Just Imagine: a bookstore, toy store and music store

(Publisher’s note: store hours are Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10-a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. The store will soon expand those hours for the Christmas shopping season.)

By Lisa Carolin

There are all sorts of reasons that people move to Chelsea.

In the case of Bill Harris and his family, one of the key reasons was that it had two bookstores at the time they were looking for a place to live nine years ago.

“I’d never before seen two bookstores in a town this size,” said Harris.

When Cranesbill Books closed its doors in December of 2009, Harris decided to open a store in its place. In May of 2010, he opened Just Imagine, which specializes in children’s books, toys, and musical supplies.

“Our toy lines are selected to be toys that kids actively play with, with an emphasis on crafts, art supplies, puzzles and games,” said Harris.

Musical supplies include string sets for common and uncommon instruments like violins, violas, cellos, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos, and electric basses. Just Imagine also carries used string and brass instruments as well as reeds for woodwind instruments, valve oil and used mouthpieces for brass instruments.

They can also order other books for you and have then in the store in just a few days.

Harris is originally from Michigan and after moving to California for 25 years decided to move back. He says his family found Chelsea on the Internet and loved the pictures of the walkable downtown.

“We visited the town and promptly made the decision to move here,” said Harris. “We have never regretted that decision.”

His youngest daughter graduated from Chelsea High School in 2007.

In addition to the variety of inventory customers can find in Just Imagine, there are often a variety of pets visiting the store because it offers a “pet-friendly environment.” Harris attributes that to his store manager Jeremy Montange, a dog obedience trainer whose students like to visit him.

There is also a store cat.

Harris says that business is good at the store but that brick-and-mortar has its challenges. He’s hoping the store can continue to grow.

Just Imagine is located at 108 East Middle St. and is open Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays from noon-4 p.m.