Shopping local leads to new ventures in Hartford

Sept. 12, 2019

This paid piece is sponsored by the Minnehaha County Economic Development Association.

It’s becoming clear: Hartford loves to shop local.

The community just west of Sioux Falls has added several new local retailers in the past year and now is coming together to show how its downtown could further become a center of local commerce.

New boutique

Hartford’s newest boutique literally was built by the community.

Prairie Boutique opened its storefront in August in a retail center off Highway 38 at 700 N. Vandemark Ave.

“We’re really proud of the fact that we built our whole store with local Hartford vendors,” co-owner Shannon Miller said.

There’s wood from her grandfather’s barn, flooring from the Hartford Building Center, lighting from a local company and a desk built by one of her friends from high school.

“That’s something I think is really cool and unique about our store – that we were able to keep it in the Hartford community,” she said.

Miller and her mother, Melanie, and sister Marissa Meyer started the business online a few years ago. The sisters are West Central High School graduates, and when the boutique got big enough to justify a storefront, they knew they wanted it in their hometown.

“It just made sense if we were going to open up somewhere that it would be in the community that made us who we are,” Miller said.

Shoppers will find a mix of moderately priced casual merchandise, with lots of options for layering, accessories and shoes.

A gift section includes locally made items such as home decor signs and candles.

“We’ve kind of just got anything you would need to make your outfit and decorate your house,” Miller said.

Hours may be adjusted, but for now they are 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The boutique also will be scheduling private parties.

Local flavor

The same retail center also includes a coffee shop that has become a local favorite.

Stomping Grounds opened in 2017.

“My wife and I felt that Hartford was ready for a full-service coffee shop and wanted to bring a different line of food to town,” co-owner Justin Eich said.

The menu includes a variety of coffee drinks – including a popular new butter coffee and a peanut butter blend. Beans are roasted in Sioux Falls by Coffea Roasterie. Other favorites include Galen’s Popcorn from Wentworth and SDSU ice cream.

“And we have a couple wineries we work with, just trying to keep the local South Dakota theme,” Eich said.

You’ll also find lunch options such as paninis and salads, along with grab-and-go options and lots of unique gift items.

Customers are invited to use the space to study, meet with others and hold events.

“We’re not looking for you to hurry up, sit down and eat, and leave,” Eich said. “It’s more of the relaxed, casual atmosphere.”

Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Downtown Hartford Market

And for an experience that truly sets Hartford apart, don’t miss the last Thursday of every month.

Downtown Hartford Market turns Main Avenue into a shopping and dining event from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

It’s the next generation of Hartford’s Farmers Market, which had dwindled for various reasons over time.

“We decided to revitalize the market and bring it back and bring it downtown so that it’s more of a central space for the community,” said Callie Tuschen, vice president of Downtown Hartford Inc.

And in its first year, the market definitely has taken off. Vendors sell everything from produce and baked goods to pet items and handcrafted woodwork. There’s also a food truck, and adult beverages from the nearby Buffalo Ridge Brewing Project and South Bar are allowed.

“It’s a really great thing for Hartford, in general, and an opportunity for the community to come together and be neighborly,” Tuschen said. “I think that Hartford was hungry for it.”

There are two more markets left this year, Sept. 26 and Oct. 31, with plans to further expand it next year.

Downtown Hartford Market takes off with unique mix of food, local merchandise

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Shopping local leads to new ventures in Hartford

It’s becoming clear: Hartford loves to shop local. The community just west of Sioux Falls has added several new local retailers in the last year.

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