Across the Pond resulted as a collaborative effort between Mari Beth and Sonny Hartsock, owners, and their friends Derek and Maggie Watson who are natives of Scotland.

In 1994 the Hartsock's and Watson's began bringing antiques back from their travels to the British Isles to sell in their antique shops.

With their love of all things British, the Hartsock's decided to extend their inventory and offer a line of British foods, tea accessories, and gift items related to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. In July 2003 Across The Pond opened it’s doors as part of the Main Street Market, a fully restored historic building on the square in Gainesville, Georgia.

Across The Pond soon outgrew its location and moved across the square to a larger building in March 2005.

If you are in the area the Hartsock's invite you to stop by the shop where you will be greeted by Lilli, a West Highland Terrier. Lilli, a well known personality on the Gainesville square, is the official welcoming committee of the shop, and has her own following who frequent the shop to visit with her.