Something ?
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 , Middletown , North Kingstown , Wakefield , Warren , Warwick 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 140 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 ; beach chairs ; beach towels ; sand 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 almost 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 , phone 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 PICNIC BLANKET , BASKET AND SERVEWARE ? GO TO : The Christmas Tree Shops LOCATIONS : Warwick and Middletown WHY : We know what you ’ re thinking : “ You ’ re sending me to a place with ‘ Christmas ’ in its name … 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 Shops are well-known for their year-round bargains on kitchen essentials , home decor and various knick-knacks . They are also a great place to pick up a souvenir , including a Rhode Islandthemed ornament for your Christmas tree . YOU CAN ALSO GET : A thoughtful gift for that wedding you ’ re in town for .
NEED A NEW 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 , H and M , 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 fifty-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 .
GETTY IMAGES YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER GUIDE 2021 37