Flower Power

Usually the term “one stop shop” refers to the retail giants. Those who want to shop at a locally-owned business do so with the understanding that they may have to make a few extra stops to find all the items they want. Yet in the heart of Barrington, there is a place known for its wide variety, local ownership and beautiful gift items. Daisy Dig’ins understands the value of a place where you can get it all. This shop isn’t a crazy hodgepodge of just anything; items are selectively chosen by owner Lois Coppolino herself. With an ever-changing stock to stay current with trends – and the personal touch only a small business can offer – it’s safe to say you could end up browsing and shopping in the store all day long. 

Coppolino graduated from Roger Williams University in the late ‘70s with a degree in art/education only to find that there were no jobs available in her field. Rather than settling for just any old nine to five, she took matters into her own capable hands. First, she furthered her education in Boston at Rittners School of Floral Design, and in May of 1977, with some help from family and friends, she opened Daisy Dig’ins, a high-end floral and gift shop. She says of her experience as owner, “It has been an exciting and challenging ride ever since.” 

This month, the store celebrates 35 years in business and it’s clear why this gem has been such a success. “We are much more than flowers and plants,” says Coppolino. The main part of the store offers Trollbeads, Vera Bradley, interesting jewelry, home accents and decor. The next area is stocked with bath and body, women’s clothing and accessories including scarves, handbags and other unique pieces. Upstairs (yes, just when you thought you had seen all they had, there is a staircase leading to more) is the Linen Loft that displays serving pieces, dinnerware and table linens. “We work very hard to find unique, quality items,” she says, and this personal touch is what really sets Daisy Dig’ins apart from your average retail behemoths. 

Coppolino’s innate sense of style is evident in every corner of her store. Even before you walk through the front doors, the elegant front entrance, lush with flowers, offers a warm welcoming feeling – as well as a sense that you are about to step into retail paradise. 

For spring and summer trends, Coppolino suggests colorful, vivid pieces for both your wardrobe and your home. Vibrant lightweight jewelry or a fun scarf are all you need to amp up your personal look, but don’t leave the store before you get a little something bright for your house as well. Bold pops of color are a simple way to liven any living space. Especially popular right now are Vietri accents, beautiful Italian serving pieces that will not only impress your house guests but also function on their own as accent pieces when they aren’t in use.

Even if you are the type who hates shopping and never knows what to buy for someone else, the wide variety here gives you the options needed to choose perfectly; the personal service helps avoid that initial panic when you walk into a store and don’t know where to start. As for the shopaholics, all I can say is don’t make any other plans that day because you will never want to leave. “A visit to Daisy Dig’ins requires time and commitment, there are temptations at every glance!” claims Coppolino. But don’t avoid a visit just because you think you are sparing your wallet from a spree, these unique quality items will be worth your time and money, and you will certainly leave feeling ready to go back for more.

123 Maple Avenue, Barrington. 401-245-0580