Five independent shops in the Millcreek area are getting a holiday spotlight, offering residents an alternative to online retailers as the Christmas shopping season approaches.
Millcreek City Lifestyle writer Jessica Sorbonne profiled the five stores in a gift guide published Oct. 26. The shops stretch across the 3300 South corridor and surrounding streets, each with a different niche.
La Vie En Rose at 2327 E. 3300 South bills itself as "a piece of Paris and a life in pink," according to the shop's Instagram page. The boutique features floating parasols, French macarons and an espresso bar alongside gem-studded jewelry, accessories, artisanal skincare and home décor, the guide said.
Retro Betty's, next door on 3300 South, sells secondhand vintage clothing, new retro reproductions, kitschy gifts, retro clocks, furniture and dish towels. The store has been in business for 14 years.
In coverage published Oct. 22, employee Francesca Anariva said the shop supports local vendors, including local musicians. "We have customers here that have been coming since the place opened," Anariva said. Business picks up during holidays like Halloween and Christmas, she said.
Cactus & Tropicals, a plant nursery operating since 1975, carries houseplants, succulents, pottery and home décor across three locations. Its Salt Lake City store at 2735 S. 2000 East is the closest to Millcreek. The nursery also offers seasonal poinsettias and custom holiday décor, according to its website. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Lone Pine Gear Exchange at 2835 E. 3300 South in East Millcreek sells new and consigned outdoor gear for skiing, snowboarding, climbing and camping. Founders Ben Johnson and Katy Jackson started the shop after running other consignment businesses, according to the store's website.
Beyond gear, Lone Pine houses a ski repair and tune shop, two commercial sewing machines for gear repair, a refill station and an in-house coffee shop. The store has partnered with One Tree Planted and plants a tree for every sale. Fall hours run 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, shifting to winter hours after Thanksgiving.
The Red Balloon Toy Store is a locally owned chain with locations in Salt Lake City, Sandy, Logan and Provo, according to its LinkedIn page. The store carries toys, games and puzzles. The company employs between 51 and 200 people.
The full guide is available on the Millcreek City Lifestyle website.
