Salt Lake City, UT – Small Business Saturday marks the start of Utah’s holiday shopping season, drawing crowds to bustling city centers and festive winter markets from Salt Lake City to St. George. With cold air settling in and nights arriving earlier, safety officials are encouraging shoppers to take extra precautions while navigating busy stores, snowy parking lots, and holiday attractions this winter.
According to local authorities, avoiding shopping alone after dark remains one of the most effective ways to stay safe. Whether browsing City Creek Center in Salt Lake City, strolling along Provo’s Center Street, or exploring Ogden’s Historic 25th Street, having a friend or family member with you greatly increases awareness—especially during the crowded holiday rush.
Parking safely is another major consideration across Utah’s winter shopping hubs. Popular destinations like The Gateway, Fashion Place Mall, and St. George’s Red Cliffs area tend to fill quickly. Officials recommend choosing well-lit spaces with steady foot traffic, ideally near entrances. With patches of ice and snow common in many parts of the state, well-lit parking areas also reduce the risk of slips or falls.
Once shoppers load their purchases into the car, they are urged to keep items out of sight. Officials note an uptick in vehicle break-ins statewide during the holiday season, often when bags or wrapped gifts are visible on seats. Storing purchases in the trunk, covering them, or making drop-offs between stops can greatly reduce theft.
Winter weather also heightens the need for personal awareness. Crowded districts like Park City’s Main Street or Downtown SLC’s holiday markets can be distracting, with lights, events, and crowds everywhere. Keeping wallets, purses, and phones secured and staying alert when walking—especially on icy sidewalks—can prevent both theft and accidents.
Before leaving any shopping area, officials recommend following the “ELFS” safety routine: Enter your vehicle quickly, Lock the doors, Fasten your seatbelt, and Secure your belongings before driving away.
