I am sitting in a large old-fashioned barber chair in Ben Paul’s shop while he runs a set of clippers over my head. “I really didn’t think I would end up cutting hair,” Ben says. “I went to get my hair cut at this hole-in-the-wall shop in Sugar House. It had such a cool vibe and was such an honest experience that it left an impression on me. I went home and talked to my wife, … [Read more...]
Turning the Page on “Big Book”
In the early naughts, myriad wealth reports predicted the eventual extinction of the independent bookshop—Amazon, by this time, had become an ever-present goliath; Barnes & Nobles had hundred of stores, and more were popping up everywhere, seemingly every week. On the surface, the dire prediction made sense; the way things go in our world, it was inevitable. And it stirred … [Read more...]
Ma and Paws Bakery
More and more nutritionists are pushing the importance of eating natural, raw foods and avoiding processed products. Megan Kilpatrick, owner of Ma and Paws Bakery in Salt Lake, says the same principles apply to your pets. Her store features “Quality natural, holistic, organic and raw foods, supplements, and fresh bakery treats” along with other supplies for your dogs and cats. … [Read more...]
The Red Balloon Toy Store
When Yamil Castillo bought The Red Balloon Toy Store 28 years ago, he had no experience in toys or running a business. But something about the toy store with a “store closing” sign on the front drew him in. He said, “It was scary because I was going to school full time, working full time, and starting a family.” He was also working on improving his English and said, “I felt … [Read more...]
Ra-Elco Electronics—A Salt Lake Fixture Since 1972
Last year, Walmart topped the Fortune 500 list of the world’s biggest companies with $482 billion in annual revenue. Amazon grew 27.1%, with nearly $136 billion in revenue. As big box stores and online sales become the norm for consumers seeking convenience and lower prices, it can be difficult for local businesses to stay afloat. Some of our neighbors, however, have found ways … [Read more...]
The Children’s Hour Bookstore
Big box stores and online purchasing is nothing new these days. In fact, companies like Amazon have made it nearly impossible to not buy your items from them. With convenient pay options, fast delivery, and easy return policys, one click is not just a new buzz word, it’s a reality. You might wonder how the small, local shops are doing amongst all the e-commerce and … [Read more...]
European Tastees
European Tastees, a family-owned European market, opened in 2005. Andrew Makian is the owner’s son and grew up working alongside his Armenian parents. The shelves are lined with all things European—fine chocolates from Poland, Germany, Belgium, Bosnia, and Russia are one of the specialty-food items they carry. The deli meats are uniquely European. The Hungarian salami, … [Read more...]
Top Reasons Why Buying Local Saves Communities and Creates Economic Opportunities
Every year we open up 16 additional pages of Utah Stories to show our readers how they can shift their spending to locally-owned businesses and buy locally-made products. It’s clear that this practice can make a huge difference to our communities, economy, and the opportunities available for entrepreneurs, but it does even more than this—it makes a big impact on our local … [Read more...]