A cautionary tale on not trusting online gossip played out online in recent weeks, as some members of one of the popular local Facebook groups, “Bristol & Warren’s Daily Dose”, openly pondered as to whether or not one of Warren’s most well-known businesses was preparing for closure after noticing that their cow statues had been moved from the side of the Miller Street building.

“Anybody know what's going on with the cows in front of Imagine? They're not there,” a user posted, complete with a cell phone shot of the building’s Main Street facade.

The replies ran the gamut, from people opining that they were simply painting, to others implying they might be closing, and of course, the chucklers among the group implying through emojis that they might have been abducted by extraterrestrials.

Apparently the rumor mill began to churn so much that Imagine’s ownership decided to get ahead of it, issuing an official press release on April 25 to explain that the truth was simultaneously more simple than beings from outer space, and much more joyful than the concept of an impending closure.

“Imagine Gift Store is pleased to announce that contrary to recent rumors circulating in the community, we are not closing our doors. Instead, we are embarking on an exciting journey to revitalize our beloved historic building and enhance our presence in the community,” the release stated. “With a commitment to preserving our rich heritage and contributing to the vibrancy of Warren, we have decided to undergo renovations that will breathe new life into our establishment. As part of this initiative, we will be removing our old awnings and undertaking a meticulous painting project to restore the beauty of our historic building.”

Michelle Fox, owner of Imagine, said in a follow-up response that the renovations would hopefully be complete by this summer, and was taking place solely on the exterior of the building.

“Recognizing its need for minor repairs, we are committed to maintaining its historic charm through diligent upkeep and preservation efforts,” Fox said in an email. “Our goal is to blend the timeless elegance of the past with the energy of the present, ensuring that this architectural gem continues to inspire for generations to come.”

The gift shop, touted as one of the largest in New England, occupies the space that was formerly the Lyric Theatre, built in 1916. That was eventually sold in the late 1970s, and opened in the late 1990s as Imagine, which converted the building into a three-story gift emporium where you can find everything from classic Americana penny candy and a 50s-themed ice cream parlor, to locally made kitchenwares and jewelry.

Fox said that hearing the concerns from people worried about the store possibly closing further cemented their commitment to serving the local community and beyond.

“The outpouring of concern from our community is truly heartwarming, and we deeply appreciate their support,” she said. “Our community's encouragement fuels our passion to create a space that continues to bring happiness to our customers when shopping at Imagine Gift Store.”