Photos: Carol Wild Photography
Photos: Carol Wild Photography
Imagine Gift Store
Step inside Imagine Gift Store and you’re entering into a piece of history with a playful twist.
Housed in the beautifully restored Lyric Theater, this beloved Warren spot has transformed over the decades. From an antique store in the late ’70s to an antique store to the vibrant, artisan-filled gift destination it is today. The moment you walk in, you’re transported to a nostalgic, 1950s-inspired candy shoppe and ice cream parlor. Beyond the sweets, you’ll discover a curated collection from over 100 local artisans, making every visit a chance to support small businesses and uncover something unique.
More than just a shop, Imagine is an experience rooted in community. With a fun, quirky, family-friendly vibe, the store is always evolving—new artisans, fresh products, and hands-on workshops keep things exciting year-round. Whether you’re stopping in for their famous salt water taffy, searching for the perfect gift with help from their sales associates, or planning a full day of shopping in Warren, Imagine is part of what makes the town feel so special. As they head into their busiest season, expect even more events, new arrivals, and more reasons to keep coming back.
Tell me about your business. How did it come to life?
The gift store is housed in the fully restored historic Lyric Theater. After being sold in the late 1970s, the theater was converted to retail use—first as an antique store, and then, in the 1990s, as the Imagine Gift Store we know today.
What can customers expect when shopping at Imagine?
Customers can expect to feel like a kid again in our 1950s-themed candy shoppe and ice cream parlor. While they’re here, they can also shop products from over 100 local artisans.
What do you love about being a part of the Warren business community?
Imagine Gift Store loves being part of the beautiful, historic Warren community. We’re proud to support local artisans by giving them a space to sell their products, and the positive feedback from our customers has been truly heartwarming.
What’s your idea of a perfect day in Warren?
A perfect day in Warren starts with brunch at one of the town’s amazing restaurants, followed by a visit to the beach and a stroll through town exploring all the wonderful small businesses.
Is there anything new or coming up at the shop?
We’re heading into one of our busiest times of year—tourist season! We have lots of fun events planned, new souvenir products arriving soon, and exciting workshops hosted by our local artisans (all shared on our Instagram). Plus, we welcome new artisans each month, so there’s always something new to explore.
How would you describe your store’s vibe/atmosphere?
Imagine Gift Store has a fun, quirky, family-friendly atmosphere. There’s always something new to discover, with artisans regularly stocking fresh products.
Do you specialize/stock anything that customers love or come to you for?
Absolutely! Many of our local artisans have a loyal following, and customers love stopping in to see what new products have arrived. We’re also known for our candy section—especially our salt water taffy.
What’s your vision for the future of Imagine?
Our vision for the future is to keep supporting local artisans while showing our appreciation for the community through exceptional customer service. We’re excited to continue growing our selection of artisans and unique products.
How has Imagine evolved since opening?
Over the years, Imagine Gift Store has grown from a simple gift shop into something more. Today, we offer fun events and experiences for families while also giving local artisans a place to sell their products.
How do you help customers find the perfect gift?
Our staff has been trained to help customers shop by providing them with exceptional customer service and even a hands-on, personal shopper experience.
