The Gift That Gives Back: Easy Ways to Support Grand Junction Businesses This Holiday Season
The holidays are a magical time of lights, laughter, and (let’s be honest) a little bit of shopping. At The Janice Burtis Team, we believe that home isn’t just four walls and a roof — it’s the heartbeat of the town: the shops where kids pick out birthday gifts, the café where local artists display their work, the florist you call when you want to surprise someone special. This holiday season, let’s lean into that local spirit and channel our joy (and dollars!) toward the people who make Grand Junction unique.
We’re sharing bite-sized tips for supporting local businesses during the holidays, plus a spotlight for four Grand Junction gems we can’t stop recommending.
Small Business Saturday & The Numbers Behind Local Shopping
Small Business Saturday (November 29th) is more than a catchy hashtag or a chance to sleep in after Black Friday — it’s an intentional day (and mindset) to rally around the mom-and-pops that color our streets, sponsor our youth teams, and fill local storefronts with heart.
So, why does supporting local businesses matter? For one, the numbers speak volumes. According to a recent article, local businesses help keep money local by circulating sales tax revenue into essential services — your police, fire, streets, and trash pickup. Locally owned shops often support community nonprofits, choose local suppliers, and reinvest in hometown projects.
Beyond infrastructure, shopping local helps preserve the personality of our towns. Chains and online behemoths tend to flatten uniqueness; independent businesses fill our neighborhoods with quirks, stories, and a sense of place.
Tips to Support Local this Holiday Season
Here are some simple but impactful ways to support small businesses in our community:
Buy local gift cards — Think of it as sending a little “I believe in you” note to your favorite shop. They get immediate support, and your friends or family get to treat themselves later. It’s a win-win that keeps money right here in our community.
Subscribe or snag a membership — Whether it’s a floral delivery service, a yoga studio, or a local wine club, a subscription helps businesses plan ahead and keeps your name on their “favorite customers” list all year long.
Order takeout or delivery — When the holiday rush leaves you too tired to cook, skip the national chains and order from your neighborhood restaurant instead. Those delicious tacos or pizzas go a long way in helping local eateries thrive (and usually taste better anyway).
Tip a little extra — The holidays are hectic for everyone, especially for those in service jobs. A few extra dollars can make someone’s day—and it’s one of the easiest ways to spread real holiday cheer.
Write a positive review — It’s completely free and surprisingly powerful. A quick shout-out on Google or Facebook can help a small business get discovered by new customers. Your words might be the reason they gain a loyal fan.
Choose handcrafted gifts and local experiences — Forget cookie-cutter gifts! From handmade jewelry to pottery classes or concert tickets, local finds are filled with heart and story. Plus, you’ll be supporting the creative folks who make Grand Junction one-of-a-kind.
Business Spotlights
Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra
📍412 Main Street Grand Junction, CO 81501
We are especially proud to shine a light on the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra (GJSO)—not just because the music is phenomenal, but because of the vital role it plays in uniting our community here in the Grand Valley. Our very own Janice Burtis serves on both the GJSO Board and the Foundation Board, which gives her front-row insight into how this organization impacts lives locally.
Thanks to initiatives like the “Gateway Initiative,” student tickets are deliberately affordable at just $5, ensuring young people can experience live symphonic music. You can support by purchasing a GJSO subscription or gift certificate for someone special, inviting your friends and family along to a winter concert, or even by sponsoring a musician or contributing to the Foundation’s endowment—these funds help stabilize the organization so it can keep delivering excellence.
📍2494 Patterson Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505
If Grand Junction needs a go-to florist, it’s Country Elegance Florist—a family-owned shop that’s been delighting locals for years. Aside from their stunning seasonal bouquets, they also offer a weekly floral subscription option which is perfect for gifting or keeping your own home bright through the seasons. During holidays like Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, or simply when you want to surprise someone, they’re equipped to accommodate last-minute orders and same-day delivery (if placed early).
We heartily recommend them — for us, they’re floral royalty in Mesa County.
📍439 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Right in the heart of downtown Grand Junction, Zephyr brings boutique charm, well curated women’s fashion, accessories, and jewelry to our streets. Established in 1997, they’ve grown with our community, adapting styles and offering personalized service. Downtown GJ notes that Zephyr carries everything from casual wear to formalwear and accepts downtown gift cards.
People love Zephyr because it’s that first stop when you need something special — whether for a holiday party, a dress for an event, or to treat yourself just because. Their alterations service, helpful staff, and thoughtful selection make it more than a shop: it’s an experience. With holiday window displays, local foot traffic, and seasonal glow-ups, Zephyr adds to the downtown energy and invites people to linger, browse, and support the block.
📍 3090 N 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81506
If your stomach (or your gift list) needs a treat, swing by Spoons Bistro & Bakery. Located in Fairmount Health Park, they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
But here’s the part that makes Spoons special: when you dine there, you aren’t just eating — you’re supporting a cause. Proceeds from Spoons help fund HopeWest, a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for those facing illness, grief, and loss. That means your cup of coffee or your croissant helps a mission beyond the plate.
The menu itself draws praise for consistency & creativity. Many locals drive out of their way just to get Spoons’ meals, whether breakfast burritos, elegant dinners, or weekend brunch. It’s one of those places that feels good to support — delicious food and community impact.
Grand Junction is more than a dot on a map — it’s a patchwork of homes, dreams, and the people who run the bakery, the boutique, or the florist down the block. When we support local, we’re weaving our own stories into the fabric of this place.
And if your holiday plans include relocating, upsizing, downsizing, or simply exploring what Grand Junction has to offer, let The Janice Burtis Team be your local guide. We live here, breathe here, and believe in growing with our community. Reach out — we’d love to help you find your next home, and maybe even suggest your next favorite local business while we’re at it!
