This week, Colorado elected officials, executives and entrepreneurs gathered on the steps of the State Capital Building to unveil a new official state holiday that brings fresh meaning to 303 Day. The State Senate designated March 3 as Buy Colorado Day, a holiday to honor native businesses and boost the local economy. Buy Colorado Day is just the kick-off, additionally, Buy Colorado Week will run from March 3-10 with the hope of attracting visitors and locals to the 700,000 retailers, restaurants and companies around the state and celebrating the export of brands globally.
At a time when shopping is accessible at our fingertips and it’s easy to buy from big box retailers, now more than ever, it’s important to spotlight the businesses that drive our community. “As a brand born right here in the heart of Colorado, we’ve experienced the magic of local love firsthand. It’s what fuels our growth and keeps us grounded,” said Rodrigo Braun, Distillery Brand Experience Director at Stranahan’s parent company, Proximo Spirits. “That’s why Buy Colorado Day is a chance to not just celebrate, but supercharge the connections that make our community thrive.”
Post Christmas and Valentine’s Day, there’s often a lull in the month of March. So, what better time to dedicate a holiday that focuses on the diverse ideas and creativity of the Centennial State than 303 Day? From outdoor gear to vintage clothing to unforgettable ice cream to hand-brewed IPA, there are countless innovative products and services that Colorado offers. “At Topo Designs, we take pride in creating gear that is rooted in Colorado’s outdoor heritage but designed for adventurers everywhere,” says CEO of Topo Designs, Matt Williams. “Buy Colorado Day is a great opportunity to showcase the spirit of our home state and connect with the global community that embraces the mountain-inspired lifestyle.” The hope for Buy Colorado Day is to attract consumers with a new “attention-grabbing milestone” and increase revenue when businesses need it the most.
Ricardo Baca, lifelong Coloradan and founder of Buy Colorado Day notes the holiday isn’t a surface-level day to just shop but a transformative movement about how we view supporting local business. “By uniting Colorado’s most innovative brands with conscious consumers all over the world, we’re creating an economic engine that will drive our state’s commerce for generations.”
Colorado is the birthplace of some of the most iconic products purchased globally, including some we use daily. “There’s something in the Rocky Mountain water here. Something that breeds innovation, fuels creativity, and builds businesses that change the world,” said Baca. The convenience of a healthier fast-casual option at Chipotle, the comfort of Croc, the soothing warmth of a cup of Celestial Seasonings tea, the satisfaction of sucking on a Jolly Rancher and the creamy deliciousness of a root beer float on a hot Denver day are just a few products and services created in our home state.
Buy Colorado Day officially launches in March 2026, but for now purchase produce from Park Hill Supermarket, bask in the sun while feasting on Bonfire Burritos, find your spring wardrobe at The Vintage Label and support the businesses that make Colorado shine.