Small Business Saturday, a national campaign started in 2010, has boosted the buy-local movement in Utah.
Sheridan Mordue is co-owner of Hip & Humble, a boutique that sells clothes, jewelry, and housewares. One of her three Utah shops is on 900 South in Salt Lake City. The holiday season is where Hip & Humble makes much of its money, and Mordue is hoping Small Business Saturday will give them a boost.
“Here on 9th and 9th, we’re having Santa come, kind of making it family friendly, so the whole family can come out and shop and support all these little businesses here on the street,” Mordue says.
Mordue is also a board member for Local First Utah. According to a study they conducted last year, for every $100 spent at a national retailer, less than $14 stays in Utah, but if it’s spent at a local business, more than $55 stays in the local economy.
“If everyone can start making those small choices to support on Saturday, and support through the holidays, and continue that in their life, it will make a huge impact,” Mordue says.
The US Small Business Association estimates that last year Small Business Saturday powered an estimated 5.7 billion dollars in spending at local merchants across the country.
