The Book Box: A local store with community impact
Dec 20, 2024, 2:53 PM | Updated: 4:33 pm
The Book Box is an independent bookstore in Draper. (The Book Box)
(The Book Box)
DRAPER, Utah — The Book Box in Draper partnered with Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi to spread a little joy this holiday season.
Sisters Randi Rose and Kayleigh Dixon opened their storefront location after the success of their mobile shop in Lehi.
Buy local, give local
“The mobile shop was built and began in Lehi, so this cause [Primary Children’s Hospital] is near and dear to our hearts. We special ordered activity books, children’s books, and small toys that the hospital stands in need of,” said Rose.
The booksellers invited the community to buy gifts to be dropped in their donation box through Dec. 20. Additionally, the store is matching every donation made.
Filling a need for indie bookstores
Rose and Dixon started their mobile store as something to “keep them busy” while their kids were in school. However, it turned into something much bigger.
“It turned into a lot more when we realized what a need there was for more indie bookstores in Utah,” said Rose. “… and how much we honestly loved the job and the people. Thanks to all of our wonderful customers and book friends, we were able to open the Draper shop at the end of June 2024, just a couple months before our one-year anniversary for opening the trailer.”
Randi Rose and Kayleigh Dixon stand in front of The Book Box in Draper, Utah. (The Book Box)
The sisters said that mixing family and business was never a concern. In fact, they say the store has made them closer than ever.
“It has honestly brought us so much closer and only strengthened our relationship. It’s been easy and so fun to do it all together.”
A bookstore with booklovers in mind
Rose and Dixon say The Book Box is like “an adult book fair” complete with bright colors and nostalgic music or Taylor Swift.
“We focus on stocking cheeky merchandise or unique items you can’t typically find at big-box stores,” said Dixon. “We carry a lot of books that we personally recommend or that our employees recommend or love. Honestly, even when customers come in and order or recommend a book we haven’t heard of, a lot of times we order a few to stock! We want there to be something for everyone.”
Additionally, they love to give book recommendations to customers.
Not your average ‘big-box’ store
The sisters said when they began their mobile shop they noticed a community starting to build.
“It became a social club, and we kept seeing the same people coming back to us because they loved that aspect of the shop… You just don’t find that in bigger stores.”
That community followed them to their Draper store.
“We also focus on carrying brands that are local to Utah or owned by other women,” said Rose. “That’s been super fun and makes it feel like we are part of something bigger, like a little community.”
