Shopping local isn’t just a transaction — it’s about reinvesting back into your community. Small business owners in Washington County say they contribute in ways big corporations can’t, from the relationships they form with customers, to the dollars that they reinvest within the local economy.
“Your taxes stay here,” Jennifer Hawkins, owner of the home and gift shop Reclaimed, said. “You’re benefiting your neighbors and your friends by shopping with [business owners]... Shopping small, the money stays right in your neighborhood.”
Katy Jones, owner of LEGO retailer Red Mountain Bricks in St. George, said she partners with places like the St. George Children’s Museum and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, to find ways to put money back into the community. With the children’s museum, they collaborated with a LEGO designer in northern Utah to create custom Rufus the Dragon mascot figures, sold at both the museum gift shop and her store, with proceeds going to the museum.
“If you shop at Amazon, it goes to Jeff Bezos,” said Tanya Mills, owner of St. George’s The Book Bungalow. “He doesn’t need more money. The community needs money. The more you can support the community, the better the community will do.”
Local shop owners also get to know their customers, and cater to their needs for a personalized experience.
“We get to know your grandchildren and your children as far as what their needs are,” said Stephanie Webb, co-owner of Mimi and Coco Kids Boutique in Santa Clara. She said you can’t call a department store and say your 9-year-old’s needs but at their boutique, they’ll know what brands you like and what styles. “And you don’t get that in a bigger environment.”
Kaitlen Polatis, owner of the Santa Clara flower shop Daisy Blume, said bigger stores may have the same products that she carries for less, but shoppers at big-box stores miss out on the experience she provides. Her store includes a flower bar, custom arrangements and workshops.
“You can go to the grocery store and get a bunch of daisies for maybe $5 and that’s the cheapest you’re going to find them. Our [flowers] are priced more premium, but we have the same people that come out and support us. It’s more about the connection.”
Nancy Van Matre, owner of the St. George home decor store Cosy House, said shopping in person is better than online. In a brick and mortar store, you can touch the products and feel if they are right for you and your home. “It’s totally different than shopping online,” she said. ”And a lot of times you’re disappointed when you get stuff online because the proportions are wrong… or it’s hard to imagine exactly what you’re getting until you get it.”
Some shops give back to the community, like Comics Plus. Owner David Roland said he hosts Free Comic Book Day twice a year, where libraries in Washington County offer free comic books.
In the past the store has held a Halloween Zombie Walk, in which admission to participate was nonperishable foods. “I remember one year, I was especially proud of all my customers [because] we raised over 500 pounds of food to donate to one of the food [banks] here in town. It brought a tear to my eye to see that much outpouring from my customers.”
Owners are also passionate about their items. Jones, at Red Brick, said you’re among fellow LEGO enthusiasts who have the same hobby as you. “You’re not going to see people standing around chit-chatting at the aisle at a big corporate store,” she explained. She has seen customers come in looking for a specific piece at the table filled with random LEGOS, and “before you know it, there will be a group of five to six people helping that one person find the part they need.”
“Our store has a really big community feel to it,” Jones said. “I feel like a culture is starting to brew. [People are] coming in and helping each other, people who are like-minded, who have the same hobby, who want to help each other out, build together. And I think that’s what makes our story unique and special versus a corporate store.”
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