instability through work and education.
What makes the shopping experience at Boomerangs unique? Unlike standard thrift stores, Boomerangs focuses on quality and curation, offering a carefully selected inventory of items that span fashion, accessories, books, home goods, and music. This means shoppers can find distinctive, well-chosen pre-loved items rather than random donations. The store honors the legacy of the original Boomerangs thrift stores that were community staples for over 20 years, now revitalized with a fresh mission and energy. The shopping atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, supporting sustainability by promoting reuse and reducing waste. Since the store also serves as a community space staffed by young adults overcoming adversity, shoppers often experience a personal touch and community connection missing from traditional retail. This curated, mission-driven approach elevates the shopping experience from a simple transaction to a meaningful activity that connects people, stories, and causes.
Where is Boomerangs by More Than Words located and what is around it? Boomerangs is situated at 563 Massachusetts Avenue in the bustling Central Square area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. This location is pivotal because Central Square is known for its eclectic mix of cultural venues, eateries, and shops, making it a lively backdrop for any social gathering. The neighborhood’s vibrant energy complements the store’s mission, drawing a diverse crowd of locals and visitors eager to discover unique finds and celebrate community. Nearby, your group can easily access cafés, restaurants, and public transit, allowing a meetup at Boomerangs to effortlessly expand into a full day or evening outing. This accessibility and neighborhood vitality further enhance the store’s appeal as a meetup spot, combining convenience with cultural immersion. The choice of Central Square also symbolizes a commitment to community engagement, as the area benefits from More Than Words’ presence and values.
How does Boomerangs enhance sustainability and community impact? By offering a wide range of curated secondhand goods, Boomerangs promotes sustainable consumer habits, encouraging shoppers to reduce waste by purchasing pre-loved items instead of new products. This practice helps extend the lifecycle of clothing, books, and household goods, minimizing the environmental footprint associated with fast fashion and excessive consumption. Furthermore, Boomerangs supports the local economy by creating jobs for vulnerable youth, contributing to social sustainability alongside environmental efforts. The store serves as a community gathering place where people can learn about social challenges faced by young adults and the importance of empowerment and second chances. Through its operations, Boomerangs exemplifies how retail can be a force for positive social and environmental change, making it a proud destination for groups seeking meaningful social interactions.
What are some special features of the staff and management at Boomerangs? Boomerangs is staffed primarily by graduates of More Than Words’ job training programs, many of whom have overcome significant life challenges. This means the staff not only bring dedication and passion but also firsthand understanding of resilience and growth. The store manager, for example, is a program alumnus who has progressed rapidly within the More Than Words system, serving as a role model for both employees and visitors. The staff offers more than just customer service; they represent the success stories of the program, providing inspiration and authentic engagement for shoppers. This creates an atmosphere of encouraging growth, learning, and community involvement. Meeting and purchasing from these motivated young people transforms a routine outing into an uplifting experience that celebrates empowerment and opportunity.
How does the legacy of Boomerangs influence its current form? Boomerangs has been a beloved thrift store in the Boston area for over two decades, originally supporting HIV/AIDS-related causes before transitioning under More Than Words’ stewardship. This legacy of community support and service informs the store’s current mission, which combines high-quality thrift with youth empowerment. The revitalized Boomerangs by More Than Words honors its heritage by maintaining a welcoming, mission-driven environment while evolving to meet today’s social needs. Its reincarnation breathes new life into a cherished local business model, now focused on providing stable jobs and support for vulnerable young people. This continuity amidst change reassures longtime customers and community members that Boomerangs remains a trusted, impactful resource. The blend of history with fresh purpose makes it a meaningful place to gather, shop, and support together.
What future developments and expansions could affect group meetups at Boomerangs? More Than Words has expressed interest in expanding Boomerangs’ reach by exploring potential openings in other neighborhoods, such as Jamaica Plain, while continuing to operate their bookstore presence in the South End. This growing network of mission-driven retail locations could create new community spaces with similar empowerment missions, offering more options for meetups and outreach. For groups that support social causes, this means the possibility of connecting with broader parts of the Greater Boston area through shared experiences at these stores. Continued success and expansion might bring new events, programs, or community gatherings hosted by Boomerangs, enhancing its role as a meetup venue. Staying connected with More Than Words’ announcements can keep your group informed about exciting future opportunities to rally around this inspiring business and its mission.
Why is the overall rating and customer feedback important when choosing Boomerangs for a meetup? Boomerangs by More Than Words holds a strong reputation with a 4.4-star rating based on 184 reviews, indicating consistently positive customer experiences. This rating reflects satisfaction with the quality of items, the welcoming and social atmosphere, and the meaningful mission that enhances every visit. For groups deciding where to meet, high ratings provide reassurance that the store delivers a pleasant, engaging environment. Positive customer feedback often highlights helpful, friendly staff and the unique shopping selection, which can transform a meetup into a memorable outing. Trust in the business quality and atmosphere contributes significantly to the success of your gathering, making Boomerangs a dependable choice for groups looking for both fun and purpose. Good reviews also suggest the store is a safe, inclusive space suited for diverse groups of friends or family.