After 36 years of dedicated service to the Westport community, Nancy Crosby and Jan Hall, the founders and owners of Partners Village Store, have officially retired and transferred ownership to Lydia Sweetser Gollner, a Westport resident. This transition marks a new chapter for the beloved Main Road establishment, ensuring its continued presence as a cornerstone of the community.
“We believe new ownership will bring new ideas and energy without disrupting what has made Partners so special,” Jan Hall stated in a recent announcement. Hall will remain involved during the transition period, providing continuity and support as Gollner takes the helm. She expressed confidence in Gollner’s vision, adding, “We believe that Lydia’s commitment to service excellence, quality, and a unique experience will result in a positive future for our valued customers, staff, and the community. Business is thriving, and there are many exciting opportunities for further growth.”
Lydia Sweetser Gollner is not a newcomer to Partners Store Westport. Having joined the team in 2014, she has been preparing for this seamless transition, gaining valuable insights into the store’s operations and community ethos. Gollner brings a wealth of experience from a successful 20-year career in the wholesale fashion industry, where she managed prominent brands such as Kenneth Cole, DKNY, and Sigrid Olsen. Her professional background, combined with her deep-rooted connection to Westport, positions her perfectly to lead Partners Village Store into the future.
Westport holds a special place in Gollner’s heart, as she has spent every summer in town since childhood. With family ties to Fall River, she and her husband Bill made Westport their full-time home in 2012, further cementing her commitment to the local community. They have two adult children, one in New York and another in China, reflecting a broad perspective that she brings to her new role at Partners Store Westport.
“I am thrilled and honored to continue the legacy of Partners into the future,” Gollner shared. “Nancy and Jan’s accomplishments and service to the community are what I look forward to expanding upon. It is my goal to maintain the integrity and warmth of Partners Village Store. I look forward to working with the team to carry on the torch with excellent service, food, and product selection.”
Partners Village Store has a rich history in Westport. It began in 1979 as a small retail corner within Crosby & Baker, a wholesale wine and beer-making supply business founded by Nancy Crosby and Pat Baker. Starting as a modest 300-square-foot space at 999 Main Road, both the retail and wholesale ventures experienced consistent growth under the ownership of Nancy and Selena Howard. Eventually, the retail side expanded and became The Village Store.
Jan Hall, who joined the store in 1980, became co-owner with Crosby in 1992 following Howard’s retirement, leading to the store’s current name, Partners Village Store. In 2003, driven by continued growth, they acquired and renovated an old farmhouse down the road, the store’s present location. This expansion in 2007 included a new kitchen, porches, a patio, gardens, and enhanced parking, transforming Partners Store Westport into the beloved community hub it is today. The transition to Lydia Sweetser Gollner promises to uphold this legacy while bringing fresh energy and ideas to Partners Village Store Westport, ensuring its continued success for years to come.
