Partners Village Store, a Westport institution for 36 years, is now under the ownership of Westport resident Lydia Sweetser Gollner. Founding owners Nancy Crosby and Jan Hall have transferred ownership, marking a new chapter for this Main Road landmark. While Crosby is retiring, Hall will remain during the transition to support Gollner.
A Seamless Transition for Partners Westport
Hall expressed confidence in the new ownership, stating that Gollner’s “commitment to service excellence, quality and a unique experience will result in a positive future” for the store’s customers, staff, and community. Gollner is well-prepared for this role, having joined the Partners team in 2014 to facilitate a seamless transition. Her extensive experience in the wholesale fashion industry, managing prominent brands like Kenneth Cole and DKNY, provides a solid foundation for success.
Gollner’s connection to Westport runs deep. Having spent summers in the town throughout her life and with family ties to Fall River, she and her husband established their permanent residence in Westport in 2012. She expressed enthusiasm for continuing the legacy of Partners Village Store, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining the store’s “integrity and warmth” while enhancing its offerings.
From Humble Beginnings to a Westport Staple
Partners Village Store originated in 1979 as a small retail space within Crosby & Baker, a wholesale wine and beer-making supply business founded by Crosby and Pat Baker. Initially located at 999 Main Road, the retail business flourished under Crosby and Selena Howard’s ownership, eventually becoming a separate entity known as The Village Store.
Hall joined Crosby as co-owner in 1992, following Howard’s retirement, leading to the name change to Partners Village Store. In 2003, the thriving business relocated to its current location at 865 Main Road in Central Village, a renovated farmhouse with expanded space, including a kitchen, porches, and gardens.
This move in 2007 marked a significant milestone in Partners’ history. Now, with Gollner at the helm, Partners Village Store in Westport is poised to continue its tradition of providing excellent service, quality products, and a unique experience for the community. The future looks bright for this cherished local business.
