Chris and Anna Brozek, owners of Slowtrain, 221 E. Broadway, an independent record shop in Salt Lake City, asked that people consider how they use their money this holiday season. Anna Brozek said that by investing in the local community, shoppers can preserve and strengthen the economy in which they and their families work.

"The best thing that people can do is to shop selectively," she said. "Not by necessarily saving by shopping at Wal-Mart, but by voting with your dollar and making you money count locally."

Doyle said that she and her husband often make the attempt to support businesses in their neighborhood because it supports people she sees everyday.

"We like to see that the people around us are making it on their own," Doyle said.

The organization Local First is encouraging Utah shoppers to support local shops and businesses from Nov. 29 through Dec. 6 this coming week as part of Buy Local First Week.

Holiday shoppers can also support local shops on Dec. 5 during the Holidays on Broadway event hosted by the Gallery Stroll and participating businesses. The event runs from 3 to 9 p.m. along Broadway (300 South) During the event, stores will remain open past their typical operating hours to accommodate holiday shoppers.

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E-mail: cnorlen@desnews.com