Hartford Prints! celebrates reopening downtown

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Stationary and gift boutique Hartford Prints! celebrated its grand reopening in downtown Hartford with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.

The new store is 3,500 square feet, nearly three times the size of the old location that opened in 2013. The transformation was made possible by the Hart Lift Program, an initiative to bolster storefronts impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of my top priorities during the pandemic was ensuring small businesses had the necessary resources to get back on their feet and thrive,” stated Congressman John Larson. “I was thrilled to bring home federal funding to Hartford to support local entrepreneurs through programs like Hart Lift, and thanks to the vision and leadership of business owners like Rory Gale and Josye Utick, Pratt Street is thriving.”

When Hartford Prints! first opened on Pratt Street in downtown Hartford, the street was 90% vacant. 12 years later, the street is bustling with a diverse range of retail stores and more businesses set to open.

“When we first opened on Pratt Street in 2013, I believed in downtown Hartford’s potential even when others couldn’t see it,” said Rory Gale, owner of Hartford Prints! “This expansion represents more than just additional retail space—it’s a testament to what’s possible with community vision and strategic support. We’ve watched this street transform from 90% vacancy to a thriving corridor, and I’m proud Hartford Prints! has been part of that journey.”

Hartford Prints! is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.