Denver's Sustainability Movement Fuels Local Business Growth

Denver's commitment to sustainability is reshaping its retail landscape, with neighborhoods like RiNo and Cherry Creek becoming hubs for eco-friendly businesses.

 

In August 2024, Reformation, a renowned eco-friendly fashion brand, opened its first Colorado store in Denver's Cherry Creek Shopping Center. The store features innovative "magic" changing rooms that utilize touch-screen technology to enhance customer experience and manage inventory efficiently. The interior incorporates sustainable elements such as vintage furniture and reusable totes, aligning with Reformation's mission to offset electricity usage with renewable energy.

 

Meanwhile, the RiNo Art District has welcomed the Green Spaces Marketplace, a community-driven collective supporting over 20 local vendors and artists. Launched in April 2023, this marketplace offers rental spaces for content creators, local retail, and community events. Vendors include Zero Market, providing bulk soaps and eco-friendly products, and Simple Switch, offering sustainable office and home goods. This initiative aims to create an accessible space for small businesses and creatives to connect with the community and foster growth.

 

Local businesses are also innovating in sustainability. Blazin’ Joe, a women-owned company based in Golden, repurposes coffee roasting debris into eco-friendly fire logs and starters. Recognized by NextCycle Colorado in May 2025, Blazin’ Joe exemplifies how businesses can transform waste into valuable products, contributing to a circular economy.

 

Denver's dedication to sustainability is evident in its diverse range of eco-friendly businesses and initiatives. From fashion and retail to innovative recycling solutions, the city is setting a national example for integrating environmental consciousness into commerce.