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Here are the best local stores to hit up for those
essential things you neglected to pack.
NEED A SWIMSUIT AND A BEACH UMBRELLA?
Go to: Ocean State Job Lot
Locations: Coventry, Cranston, Johnston, Lincoln, Middletown,
North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Wakefield, Warren, Warwick, Westerly,
Woonsocket and Wyoming.
Why: With humble beginnings as a single-store operation in North
Kingstown in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot has since expanded to
run more than 130 operations throughout the Northeast. Still,
each store sticks to the goal of selling high-quality, brand-name
products at closeout prices, and lives up to its namesake by fulfilling
all of its patrons’ beachy needs.
You can also get: Beach cover ups; sweatshirts; beach chairs;
beach towels; beach pails and shovels; baseball caps and wide-
brimmed hats; and flip flops and water shoes.
NEED SUNSCREEN, BUG SPRAY AND CHAPSTICK?
Go to: CVS Pharmacy
Locations: Too many to list! Just know there’s at least one situated
in just about every Rhode Island town.
Why: Sure, you might think CVS Pharmacy is a national chain (and
you’d be right), but did you know that it has local ties? It’s true:
University of Rhode Island alum, Tom Ryan, was its CEO and
president from 1998 to 2011. Nowadays, you can not only fill your
prescription at each location, but also purchase everything
mentioned above and below, plus much more.
You can also get: Sunglasses, chargers, any and all toiletries, pain
killers and first aid kits.
NEED SNACKS AND GROCERIES?
Go to: Dave’s Marketplace
Locations: Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich,
Smithfield, North Kingstown, Warwick and Wickford.
Why: Whether you need some trail mix and granola bars to keep
on hand while you’re out and about or some fresh deli meats and
homegrown veggies to cook up for dinner at your Airbnb, Dave’s
Marketplace should be the first stop on your to-do list. The locally
owned business has been in operation since 1969 and is celebrated
for being Rhode Island’s largest independent grocery store chain.
NEED A BEACH TOWEL OR A PICNIC BLANKET?
Go to: The Christmas Tree Shop
Locations: Warwick and Newport in Rhode Island; Foxborough,
North Dartmouth and North Attleborough in Massachusetts.
Why: We know what you’re thinking: “You’re sending me to a place
with ‘Christmas’ in the title… In the summer?” And our answer is
yes — yes, we are. Another local success story (the chain originated
as a small holiday gift shop on Cape Cod), the Christmas Tree
Shop is well-known for its year-round bargains on kitchen
essentials, home decor and various knick-knacks. It’s also a great
place to pick up a souvenir, including a Rhode Island-themed
ornament for your Christmas tree.
You can also get: Picnic accouterments and a thoughtful gift for
that wedding you’re in town for.
NEED AN OUTFIT?
Go to: The Warwick Mall
Location: Warwick
Why: This enclosed shopping center has a catchy commercial tune
that every Rhode Islander knows to be true: “There’s something
for everyone at Warwick Mall!” Here, you can shop the likes of Macy’s,
Target, New York and Company, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, Torrid,
Express, Sephora, Nordstrom Rack and more. Whether you’re
looking for a last-minute barbecue outfit, something to wear to an
outdoor concert or a light sweater to throw over your shoulders
while you take in the sunset, it’s safe to say that the Warwick Mall’s
eighty-plus retailers have you covered.
You can also get: A bite to eat at the food court or one of the on-
premises restaurants, plus a spin on the indoor carousel.
Opposite page, clockwise from top center: Providence Skyline T-Shirt, $26, Frog and Toad, Providence, frogandtoadstore.com. Rhode Island 3% Bigger at Low Tide
T-Shirt, $20, Westerly Gifts, Westerly, facebook.com/westerlygifts. Rhode Island Red T-Shirt, $26, Rhody Craft, Providence, rhodycraft.com. Paris London Tokyo
Cranston T-Shirt, $25, Frog and Toad. Providence Biltmore Hotel T-Shirt, $22, Craftland, Providence, shop.craftlandshop.com. Rhode Island ~ Little Rhody T-Shirt,
$15.99, Ocean State Souvenirs, Warwick, oceanstatesouvenirs.com. Rhode Island Umbrella T-Shirt, $30, Craftland. Westerly Sailboat T-Shirt, $20, Westerly Gifts.
YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2020 37