Shopping Local: How To Curb Your Amazon Addiction

April 18th, 2020

Does your doorstep look like this?

I get it: one-click buying is so easy. Maren here. As a mom of two with two galleries and the commitments they entail, I love an easy and fast way to buy from the comfort of home.

But during these exceptional times I am finding ways to curb my Amazon Addiction — and they all start close to home!

Before you click that Prime button, ask yourself: can I buy this item in my own little town? Who can I call to find out? Can I buy something similar here in town (even if it’s not my most favorite brand)? My little girl needs leggings, who has this locally? Does my hairdresser sell shampoo? Can I buy menswear locally?

Keeping our sales (and sales tax) dollars in Summit County has never been more important. The dollars that you spend in your own area compound and assist other local businesses on a greater scale than those spent at larger, chain stores. Because an average two-thirds of every dollar ($0.67) spent at small businesses in the US stays in the local community, consumers’ local impact during the Covid-19 closures is going to be even more significant. Further, every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 50 cents in local business activity as a result of employee spending and businesses purchasing local goods and services, according to the Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express (NYSE: AXP).

So where can you turn for things you need at home (and treats and gifts you “need” too!)?

Here is a list of some of our local favorites to shop for first… before you click that Prime Buy Now button!

SUNDRIES

While Walgreens and Wall-mart are both local here in Summit County, why not try outside of the big-box for these purchases? Riverhorse Provisions has all of your necessities: dog treats and mustards, TP and tampons, CBD salts, alcohol mixers and Advil (see what we did there?), and groceries — even yeast too (just ask). Park City Mercantile has toothpaste, fragrance, beard oil(!), razors, and deodorant, along with puzzles and games, cook books, and home goods like candles and cleaning supplies. The owner has a stylish eye and would be happy to add a hand-beaded pair of earrings to your sale, too. Both stores are owned by locals with young families and deep roots in Park City. Wine has become a necessity (at least, in my own home) and locally-owned Old Town Cellars is open daily for curb-side pick-up. The two gentleman who own the Cellars are committed to local non-profits and are giving back with each bottle sale. Buy wine, drink wine, feel good!

GIFTS

It’s Mother’s Day in a few weeks, right? And you know your friends are going to get tired of those drive-by birthday parties — time to step up your gifting game. So pick something out locally and send it to them. Hint! All of these businesses will wrap and ship the gift for you — many times, with same-day delivery. Beat that, Bezos! I just bought my own mom a hand-made bauble at Ron Butkovich’s jewelry store. Ron will text photos and ideas in any price point, and wraps each piece with creative gusto! Many options are under $50 too. While we are on jewelry, I cannot miss our dear friends at Park City Jewelers, who are taking private appointment shoppers and also texting and FaceTiming to find you the perfect gift. Many of their items are made in-house by the two generations that run the store. Of course, here at Gallery MAR we are staffed daily and we can also wrap and deliver fine art same-day, and have a variety of price points beginning at $325. We are staffed daily and available for private appointments and Covid-safe deliveries.

A few other favorite gift stores and their offerings:

Splendor Park City: Hand-embroidered hats, accessory gifts, bubble bath, candles, eye cream, all the make-up, and jewelry. Many kid-friendly items here too like bath bombs (it’s not-so-secretly my daughters’ favorite shop in town!). They are carrying locally curated brands as well as Mother’s Day boxes to-go, available on their website. As owner Delilah says, “Our nationwide small business fellowship is the backbone of America and when the dust has settled, we will be here to continue to hold up our communities.”

Cake and C2: Delicious lotions and potions, lounge-wear, and jewelry, and hair-care (root touch-up anyone?). Beautifully curated, the owner has an expert eye, and a young family here in town. They are offering specially-discounted Cake Boxes of her favorites, delivered each week. Even bathing suits for your stay-at-home hottub soak! Ask any lady in town, a gift from Cake is better than any other sweet treat.

Flight Boutique: Ask them about their in-home try-on VIP boxes. I ordered one myself and had a BALL. They are also doing daily deals (50% off of Free People dresses, anyone? 25% off of shoes??) through Instagram and will wrap and ship a gift to your friend, or a gift card which your bestie can use to shop online. The two ladies who own this store are angels, and continually give back to our community.

Panache Park City: This fabulous store just went online! Welcome them to the 21st Century by purchasing a pair of Uber-chic tennis shoes or the Herno coat you have been eyeing through their windows. They have beautiful accessories and jewelry by local and personal favorite Meredith Young.

Mary Jane’s: Buy a gift card for your niece! I love that this store has the bare necessities: underwear, socks and tights, of course shoes and boots, and even pasties. They are of course running a sale — and people can easily shop online, too. Check out their Instagram to see their latest styles and shoes, and daily manager’s deals. The co-owner Ashley is offering up her cell phone to connect and FaceTime to see the racks.

KIDS

Baby NeeNee and Minnows (brand-new at Redstone!): Kids’ underwear! Tell me you don’t need that. And jammies, toys, bibs, and other tots’ essentials. Baby NeeNee is also offering a “leave one, take one” table outside their store where you can drop off diapers and puzzles and pick up something you need. Park City community, you are looking good. Minnows does window-shopping well — just drive up and call them and they will showcase their favorites through the glass. Jammies are for day-time now, right? Or is that just in my family? It’s an easy equation: buy for your kids locally = help other working families in your town.

