News
ENLARGE
Kim Coughlan, left, and Laura Coughlan, owners of Novak's Men's Wear, hold a Pendleton blanket they sell at the Nevada City store.
Novak's Menswear
• Laurie and Kim Coughlan, owners
• 305 Broad Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
• (530) 265-4684
• Holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday for Victorian Christmas; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday for Victorian Christmas; Dec. 21-23, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., open Dec. 24 10 a.m. until about 5 p.m., depending on traffic.
• Normal hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays
• 305 Broad Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
• (530) 265-4684
• Holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday for Victorian Christmas; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday for Victorian Christmas; Dec. 21-23, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., open Dec. 24 10 a.m. until about 5 p.m., depending on traffic.
• Normal hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays
The Coughlan sisters are two hometown girls working in a store for men that's most often frequented by women, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
“I would rather work in a men's wear store,” said Laura Coughlan.
Laura and Kim step in to mediate any disputes about matching and stock their downtown Nevada City store with the kinds of products men can wear for decades to come — namely, Pendleton. They even have a small section of Lady Pendleton clothes.
The iconic green plaid robe that makes its way onto the shoulders of many a grumpy grandpa in the movies — they've got it. The ladies' plaid “49er” jacket seen belted in many a vintage high school yearbook — check. And the red plaid that's so in-the-moment paired with jeans? That, too.
In a sea of synthetics, Novak's Men's Wear is an isle of breathable, durable, natural, American-spun wools. When people come to replace an item, it's usually because they've been wearing it for 40 or even 50 years.
The sisters are third-generation, born and raised Nevada City-ites. They remember their mom shopping at Novak's store in the early days, after it was founded by the Novak family 53 years ago.
Kim got a job 21 years ago. Laura followed her from a secretarial post 12 years ago, and the sisters finally took the leap to buy the store six years ago.
Since she started, Laura said, she's never had that early-morning, “I don't wanna go to work today” feeling.
It's not to say times aren't tough. The recession has taken its toll on the business, as it has much of Nevada City.
The summertime tour bus crowds have dried up. On snow days or when the power fails, people don't come downtown. Sunny days aren't much better.
Sometimes, there's open parking in the narrow streets, and that's a bad sign for a business that depends on people shopping local.
“Everyone's glad you're here, but they need to patronize the stores and restaurants,” Laura said. “It's a little scary to see what's going to happen.”
This holiday shopping season could be a defining moment for many, she said.
The sisters are eight years apart in age and were born of a Nevada City High School dad and Grass Valley High School mom, back when such a union bordered on taboo. Doing business together has brought them even closer together.
They are also united by a love for Nevada City. Kim lives on the family ranch, where she raises beef cattle, sheep and chickens for organic eggs. She said she rarely ventures out beyond California.
Laura likes to travel and loves movies. They both enjoy the outdoors, and the quaintness and community of their town.
Nevada City's historical charm is big for both. Their building was once a grocery store, and an out-of-use cellar stretches from underneath the store almost to the street.
While the store's history runs deep, they hope to get a new generation interested in their wares — perhaps through the tuxes they rent.
“Kids come in for prom tuxes, then they come back for their wedding,” Kim said. “It's fun if you happen to be out (on prom night) and see your finished product.”
Those are the types that eventually return for one of the water-resistant wool hats or a shirt from a brand that began in Oregon in 1863.
“We can get the kids if we can get them in the door,” Kim said.
To contact Staff Writer Michelle Rindels, e-mail mrindels@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4247.
“I would rather work in a men's wear store,” said Laura Coughlan.
Laura and Kim step in to mediate any disputes about matching and stock their downtown Nevada City store with the kinds of products men can wear for decades to come — namely, Pendleton. They even have a small section of Lady Pendleton clothes.
The iconic green plaid robe that makes its way onto the shoulders of many a grumpy grandpa in the movies — they've got it. The ladies' plaid “49er” jacket seen belted in many a vintage high school yearbook — check. And the red plaid that's so in-the-moment paired with jeans? That, too.
In a sea of synthetics, Novak's Men's Wear is an isle of breathable, durable, natural, American-spun wools. When people come to replace an item, it's usually because they've been wearing it for 40 or even 50 years.
The sisters are third-generation, born and raised Nevada City-ites. They remember their mom shopping at Novak's store in the early days, after it was founded by the Novak family 53 years ago.
Kim got a job 21 years ago. Laura followed her from a secretarial post 12 years ago, and the sisters finally took the leap to buy the store six years ago.
Since she started, Laura said, she's never had that early-morning, “I don't wanna go to work today” feeling.
It's not to say times aren't tough. The recession has taken its toll on the business, as it has much of Nevada City.
The summertime tour bus crowds have dried up. On snow days or when the power fails, people don't come downtown. Sunny days aren't much better.
Sometimes, there's open parking in the narrow streets, and that's a bad sign for a business that depends on people shopping local.
“Everyone's glad you're here, but they need to patronize the stores and restaurants,” Laura said. “It's a little scary to see what's going to happen.”
This holiday shopping season could be a defining moment for many, she said.
The sisters are eight years apart in age and were born of a Nevada City High School dad and Grass Valley High School mom, back when such a union bordered on taboo. Doing business together has brought them even closer together.
They are also united by a love for Nevada City. Kim lives on the family ranch, where she raises beef cattle, sheep and chickens for organic eggs. She said she rarely ventures out beyond California.
Laura likes to travel and loves movies. They both enjoy the outdoors, and the quaintness and community of their town.
Nevada City's historical charm is big for both. Their building was once a grocery store, and an out-of-use cellar stretches from underneath the store almost to the street.
While the store's history runs deep, they hope to get a new generation interested in their wares — perhaps through the tuxes they rent.
“Kids come in for prom tuxes, then they come back for their wedding,” Kim said. “It's fun if you happen to be out (on prom night) and see your finished product.”
Those are the types that eventually return for one of the water-resistant wool hats or a shirt from a brand that began in Oregon in 1863.
“We can get the kids if we can get them in the door,” Kim said.
To contact Staff Writer Michelle Rindels, e-mail mrindels@theunion.com or call (530) 477-4247.
