In 1989, Sue Marshall opened a store across from what was then Grand Union.
For nearly 3 decades, Party Harty has been a hearty part of Westport’s business scene.
Marshall had spent 11 years in the fashion industry. But with 2 young daughters — ages 4 and 2 — she wanted to work closer to home.
Owning a retail store is hardly a party. But Marshall attracted loyal customers with a great mix of balloons, decorations, paper goods, candy, candles, pinatas, face make-up, wigs, custom party favors and invitations.
Before Halloween last year, a Party Harty customer posed with the Haunted Tree Man.
A key to success was customized service. You may not have known what you needed to make your graduation/anniversary/birthday/Halloween/bar mitzvah/prom-posal etc. celebration a success. Thankfully, Marshall and her hardly party-pooping staff did.
Jackie Marshall began working for her mom while still in college. She fell in love with the business. She’s still there.
But starting tomorrow (Tuesday, September 5), the Marshalls and their crack staff will be working a few doors down. Party Harty found a great location a few doors down. The new address is 578 Post Road East — next to BodyQuest, across from Terrain.
The Marshalls are placing a new emphasis on gift buying. There are Westport-themed items, and presents for every occasion.
Some of Party Harty’s Westport-themed gifts.
Party Harty invites everyone to celebrate their new home on Tuesday. They’re serving snacks, and offering tours of their new home.
In other words: It’s a party!
Jackie and Sue Marshall, in front of Party Harty’s new location.