Shining Lotus logo

Shining Lotus™ has been in operation for more than 50 years. In fact, it is the oldest metaphysical bookstore still in business in the Rocky Mountain region.

The Metaphysical Bookstore was founded in 1972, at the dawn of the “new age”, when widespread study of metaphysics was being re-focused. Our store was born on the east end of Colfax Avenue by Cleta Williamson, with help from spiritual teacher Dee Davis.

After Cleta’s death in 1990, her daughter Cheryl inherited the store, and managed it with the help of her father Bob Williamson. The store moved from 9511 E. Colfax Avenue in Aurora to the corner of E. Evans Avenue and S. Colorado Boulevard in 1995. In 1997 the Metaphysical Bookstore merged with the Metaphysical Center to become the Metaphysical Bookstore & Center.

The store was owned and managed by astrologer Paula Roosa from 2000 to 2008.

Tim Johnson & Justin Swanström Durand bought the store in 2008. In January 2009 the name of the store changed to Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore. The store moved to 2553 S. Colorado Boulevard in the University Hills West Shopping Center in March 2017.

Whatever happened to the Criterion Shopping Center??

Answered on January 5, 2017

2009 Shining Lotus at dusk in the Criterion Shopping Center
Criterion Shopping Ctr

The Criterion Shopping Center just south of Evans is closed its doors March 1, 2017 to be re-developed to a 300+ unit apartment complex. The corner is the former site of several iconic businesses over the years, including The Deadbeat Club, The Original Metaphysical Bookstore, Cheapo Discs, Baskin Robbins, Radio Shack, Ya Halla Restaurant, Bill’s Clips & Collars, and University Veterinary Clinic.

The Criterion was the site of many long-time retail establishments that included The Retreat Grill & Sports Tavern, The Country Fair Garden Center, Blue Moon Sushi & Asian Grill, Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore, Amish Furniture Gallery, Larry’s Hairstyling, Colorado School of Iyengar Yoga, Double Quick Printing Services, Lebnani Mezza Grill and Social House.

  • Country Fair Garden Center moved to Quebec and Leetsdale.
  • Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore moved to the University Hills West Shopping Center in the 2500 block of S. Colorado Blvd.
  • Larry’s Hairstyling moved to the Virginia Village Shopping Center at Florida and Holly.
  • Amish Furniture Gallery has existing stores in Centennial and Westminster.
  • Double Quick Printing Services moved to Monaco and Evans.
  • The Retreat Grill & Sports Tavern closed after 40 years, and was the home of Cleveland Browns fans in Denver.
  • Colorado School of Iyengar Yoga, a 20+ year icon, also closed its doors.
  • The Blue Moon Sushi & Asian Grill is closed, and the same for Lebnani Mezza Grill & Social House.

2020 Worldwide COVID-19 Pandemic

March 24, 2020 -- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock issued a mandatory "stay-at-home" order for all non-essential businesses which included many retail stores. Our store shut down to in-person shopping, leaving us with mailing or curb-side pickup orders. Being closed until May 9 was difficult, but with help from our friends, we were able to weather the storm and come through stronger than ever.

A Payroll Protection loan from the Small Business Administration was very helpful in bringing back most of our employees. Many of our customers have gone above and beyond to help us come back to a brisk business through the next few years.