West Warwick, RI – A newly opened boutique, Baxter’s Baskets, is attracting attention with a simple yet bold statement of state pride. The shop’s owner, Dan Hirseman, introduced a car‑magnet that reads “Rhode Island is not the problem,” a direct response to recent comments from Hasbro’s chief executive about the toy maker’s decision to relocate its operations out of the Ocean State.
Local entrepreneur steps up
Hirseman, who describes himself as the shop’s “Gift Basketeer and Chief,” opened Baxter’s Baskets only a few weeks ago. Before launching the store, he spent three years working for Hasbro and practiced law. When he heard the CEO’s remarks suggesting that Rhode Island presented challenges for the company, Hirseman felt the need to push back.
“It was giving the impression that there is something wrong with Rhode Island or there is some issue being in Rhode Island, which doesn’t make sense to me because Hasbro has always been in Rhode Island. It’s been 100 years,” Hirseman said. “I wanted a way to let people know that the state isn’t the problem.”
Community response
The magnets have quickly become a conversation starter. Customers in the shop, as well as former Hasbro employees who stopped by, have purchased the items and shared photos online. Hirseman notes that the response has been “enthusiastic,” with many residents expressing pride in their state’s heritage and resilience.
Local social‑media users have posted pictures of the magnets on cars, trucks, and even bicycles, using the hashtag #RIisNotTheProblem. The posts often highlight the state’s historic contributions to manufacturing, tourism, and the arts, reinforcing a narrative of community solidarity.
Why the Hasbro move matters
Hasbro’s decision to relocate its corporate headquarters has sparked concern among Rhode Island business leaders, who fear the loss of jobs and tax revenue. While the company’s official statement cites strategic growth and logistical considerations, critics argue that the move reflects broader challenges facing the state’s economic development policies.
Hirseman, however, believes that blaming the state for the departure oversimplifies the issue. “Every state faces business decisions that are complex,” he said. “What matters is how we respond as a community, supporting one another and continuing to attract new enterprises.”
Looking ahead
Baxter’s Baskets plans to expand its product line with more locally‑themed items, aiming to celebrate Rhode Island’s culture and history. Hirseman hopes the magnet campaign will inspire other small businesses to voice their support for the state, especially as the region navigates economic transitions.
For residents who want to show their pride, the magnets are available at the shop’s West Warwick location during regular business hours. The store also offers a variety of handcrafted gifts, baskets, and seasonal décor, positioning itself as a community hub for locally‑focused shopping.
As the conversation around Hasbro’s departure continues, the magnet movement underscores a broader sentiment: Rhode Island’s identity and value are not defined by a single corporate decision, but by the collective spirit of its people.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
