Purses, jewelry, sunglasses, and more: 'Hometown variety store' opens in St. Clair

A self-described hometown variety store has opened in St. Clair and they will be celebrating with a grand opening party featuring desserts, food, drinks, prizes, and a raffle this Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Romans Etc offers high end purses and bags like Louis Vitton and Michael Kors.Romans Etc. opened in the St. Clair's Riverview Plaza last month. While owner Shawn Burns-Poirier says that the store
carries a little bit of everything, Romans Etc. specializes in name-brand purses and high-end jewelry, watches, sunglasses, and accessories. Purses, for example, average in the $400 to $500 price range, she says.

Otherwise, Burns-Poirier carries a range of products, from rustic home goods to shabby chic décor, from custom-order t-shirts to balloons. The store also carries items from local artists and vendors.

In addition to retail, Burns-Poirier is using Romans Etc. as a community events space. She recently hosted a psychic medium Looking for a change in your home decor? Romans Etc has something for everyone.and is looking into having line dancing and ballroom dancing workshops.

"There’s not always a lot to do locally without going for a drive. I like being able to have a variety of events nearby without having to drive far," she says.

For those that have been shopping in St. Clair County for a little while now, they might recognize Burns-Poirier from another retail store she used to own, Twice As Nice Retail and Consignment Shop in Marine City--though Burns-Poirier makes the point to mention that her new shop is decidedly not a second-hand clothing store.

Burns-Poirier closed Twice As Nice several years ago, leaving her business for a job in the corporate world. A series of life events have led her back to entrepreneurship, however, saying that she wants to work at her own pace.

"I wanted to stay local. I think more businesses are coming to the community," Burns-Poirier says.

"With the St. Clair Inn opening it feels like our town is getting more attention."

Romans Etc. is located at 201 N. Riverside Drive in St. Clair.

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