Napadashery, A Part of Fairfield's History

Napadashery of course!

Napadashery opened in Napa as a menswear store. They eventually added boyswear and then, at the suggestion of a friend, expanded to include womenswear.

When their operation moved to Fairfield over 48 years ago, the name stuck. Napadashery is now the oldest location, with the original owner, in downtown Fairfield. Over the years, Marge Block has seen drastic changes in the downtown. JC Penney’s, once located next to Napadashery, moved to its current location and several other shopping areas opened throughout Fairfield.

So what makes Napadashery so different? I answer this question with a question, have you been in lately?

Marge flies out to New York every other month to buy directly from the manufacturers. Having established lengthy and loyal relationships with her vendors, Marge is able to buy at substantial savings which she passes directly on to her customers.  Napadashery features many designer labels along with quality women’s clothing and shoes at a fraction of competitor’s prices.

When asked why sell women’s clothing, Marge easily answers, “I love what I do!”

But Marge wasn’t always a retail shop owner.  Her father stressed education above all else and urged her to become a teacher, insisting that that was the way to go. After teaching 4th graders for two years, Marge realized her heart just wasn’t in it. It was then that she decided to open her own business.

Marge says she could “write a book” about all of her customer experience. She has customers from Fresno to Redding and is no stranger to the “emergency” phone call.

One particular incident included a woman who waited to try on her dress until three days before the event. She called Marge in a panic because she realized her dress was four sizes too small. Within an hour, Marge had a very excited customer, in a dress she loved, at half the price.

This is not uncommon in Marge’s line of work. When asked why she comes back day after day, Marge exclaims that her work is her passion. She says she loves to make people feel good and that it’s not about selling, it’s about making it right. Her goal is to make sure that her customer “leaves the store feeling good about herself.”

Napadashery sells name brands and quality clothing, hats and shoes for women from age 20 and up and offers alterations. They are open Mon-Sat from 10-5:30pm.

Recently, Patch caught up with Marge to ask her a few questions:

What do you do when you aren’t at work?

I spend time with my grandchildren and my mother.

What hobbies do you have?

I love riding horses and gardening.

What is your personal style?

I am my own person. I wear what I want and of course I wear only what I sell!

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

The South Pacific.

What made you decide to stay in Fairfield?

I own the building!

What are your busiest days?

Fridays and Saturdays