Reimagining Downtown Springfield

Downtown Springfield’s Fountain Ave is soon to be welcoming a new business called Reimagine Gifts & More. This new storefront aims to add another aspect of distinct character to the city-center. According to native Springfielder and owner-operator, Kari Johnston, “Spa, stationary, style, and spirits,” are at the forefront of the operation.

But Reimagine will be different from the usual retail model as Johnston explains, “This store features a few handmade vendors, but it’s all wholesale. The concept is heavily gift-based, with a bit of vintage style, and a corner for refreshments.” Her aspiration is to contribute to the economy of the downtown area, as well as to provide a venue where people will be enticed by the whimsy of its carefully curated aesthetic. 

Johnston was born in Springfield and attended Wittenberg University after graduating from Tecumseh High School. Having previously kept a boutique on Ward Street, she has long had her eye on moving her business to the downtown area, particularly on Fountain Ave. She eventually made the decision to close her first shop due to a lack of foot traffic. When the opportunity presented itself just a year later, Johnston says she had already registered for the space before her husband could even attempt to inform her of the vacancy.

“I’m mostly excited about bringing more shopping to the downtown area. I’ve felt like it was very food-heavy the last few years. I understand that when people go out for the day they don’t just want to eat, but to get to hang about, and I’ve just always felt like bringing back the storefronts to the area,” she says.

Johnston’s previous store was opened during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Nonetheless, she was able to find ways to provide customer service which aligned with Covid specific government regulations, like offering private shopping experiences.

“It became a sort of respite for the community. I didn’t anticipate Reimagine becoming that as well. I thought it was boring that I was posting every little shelf I put up, but people really respond to us telling the good things happening in Springfield.”

Johnston is referencing recent comments heard round the world that slandered the community via false claims about Haitian immigrants to the area.

“When I submitted my proposal to the city, I noted that we needed something a little different. Everything downtown is very classy, and I felt like we needed a pop of color. I didn’t realize how badly Springfielders would need a casual place where they can relax and smile in. I just didn’t want it to feel like it was taking itself too seriously, I think right now we’re all taking ourselves too seriously,” offers Johnston.

Though she grew up in the area, she didn’t always feel herself in a position to represent Springfield. However, her work as a board member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, the Alumni Board for Wittenberg University, and her affiliation with the newly developed Springfield Metropolis project, helped her gain a sense for what the community needs as a whole.

“My goal is to give people places they would want to see in their city. We’re a 58,000-person city, and I want to help maintain our city-like qualities. Something like opening a store in the walkable downtown area, with a glass storefront feels very relevant to help revitalize the downtown area, and just to provide fun things to do. I see the good that we have here. I’m very excited to show it off. I know that we have work to do, but I’d like to be a part of that progress. I’m excited to see how people respond to the store.”

Reimage Gifts & More will open on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 25 North Fountain Ave. Support this up-and-coming local business by following their Facebook.