2025 Voted Aspen’s Best Gift Shop in the Aspen Times!
The Aspen Emporium
Aspen Colorado, a mining camp in the 1880s, struggled through the early 1900s and World War II, before 1945, when Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke fell in love with the area and conceived of “the Aspen Idea” —a vision of a cultural and intellectual hub where “mind, body and spirit” could all be nurtured.
The Paepckes went to work founding the Aspen Institute, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Aspen Skiing Company. Through the late 1960s-1970s, the town attracted a bohemian culture where hippies, musicians, and drugs clashed with Aspen’s original ideals.Before long, the hippy funk was overtaken by the influx of the ultrawealthy real-estate moguls, socialites, and celebrities in the 1980s.
Through it all, Aspen’s core values of environmental stewardship, cultural and artistic pursuits, community engagement and collaboration, connection to Nature, and protecting Aspen’s rich history, remained strong and unwavering.
The Aspen Emporium is an ode to Aspen’s history and values. The Main Street building itself is an Aspen Landmark, dating back to 1893. Before being the Emporium, it housed Jill’s Carpet, but in 2011, long-time Aspenites, Shae Singer and Shirley Tipton, brought their dream of a funky and friendly space for local artists and vendors to become collective business partners to life. Being an entrepreneur—especially in Aspen-- is difficult, but artists and makers banding together gives them a chance to not only survive, but hopefully thrive.
In 2023, Sharae Allen and Gina Matson took over the reins of the Emporium.
Today the Emporium supports the collective talents of more than 75 Colorado artists and local vendors. It showcases an impressive range of unique artisans who are highly skilled craftsmen and women who create not only an impressive array of quality, unique artwork, home décor, jewelry and accessories, natural and organic beauty and wellness products, it also offers a micro market that boasts valley natural organic foods such as teas, oil oils, spices, gourmet chocolates and toffees, and even gluten free goodies—a true emporium of treasures and delights.
The Emporium is a delightful blend of art gallery, gift shop, home decor haven and healthful mini market. We celebrate local artistry, showcasing treasures created with love.
Come on in and join us in supporting quality creativity!
Sharae Allen
Meet Sharae, a proud Colorado Native whose adventures have taken her across three continents and 19 different zip codes. Her passion for travel has not only deepened her appreciation for diverse cultures and art, but has also enriched her connections with people from all walks of life.
With a strong educational background business and marketing, Sharae has embraced entrepreneurship, creating a fulfilling life filled with excitement and dreams realized. In addition to running the Emporium, she also operates Olíva Oils and Moving Mountains Tea Co.
At the Aspen Emporium, Oliva Oils, and MMTC are dedicated to excellence, ensuring every bottle of oil and vinegar and every delicious bag of tea embodies our passion for greatness, and that every piece of art is a reflection of our artists' own greatness.
