By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
After 30 wonderful years of bringing style, service, and smiles to Comber, Robert ‘Ziggy’ and Barb Gagnier are ready for their next adventure: retirement.
A recent open house at the Comber Legion celebrated the Gagniers and their decades of service.
Robert began his career at Stoney Point Co-op right out of high school, spending five years before heading west to pursue new opportunities. When he returned home to work at the family canning factory, he met Barb—starting a partnership that would flourish both in business and in life.
After returning to manage the Stoney point Co-Op retail store, Robert transferred to the Comber Co-op and managed it till he and Barb bought it in 1998.
“Barb didn’t think it was a very good idea at the time,” joked Robert.
Barb played a key role behind the scenes, handling bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll.
The couple ran it as a “Country Depot” and later a “True Country and Garden” before selling it to “Home Hardware”.
“We sold it to the Drew family, then converted it into a Home Hardware. We stayed on as managers for eight more years. The business was then sold and converted to SAUVE’S Rona, and I stayed on as manager for another two years until we chose to retire,” said Robert.
In 2007, tragedy struck when their daughter Lillian passed away in an accident. To honour her memory, they opened Lill’s Gift Room—a beloved local boutique known for affordable ladies’ clothing, purses, jewelry, and accessories, all offered with the Gagnier’s’ trademark warmth.
“Lill’s Gift Room became very successful,” said Barb. “It was very popular with the ladies and a frequent destination for visitors from London and beyond,” added Robert.
Giving back has always been important to the couple. Their long-standing involvement with the Comber Fair and organizing fashion shows is just one example of their community spirit. “There is something to be said about small towns; the people are always the best,” said Barb. “We’re going to miss the everyday interaction with our customers.”
“We took pride in offering not just competitive prices, but the extra service that made our business unique,” said Robert. “And we have to thank our incredible staff.”
Now, the Gagniers look forward to retirement—travelling, fishing, and tackling some long-awaited home projects. “While it’s a little bittersweet, we’re looking forward to new adventures,” said Barb. “We want to say a heartfelt thank you to the people of the community for all the laughter, memories, and unwavering support.”