To Michelle Santiago, owner of Imagine Gift Store, visiting the downtown Warren store isn’t just about shopping. It’s about the store’s overall atmosphere, Santiago said, almost like a scaled-down “Disney World of retail.”
At the corner of Miller and Main streets, Imagine, housed in a colorful building adorned with painted cows, is something of a Warren landmark. Spread over three floors in the former Lyric Theater building, Imagine advertises itself as the largest gift shop in New England.
“Right down to the building itself, it’s more of an experience visiting the store, rather than just coming to buy a gift,” Santiago said.
At the same time, if a customer comes to the store knowing they need to buy a gift but are unsure of what to get, Santiago believes they’ll find the answer among the store’s selection of home décor, clothes, games, accessories and more.
Imagine, located at 5 Miller St., is known for its Rhode Island-themed souvenirs, many of which are sourced from local artists and makers. In particular, the store carries a variety of souvenirs specific to the East Bay communities of Warren, Bristol and Barrington.
In addition to gift shop merchandise, Imagine is home to a 1950s-themed seasonal ice cream and candy shop and interactive murals, such as a set of wings that customers are encouraged to use as a photo opportunity. Inside, there are also more painted cows – the store’s own display of a worldwide public art event, “CowParade.”
Santiago, an East Providence resident, was introduced to Imagine while she was a student at Roger Williams University. About six years ago, Santiago, who at the time worked at her family’s car dealership, heard that the store’s original owners were putting the business up for sale.
Though she hadn’t previously considered going into retail, Santiago took on the opportunity to preserve the store she knew and loved.
“I always knew the store and I absolutely loved it,” she said, “so I knew when they were putting it up for sale, I didn’t want it to become something else. I wanted it to stay Imagine … I didn’t want to see anyone come in and change it too much.”
She added, “I wanted to continue that vibe and culture that you have when you step in here.”
While much has stayed the same, Santiago said, the store has also adjusted to changing times, offering options such as curbside pickup due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few years ago, the store expanded its web presence to offer online shopping and keep up with e-commerce trends.
Santiago isn’t sure exactly when Imagine was founded, but she said the store got its start in Barrington. Now in Warren, Santiago said the “big purple building” and its overall atmosphere fits seamlessly into the town’s creative energy.
“We sell a lot of those quirky items that are both fun and silly, and I think the community loves that,” Santiago said. “Warren is all about the artists district, so we do tie in really well.”
OWNERS: Michelle and Jay Santiago
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Gift shop
LOCATION: 5 Miller St., Warren
EMPLOYEES: About 10
YEAR FOUNDED: NA
ANNUAL SALES: WND
Jacquelyn Voghel is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Voghel@PBN.com.
