Business Marketing Artisan Products Opens In Downtown Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — A new business is open in the Manchester Mall at 811 Main St.

Downtown Manchester officials said Sweet Pepper LLC specializes in supporting small, independent artisans and makers, and provides them with "an outlet to market their goods in a year-round retail location."

All types of local, handcrafted items are carried at Sweet Pepper — knitting and crocheting, metal work, photography, jewelry, hand-0sewn items, handcrafted decor, paper crafts, pottery, wood products, up-cycled furniture, fine art and handmade cards.

New artisans and products are being added regularly.

"Sweet Pepper is working to connect our community with the products of local and Connecticut-grown talent," owner Amanda Andersen said.

Vendor Debby Bailey said, "Sweet Pepper is giving me a forum for my work unlike any I have had in the past. I'm very happy to be a part of this organization."

"It is exciting to be a part of a business that supports local artists and small businesses. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have my creations showcased," vendor Katie Kilbourn added.

"Downtown Manchester is excited to welcome this newest business right before the holiday shopping season. Sweet Pepper fills a specific wish for downtown," Downtown Manager Joy Press said. "Ever since I started working for Downtown I have wanted a shop that offers a unique browsing and shopping experience. I specifically hoped for a shop that would also support our local artisans."

Sweet Pepper is one of several unique shops that have opened in the Manchester Mall in the past year. The Mall now features none unique retail shops, a cheesecake shop and a salon.

The public is invited to Sweet Pepper’s grand opening on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a ribbon cutting scheduled for 2 p.m.