Local shop owners enjoy boost of business on Small Business Saturday

Salt Lake City, Utah — Some small business owners in Salt Lake City said the yearly discussion around “Small Business Saturday” is paying dividends.

“There’s a lot of social media attention of just people sharing shops they like, small businesses they like, and getting them business today and just boosting each other,” said Abbey Muse, owner of Animalia on 900 South.

According to muse, Small Business Saturday is her busiest shopping day of the year.

“Great, lovely,” she said. “It was a constant stream of people. It was fun.”

According to other owners, people are creating a personal connection when they choose to shop at small businesses.

“You never saw the guy at Amazon do a happy dance when you click your order button,” said Kelly Beumer, owner of Wild Waters Soapery. “All of us will.”

According to Beumer, she does what she can to support local businesses and collaborate with them, and some of her products can be found in Muse’s Animalia store. That kind of camaraderie is common among small business owners, Muse said.

“We’re all kind of like, ‘I hope today’s awesome for you,’” Muse said.

Muse said she is hoping the attention around Small Business Saturday can spread throughout the year.

“I hope it’s not just one day a year,” she said. “I mean, anytime you can shop local is beneficial and supportive and encouraging.”