BRISTOL — Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and state and local leaders visited The Bristol Bazaar to encourage people to support small businesses this Christmas shopping season.
The Bristol Bazaar at 67 Race Street is a year-round indoor “maker’s market” where people can find handmade gifts from more than 80 local and area makers as well as seasonal drinks from Yellow King Bristol. Co-owner Care Verikas says The Bristol Bazaar “celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and community.” It offers “ever-changing seasonal themes” to create an “immersive shopping experience.”
The Bristol Bazaar is currently decorated for a “Cozy Christmas Shopping Experience,” with a 15 foot Christmas tree and twinkling lights throughout the indoor market.
Bysiewicz visited The Bristol Bazaar when it first opened and returned last year to promote the debut of the state’s “Make It Here” marketing slogan. Since then, she observed, the amount of vendors has greatly expanded.
“I am very happy to be here again,” Bysiewicz said. “This is a great space where people can find many unique gifts that you can’t find anywhere else. Today I am here to encourage people to support local craft businesses. These types of businesses get 66% of their business during the holidays. There are a lot of creative and artistic folks here in Bristol.”
Bysiewicz noted some of the markers featured in The Bristol Bazaar recently got some exposure to other customers throughout the state during “The Big E” in September. She recalled meeting with a hair accessory maker at that time.
Some of the crafts Bysiewicz admired Thursday morning included a Taylor Swift Christmas ornament and a knitted elf hat and a wooden plaque with a burn pattern featuring a map of The University of Connecticut. There was also a “mystery box” which included candles, room spray and a bar of soap.
Verikas said The Bristol Bazaar changes up the themes of its decorations every three months. Past themes have included Alice in Wonderland and The Peanuts. She said she will be announcing the themes for 2026 soon.
“I am very grateful to the Lieutenant Governor for coming here,” she said. “Anything we can do to spread the word and support local businesses is appreciated.”
Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu said Bysiewicz’ business is a “great opportunity” to support local businesses. “I hope that it grows to double its size,” she said.
Zoppo-Sassu said there is a great need for commercial kitchen spaces in Bristol. She suggested perhaps The Bristol Bazaar could accommodate such a space. She noted the success of the model of smaller “incubator spaces” which eventually grow into businesses with their own storefronts that grow the grand list.
Sen. Henri Martin said he was glad Bysiewicz came back to Bristol to support a local business. He noted he had grown up on Race Street.
“Bristol is a very vibrant community,” he said. “It won’t take long before it is connected and walkable like everyone is looking for.”
City Councilor Steve Seymour said Bysiewicz coming to The Bristol Bazaar to support small businesses is “a great idea.” He said he “appreciates all small businesses” and Bysiewicz’ visit will help to put The Bristol Bazaar on the map for the rest of Connecticut.
Rep. Mary Fortier was present but declined to comment.
