Reseller Spotlight: Crystal Books and Gifts
Tucked away in the scenic heart of Grand Junction, Colorado, Crystal Books and Gifts offers more than just your typical independent bookshop experience. With its thoughtfully curated collection of books, spiritual accessories, and inspiring gifts, the shop serves as a local sanctuary for seekers, thinkers, and creatives alike. It's also a proud retailer of MOVA Globes, captivating pieces that align perfectly with the store’s mission to spark curiosity and personal growth.
In honour of Independent Retailer Month, we spoke with Cheryl Lucas, owner of Crystal Books and Gifts, to hear how her journey began, what continues to inspire her, and how MOVA Creations have become a cherished part of her shop’s offering.
Tell us a little bit about how Crystal Books & Gifts started.
Crystal Books and Gifts had been a dream for over 15 years. It had a name, logo and blueprints years before it was opened. After a period of unemployment and the quote ” To bring anything into you life, pretend that it is already there” from “Illusions” by Richard Bach, we opened the store. We received financing from friends and relatives on a Friday evening and opened 10 days later. We will celebrate our 28th Anniversary this October.
The Crystal Books & Gifts storefront in Grand Junction
Why are you proud to be an Independent Retailer?
It is a great way to connect with the community and it keeps the dollars local which keeps the local economy thriving. It is easier to adapt quickly to the needs and want of your customers.
What makes your store unique? Why do your customers love shopping there?
Crystal Books and Gifts is a locally owned and operated store dedicated to helping the individual explore the physical universe that surrounds them as well as examining the intellectual, emotional and spiritual universes that reside within. Opened in 1987, Crystal Books and Gifts is known as the area’s premier source for an eclectic mix of books ranging from quantum physics to metaphysics; from Native American studies to texts on religions from around the world. It is also known for having premium quality unique gifts, music, statuary, symbolic jewelry, aromatherapy and unusual greeting cards.
How are you impacting your community?
Crystal Books and Gifts strives to continue serving the community by presenting a broad spectrum of beliefs and perspectives for examination. We also promote local authors through our OFF THE SHELF program. We have an entire wall stocked with books by local writers and we will promote them during the Downtown Farmer’s Market each week. They will present their book to the public with a presentation of their choice. The local newspapers and television station assist in helping promote their work as well.
Crystal Books & Gifts supports their community by showcasing local authors.
What makes the city of Grand Junction interesting and why should people visit the area?
Grand Junction is a high desert community, yet is 30 minutes away from a ski resort and the largest Flat Top Mountain in the United States. Our community is known for its beautiful Downtown with our “Art on the Corner”, wineries and mountain biking.
When did you first discover MOVA Globes?
We saw them at the AmericasMart Atlanta show in January 2013.
What are your customers’ general responses to MOVA Globes? Any memorable customer interactions?
The first reaction is “How does it work?”. As we display it in a lit tower in the front of the store, you will always see people stopping to look at it and then come in the store to ask about it. [One customer commented], “the MOVA Globe was so captivating and magical that I had to Google it to find out how it works. Realizing the unique and creative technology that went into it, I returned to the store to buy it”, [and another said] “The Mova Globe will stop you in your tracks and leave you scratching your head.”
Crystal Books & gifts customers meet to discuss the works of local writers.
Which model is your favorite and why?
Our favorite is the 4.5″ Blue with Relief [Map]. As a store that [sells] telescopes and globes, it is a natural fit. The price point is best for the clientele that we serve.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
When you own a local business, your customers become your friends. Fourteen years after we opened, my husband and co-owner, died unexpectedly. The response from the community was overwhelming. We had so many people come to his Celebration of Life held at our store, that there was a line around the block for those who wanted to share in this event. Another reason we are proud to be an Independent Retailer.
