Ruxton's Trading Post

22 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Store Overview

Ruxton's Trading Post is a charming single-owner antique shop in historic Manitou Springs, Colorado, specializing in Western and cowboy collectibles, Native American artifacts, and vintage hats. Located in a historic building near Ruxton Creek and named after 19th-century explorer Frederick Ruxton, the store offers over 60 years of expertise. Owners Gretchen and Mike Graham curate an eclectic collection featuring felt hats (ranging from 5x to 100% beaver), western wear, spurs, gun holsters, animal hides, vintage metal signs, and unique historical artifacts. The intimate shop invites extended browsing with carefully selected items reflecting deep appreciation for Western history. Customers praise the knowledgeable, friendly owners and fair pricing for authentic antiques.

STORE SIZE
Small Shop
PRICE RANGE
$$
STORE FORMAT
Single Owner Shop
TYPICAL VISIT
Extended Browse
What Makes This Store Special
Western & Cowboy Antiques
Native American Collectibles
Hats & Western Wear
Store Features
Multiple Floors
Multi-Vendor
Auctions
Delivery Service
Shipping Available
Historic Building
Customer Insights
8/10
Satisfaction Drivers
Personal attention and expertise from knowledgeable owners who engage customers in detailed conversations
72%
Unique, hard-to-find items with historical significance and character
76%
Friendly, welcoming atmosphere with store dogs adding to the charm
82%
What Customers Love
Knowledgeable and passionate owners (Gretchen and Mike) who are personable, friendly, and helpful
Unique, eclectic collection of authentic Western and cowboy antiques with good variety
Excellent hat selection with quality ranging from affordable to premium beaver felt
Areas for Improvement
Authenticity issues - at least one customer reported purchasing a Taiwan-made belt marketed as authentic at premium pricing
Owner behavior regarding parking - multiple customers reported confrontational interactions with owner over public parking spaces
Pricing inconsistency - some customers found items overpriced while others praised fair pricing
Overall Customer Sentiment
Predominantly positive and nostalgic. Most customers express delight and appreciation for the store's charm, the owners' warmth, and the unique finds. However, a subset of reviews reveal frustration with owner's parking lot confrontations and concerns about authenticity.
Contact Information
ADDRESS
22 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
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Store Hours
Checking hours...
Monday
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Store Locationand other close stores