After working various jobs over the last few years, a recent Pahrump transplant and his business partner wanted to bring something new to town.
Gregory Maxwell and his business associate Kimberly Franks had an idea to open up a clothing store featuring a variety of clothing that will please the younger demographic as well as the older demographic.
So with that in mind they created P-Town Urban Wear, located at 1481 Highway 372, to offer residents a different option when it comes to clothing in the valley.
“We’ve been talking about it for awhile, but I finally got in position so that we could do it, so we just decided to do something new for the town and try to have something different than what everyone else has,” Maxwell said.
As the store’s title suggests, there is an urban vibe when you walk in, featuring some sports apparel, sweatpants, California-themed shirts and more. Despite the initial appearance, when you look closer there are items that anyone could appreciate.
“We don’t want it to just be a hip hop store, we want to have something for everyone,” Maxwell said. “I also have a little church section in the store, with different hats and shirts with different Christian quotes on them. We have plain sweaters and shirts as well.”
Maxwell, a self-described people person, has had experience in the past working in retail as he helped run a flower store in California with his grandfather.
One of the featured items of the store is Maxwell’s mini couches. He designs these makeshift jewelry boxes with various themes, that are in the shape of a couch.
“I design these mini couches for anyone, adults, kids, they have different designs,” he said. “I make them with different cartoon characters, different sports teams, you know anything people want.”
Maxwell can design these couches in a variety of sizes, so depending on your plans, he can draft something up to suit your needs.
In addition, Maxwell also makes custom house slippers with a sports theme, so people can show their team pride when they’re relaxing at home.
Maxwell explained his family has a history of utilizing their creative side to avoid working normal, everyday jobs.
“I’ve been doing this for awhile,” he said. “I guess it’s like a family trade. Everyone in my family has some kind of talent where someone does something besides going to work everyday. Someone always has some kind of craft.”
With Pahrump seeing its employment numbers improving over the course of the year, Maxwell thinks it’s a perfect opportunity to introduce a new business to town.
“Actually, I think now is a good time to open up a business,” he said. “We get a lot of people coming in and liking the store, saying it’s good for the town.”
Working with other businesses in town is important for Maxwell, as he hopes to create a revolving circle of assistance between local retailers.
“For example, we’re right next door to the thrift store, so we kind of patronize each other,” Maxwell said.
In addition, Maxwell has various business cards from other stores in town, hoping to help spread word of other establishments customers might not have heard of before.
Being from the Los Angeles area and then Las Vegas, Maxwell has taken to the small-town life Pahrump offers.
“I like the area. I like to wake up and look at the mountains, it’s relaxing to me,” he said. “I can go outside my store and not worry about someone judging me for what I’m wearing or anything. The people are real friendly too.”
With P-Town’s initial month almost under its belt, Maxwell said that future plans are already in the works.
“I’ve gotten with a screenprinter and have thought about making some P-Town apparel,” he said. “Something with P-Town, casinos and the mountains in the background.”
In addition Maxwell said that he will change up the store’s inventory every few weeks to keep things new and fresh for his customers.
Listening to the people is how Maxwell hopes to grow his business, keeping his customer base happy in the process. If he gets enough requests he will special order items when the demand is there.
“I tell people to come on in check us out, see what you like,” he said. “If you don’t see what you’re looking for we’re always open to suggestions.”
P-Town Urban Wear can be contacted at 702-502-0004.
Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.