Small businesses across the state are preparing for a big holiday shopping period.
On Saturday, businesses in Hartford kicked off the season by celebrating Small Business Saturday.
“Small Business Saturday is like our Super Bowl. We train all year just for this day,” said Hartford Prints owner Rory Gale.
Hartford Prints is just one of the many local and small businesses on Pratt Street in downtown Hartford.
“They always have things in stores like this that you can’t find on Amazon,” said Amanda Adams. “That’s, you know, special to just Connecticut and the local areas.”
Across the street, Gentle Blue Shop also offers a variety of local and handmade items.
“When you shop small, local shops can reinvest back into the community. I think it’s just nice to be able to walk in to a store and seeing face-to-face the person who owns the store, the person who wants to build the community,” said sales associate Brenna Percy.
Whether you’re looking for a gift or looking for yourself, she says shopping small is a way to give back.






