Werner had previously been employed with Ekey’s as the store manager. It’s been a quick turnover in getting the store ready. Over the summer people were asking where to get gifts as well as tuxedo renting for the area since Ekey’s had previously provided that for the region. In August, the idea of starting her own shop began for Werner.

Werner looked at different locations throughout town but when she came across the Liberty Street location in Warren, it seemed to be a perfect set up for what she had in mind. It was move-in ready and she purchased several gift items from Ekey’s along with several other gift items.

Previously a local business owners’ co-op space, renovations were done not long ago, so moving in was a quick process for Werner. The space originally started as a bank from the early 1900s, and part of the original tile flooring had been left while the rest of the flooring is wood. The 2,000 square feet space also has a real bank vault, in which, if the vault would have been taken out, the whole space would have had to be torn down. Having the vault adds a unique storage space for Werner to use for her products.

The back of the store has a conference room and office where Werner will dedicate the space to the formal ware, complete with fitting rooms. She turned the once used cubicles changed into changing rooms. That space should be ready in time for prom season, but for now, Werner is busy and excited for the holiday season.

Locally made gift items and specialty foods such as maple syrup, honey and coffee as well as specialty foods from various places are just some of the items available for sale. While the business name part “Wrapped” is for the giftware sold there, the “Rooted” is for the plants, in which there will be a potting bar where people can pot their own plants right in the store. Both house plants, including air plants which need minimal water, and pots are sold at the store. There are plans to offer classes for planting as well.

Werner’s family has been encouraging and helping to get the store running. Her sons are both in the marketing program at the Warren County Career Center as well as interested in graphic design.

The shop will be open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.