City of Industry
Address: 280 East 900 South
Telephone: 385-419-1352
Website: cityofindustryshop.com
District: Central City
“I’ve always loved small treasures—those little things that bring joy into our lives. Owning a store where I can curate and share those special finds with others has been a dream of mine since I was thirteen.”
Sarah Anderson’s journey to opening City of Industry, a delightful stationery and small gift shop in the Central 9th district, is as unique and charming as the store itself. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Sarah’s love for stationery and small gifts began at an early age. “I remember being on a trip to Seattle when I was in junior high and walking into this little store. It was filled with treasures, and I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.’” That spark of inspiration stayed with her throughout her life.
Sarah pursued an English degree in college, a path that aligned with her love for words and writing. But it was a letterpress printing class that truly ignited her passion for paper goods. “There’s something so special and permanent about a handwritten card or a beautifully designed notebook,” she reflects. “In a world that’s increasingly digital, these tangible items hold a unique value.”
After college, Sarah’s career took her through various marketing and communications roles, often working with small businesses. Her love for stationery deepened when she joined a local letterpress company, where she could immerse herself in the world of paper goods and design. However, a move to New York City brought new opportunities and challenges.
In New York, Sarah worked for Scribble Press, a store where children could create and publish their own books and products. “Working there solidified my direction,” Sarah says. “It was a place where creativity was celebrated, and I learned so much about the inner workings of a retail business.” She also worked for a small business in Brooklyn called Tattly, where she managed sales for temporary tattoos, further honing her skills in product management and customer service.
It was during her time at Tattly that Sarah launched City of Industry. “I started with just one product—an enamel pin shaped like an envelope. I created a website and slowly began adding more items as the business grew.” The online brand focused on small, thoughtfully designed items that reflected Sarah’s love for hobbies and craftsmanship.
After a few years in New York, Sarah felt the pull to return to Utah. “I loved New York, but I missed my family and the ease of living in a place like Salt Lake City.” She accepted a job offer from Big Cartel, an e-commerce platform, which brought her back home - but the dream of owning her own store never faded.
In 2018, Sarah took the leap and opened the first physical location of City of Industry in downtown Salt Lake. The store quickly became known for its playful and colorful selection of stationery and small gifts. However, the challenges of the pandemic, coupled with the redevelopment of the property, led to the closure of that location in 2021.
Undeterred, Sarah spent two years searching for the perfect new spot. In September 2023, she reopened City of Industry in Salt Lake’s Central 9th. The new location has allowed her to continue her vision of offering unique, carefully curated products that bring joy to her customers. Today, the shop features a variety of Sarah’s own creations, including her signature pins, as well as candles, cards, note pads, pencil sets, and even digitally illustrated wrapping paper. “A lot of my hobbies growing up—like sewing and crafting—have found their way into the products I design for the store.” Sarah is delighted that people can come in, find a card, a gift, and even wrap it all in one place. “It’s not just about the products, it’s about the experience and the connections we make with our customers. That’s what makes this journey so.” City of Industry certainly reflects Sarah’s passion for supporting small, family-owned, and women-owned businesses. “There’s something magical about small stores. They offer a personal touch and a sense of discovery that you just can’t find in big-box retailers."
