The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for retailers of all sizes — but for small businesses, it can be make-or-break, and this is especially true in Utah. Every gift you pick, every cup of coffee you grab from a local café, every handmade item you choose to give has a ripple effect. Your holiday spending helps small business owners pay their employees, keep their doors open and support the local community. Utah’s strong small business community makes every dollar count even more, keeping money circulating right here at home. To see just how much your purchases matter, check out the following statistics:
This holiday season, consumers are expected to spend around $263 billion overall, with roughly $109 billion going directly to small businesses — a 44% increase over last year. Nearly half of all holiday shopping dollars are flowing to local shops, makers and entrepreneurs. And on a personal level, 93% of small business owners say that holiday sales are essential to their yearly success, with many relying on this season for up to half of their annual revenue.
Utah is uniquely positioned to benefit from this kind of local support. With about 371,569 small businesses, which make up over 99% of all Utah firms, the impact of your purchases is huge. Choosing to shop small doesn’t just help a business owner — it helps keep jobs in your community, strengthens neighborhoods and fuels a thriving local economy. This holiday season, your dollars can do more than buy gifts; they can help build a stronger, more vibrant Utah.
Shopping local is about more than dollars — it’s about community. Every purchase helps support neighbors, fund local causes and keep the heart of Utah’s communities thriving.
Celebrate the season by exploring your local businesses and sharing your finds — don’t forget to use the #ShopSmall hashtag to show your support!