Dolly’s Bookstore: Need a read for you or the family? Order a real book instead of the e-version and support a local business that has been around for decades. Enjoy the feel (and smell!) of a real book in your hands. They also are a great resource for kid’s gifts: call them and tell them the age of the child and they can put together options for your favorite kiddo stuck at home. Puzzles, games, cards, gifts, and more. Personally, our most-cherished presents are books from loved-ones, with hand-written notes from the giver on the first page. Do you need craft supplies for your at-home programming? Yep, they have those too.

MEN

We can’t forget the guys in our life! Before you buy from the big-boys like Old Navy or Nordstrom, try local. Take a few extra moments and get creative about how your can find what you need. PROSPECT has a great selection of men’s summer-wear and gear for warming weather and even beach-dreaming too. Owner Casey always curates the best, and best value, goods for the guys. And also on Main is Grace Clothiers, owned my local Laura who would be happy to put together a curated texted images of menswear for a more polished, dapper look. Of course, both stores also have women’s wear, so ask for a few suggestions for yourself too.

FOOD

Restaurant gift certificates and to-go orders abound here in Park City. Savoury Kitchen has been our go-to caterer at Gallery MAR for over a decade and they are delivering freshly prepared meals (beef tenderloin and kale salad with a side of potatoes gratin), and even meal kits (homemade pizza is always a good idea!). Nervous about Take-out? Read this article about why you need’t be!

Mountain Olive Oil: Is you giftee a foodie? This store is here for you. The owner Jessica goes above and beyond to prepare gifts shipped within a week, packed with food and delicious oils. Need a mortar and pestle? She’s got that. Specialty spice out at the grocery store? She’s got that too. Need inspiration? Dishing Magazine has compiled a list of recipes made with the products found at this store.

So many of our Park City restaurants are offering curb-side delivery and many are doing specials and price-breaks too, making it easy to order up from your couch. Ask if they have a weekly deal or daily special and make your own fancy date-night an inside affair. The Historic Park City Alliance has complied a list of the restaurants that are currently doing pick-up and curbside orders, below. Check them out, support them, and celebrate them when we can all safely open up again.

501 on Main – Open for carryout from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bangkok Thai – Curbside service with limited cook-to-order entrees and frozen to-go packs. Service available Tuesday – Saturday.
Davanza’s – Open for delivery and curbside pick up.
Harvest – Open for curbside pickup. Also offering the Harvest Abundance Box available for pick up between noon and 3:00 p.m. Thursdays. The Harvest Abundance Box includes fresh fruit and vegetables, a dozen free range eggs and bacon for $45.
PC Provisions by Riverhorse – Market open for essentials. Available for curbside pick-up from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Red Banjo – Open for delivery and curbside pick up. Red Banjo offers a 25% discounted when mentioning #pcunited. In addition to discounts for the community, Red Banjo is delivering donated meals to community members in need and has partnered with Flight boutique to offer a 50% discount to customers who have purchased a Flight boutique gift card.
Tekila – Open for delivery or curbside pick up.
tupelo – Weekly family style supper combos available for no-contact delivery to your doorstep. Orders must be placed by Thursday at 2 p.m. for delivery Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

A few other ways to support your local businesses

Want to do more than spend dollars?

Give them a Yelp or Google review — follow them on Instagram — re-post their posts — tell others when you shop local and spread the good news — and buy a gift-card for you or a friend!

Didn’t find what you are looking for on this list? Call the gallery at 435-649-3001 and ask for Maren’s cell phone — I will personally do my best to assist you with keeping your dollars here, locally! Remember to get creative. Together, we can all end the Amazon Addiction.

We will be back open soon, but in the mean time — stay safe, shop local! A full list from the Historic Park City Alliance, of shops their offerings during the Covid-19 closures. Send us an email at info@gallerymar.com if we are missing you on this list, and we will add you too.

Alpenglow Boutique – Online sales available.
Cade&Co – Online sales available. Free shipping available with discount code: FreeShipping, favorite styles on sale, additional 10% discount available with discount code: parkcity10.
Cake – Offering 30% off the entire site, editor’s picks offered at additional discounts.
Dugins West – Park City t-shirts and souvenirs are available through FaceTime, phone, and email for pick up or delivery.
Flight Boutique – Online sales available and shipping daily. Let Flight pick out a handful of items delivered directly to your home and send back what you don’t like. Private FaceTime shopping appointments and gift cards are available.
Mary Jane’s – Online sales available. Follow @maryjanesshoes on Instagram for daily offerings and deals.
Mountain Town Olive Oil – Online sales available with new products added website daily.
Old Town Cellars – Wine sales available curbside from 2 – 7 p.m. daily by calling 435-655-5291.
Olive & Tweed – Online sales available.
Panache Park City – An additional 20% will be added to all gift card sales.
Park City Jewelers – Online sales, custom orders, and repairs available. Additionally, Park City Jewelers buys old jewelry and gold and is available for appraisals and engraving. Mention online coupon for additional savings.
Pearls by Shari – Celebrate your wedding, anniversary, or other special day with a pearl as beautiful as you. Memorable moments in life don’t wait.
Sien + Co – Online sales available.
Sitka Fur Gallery – Shop Fur Good! Sitka Fur Gallery, formally known as Alaska Fur Gallery, is donating 5% of all sales to the Park City Community Foundation’s Community Response Fund. All merchandise is 50-80% off, including coats, accessories, and blankets. It’s their biggest end-of-seas sale ever! Shop online or call 435.649.1241 as most items are not yet featured on the website. Shop local and give local!
Southwestern Expressions – Online sales available.
Stio – Online sales available.
Timbre Art Loft – Online sales available.
We Norwegians – Shop online for end of season savings. Shipping daily.