About Us
Our Story
Nature’s Oasis – Durango’s Great Natural Market – is family-owned and operated by Sherri and Jeff Watson, who met while attending Fort Lewis College in Durango. The pair fell in love with each other and Southwest Colorado, and decided to make it their home, create a family, and bring their vision of owning a natural and organic market to life.
While working in other professions, they purchased their first small store (located on North Main) in 1993, which used to offer mainly supplements and books. It was that period in life when two young ambitious and loving people worked tirelessly to achieve their dream; to become the area’s most trusted and largest natural and organic market.
Over time, they moved from their humble small beginnings to their second larger building located along the river in the middle of Durango. They were able to expand their deli and provide the offerings of a true full-service natural and organic market. However, they quickly outgrew that location, and recognized parking was challenging for their customers, employees, and suppliers.
After a great deal of intensive planning, in 2007, they broke ground on a new building at the north end of Bodo Park along the Animas River Trail, just two minutes south of downtown Durango. It is at this location their dream became a reality when they opened their doors at 300 S. Camino del Rio in 2008 with a new and beautiful eco-progressive building that now houses the largest selection of natural and organic products in the Four Corners Region.
To this day, Sherri and Jeff are regularly at the store diligently working on a variety of items from Sherri creating a lovely plant and flower department to Jeff clearing snow in the parking lot, and much more. They both love to visit with customers, who they consider friends, and to walk the aisles always thinking of ways to improve upon their vision making it the best they can for Durango and surrounding communities. It’s for reasons like this and others that Nature’s Oasis is truly Durango’s Great Natural Market.
Meet Our Managers
We’re extremely fortunate to live in an area of the world where people want to not only visit but make Durango, Colorado their forever home. For this reason, we’ve been able to hire exceptional people who have grown with us over the years. Many of our managers have been with Nature’s Oasis for decades and take great pride in their work and are often sought out by customers.
Our employees are considered family, and practice natural and organic living in their own lives. They believe in sustainable living, whole and healthy foods and products, and being environmentally friendly. Nature’s Oasis would not be what it is today without these incredible, intelligent, and kind humans, who are not only dedicated to a better and healthier life but to helping others to do the same.
Learn about our department managers, including a bit of something maybe you didn’t know; you might be surprised to learn what they have done and achieved in their lives, as well as some of their interests, unique talents, and where they came from originally.
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Jason
General Manager and Produce Manager
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Joshua (Josh)
Assistant Store Manager and Front-End Manager
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Charles (Chef)
Jack’s Meat Market Manager and Deli Manager
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Jenn
Grocery Manager
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Shauna
Health and Beauty Department Manager
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Bulk Bill
Fresh Manager
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Chris
River Liquors Manager & Sommelier
Under Our Roof
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Natural Deli
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Full-Service Grocery
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Supplements & Body Care
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Serious Delights Bakery
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Jack's Meat Market
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River Liquors
Our Community
2002: Business of the Year by Durango Chamber of Commerce
This award came largely due to how much Nature‘s Oasis gives back to its community and surrounding areas, as well as for its long-standing history in Southwest Colorado. Also, in honor of the commitment Sherri and Jeff Watson have made as residents of Durango, La Plata County, Southwest Colorado and beyond.
Durango Herald Best of Awards
Since the inception of the annual Durango Herald Best of Awards, Nature’s Oasis has been recognized by voters most every year for Best Natural Market and Best Deli. The few times we did not win first place we were second and / or third which is still an honor considering the number of options people have for places to shop and eat.
Giving Back
We’re honored to be able to donate and / provide sponsorships to many individuals, local charities, and organizations in Southwest Colorado every year. It is our pleasure to give back for all the support we have received over the past three decades helping us to grow and be a Durango mainstay.
We give monetary and in-kind donations / sponsorships, help our employees who may be in need, and utilize local businesses as much as we can. Our managers have a tremendous focus on carrying local products such as all-organic produce, handmade soaps and lotions, home-goods, and locally raised beef, pork, eggs, and more.
If you have a donation or sponsorship please click here. To discuss a product or place a special order, please call 970.247.1988 or email contact@naturesoasismarket.com.
Green Living
Our environmental stewardship is something we consider in everything we do. We were the first business in Durango to purchase 100% Green Power thru LPEA, our new building is extremely energy efficient and meets LEED’s standards. We diligently recycle, work to support and buy from local vendors and growers, and support local environmental and other organizations. Most recently, we are very proud to say we have become more environmentally responsible by installing solar panels with the help of Shaw Solar based in Durango.
