Tattered Cover is a Colorado-based independent bookstore chain with multiple locations
Tattered Cover is a bookstore chain headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with physical locations across the state. The stores are known for carrying new and used books across most genres, along with gifts, cards, and reading accessories. Unlike national chains, Tattered Cover is independently owned and operated, which shapes how the stores are organized, staffed, and what inventory they carry.
The chain operates several locations, with the flagship store in downtown Denver and additional stores in other Colorado cities. Each location functions as a separate bookstore with its own inventory, so a book available at one location may not be in stock at another. The stores are open to the public during posted hours, and you can visit in person to browse, purchase, or ask staff for recommendations.
Tattered Cover also operates an online store where you can order books for delivery or in-store pickup. The online ordering system is separate from the physical store inventory, so availability differs between the website and what you see on the shelves.
Key Takeaways
- Tattered Cover has multiple Colorado locations, each with different inventory, so calling ahead or checking online before visiting saves time if you're looking for a specific title.
- The stores carry new and used books across most genres, plus gifts and reading accessories, but selection varies by location and what has recently sold.
- You can order online for delivery or pick up at a store location, and the online inventory is separate from what's physically in stock at each store.
- Staff at Tattered Cover locations can help you find books, place special orders, and answer questions about what's in stock or coming in.
What you'll find in a Tattered Cover store
Tattered Cover stocks books across fiction, nonfiction, children's, young adult, and specialty categories. The exact selection depends on the location and what has sold recently. Larger locations, particularly the flagship Denver store, carry a wider range of titles and deeper inventory in popular categories than smaller locations.
Beyond books, the stores sell bookmarks, reading lights, journals, greeting cards, and other items related to reading and writing. Some locations have a café or seating area where you can read or work. The stores are designed for browsing, with books organized by category and staff available to help you locate titles or find recommendations based on what you're interested in.
Used books are mixed into the regular inventory rather than separated into a distinct section, so you may find both new and used copies of the same title on the shelf. Prices for used books are typically lower than new copies of the same edition.
How to find a specific book or place an order
If you're looking for a specific title, you have three options: visit a store in person, call the location directly, or use the online store. Calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm whether a book is in stock before you make a trip. Staff can tell you if the title is available, what condition it's in (for used books), and the price.
If a book is not in stock, you can place a special order through any Tattered Cover location. The store will contact you when the book arrives, and you pick it up at the location where you placed the order. Special orders typically take one to two weeks, depending on the publisher and availability, though this varies.
The online store allows you to search inventory and order for home delivery or store pickup. Pickup orders are usually ready within a few business days. The online system shows what's available through the website, which may differ from what's physically on the shelf at any given moment.
Store locations and hours
Tattered Cover operates locations in Denver and other Colorado cities. The flagship store is located in downtown Denver and is the largest location with the widest selection. Other locations are smaller and may have more limited inventory in certain categories.
Store hours vary by location and may change seasonally or for holidays. You can find current hours and addresses on the Tattered Cover website or by calling a specific location directly. Hours are also posted on the storefront and on Google Maps and other mapping services.
The online store operates separately from physical store hours and allows you to place orders at any time. Pickup and delivery timelines depend on the order volume and the specific location.
How pricing and returns work
Prices at Tattered Cover are set by the store and may differ from online retailers or other bookstores. New books are typically priced at or near the publisher's suggested retail price printed on the back cover. Used books are priced lower based on condition, age, and demand.
Return and exchange policies vary depending on whether the book is new or used and the condition it's in. Most new books can be returned or exchanged within a set timeframe if they are in resalable condition and you have a receipt. Used books have different policies, and some used purchases may not be returnable. Ask staff about the specific policy when you purchase, or check your receipt for the return window and conditions.
If you order online, the return policy for that purchase is included in your order confirmation email. Online returns typically require you to ship the item back or return it to a store location, depending on how you ordered.
Events and author appearances
Tattered Cover hosts author readings, book signings, and other literary events at various locations throughout the year. These events are usually free to attend and open to the public. You can find information about upcoming events on the Tattered Cover website or by calling a store location.
Events are announced in advance, and some may require registration or have limited seating. The flagship Denver location hosts more frequent events than smaller locations. If you're interested in attending an author event or book discussion, checking the website or signing up for the store's mailing list will keep you informed about what's coming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a book online and pick it up at a different Tattered Cover location than the one I ordered from?
This depends on the store's policies. Some locations allow cross-location pickup, while others require you to pick up at the location where you placed the order. When you order online or by phone, ask staff which locations accept pickup for your order, or check the order confirmation for pickup location options.
Do Tattered Cover stores buy used books from customers?
Many independent bookstores buy used books from customers, but policies vary by location. Contact your nearest Tattered Cover store directly to ask whether they purchase used books, what condition they require, and how much they typically pay. Some stores may accept donations instead of purchases.
What's the difference between ordering online and buying in the store?
Online orders show availability through the website's inventory system, which updates separately from physical store shelves. Prices are usually the same, but online orders may take a few days to process and prepare for pickup or delivery, whereas in-store purchases are when ready. Online orders also allow you to shop outside store hours.
Can I return a book I bought in-store if I lost the receipt?
Most stores require a receipt to process returns, but policies vary. Contact the location where you made the purchase and explain your situation. Staff may be able to look up the transaction if you used a credit card or have other proof of purchase, but this is not may provide.
Does Tattered Cover offer a loyalty program or membership?
Check the Tattered Cover website or ask staff at your local store about current loyalty programs, membership options, or mailing lists. These offerings change over time, and different locations may have different programs available.