Although the store itself has bounced up and down Main Street over the years, the fishermen (and women) of Gloucester have always been able to rely on the Nelson’s name to keep them warm and dry out on the open ocean. Established by John Nelson in 1874, the family owned and run business has been a Gloucester institution since its doors first opened. Originally the Nelson’s family hand-made the heavy waterproof raingear — known as “oilskins” because of the coating of linseed oil put on them, but as the times have changed so has the store. The gear is no longer made in store, but that hasn’t stopped the Nelson family from carrying the best brands for their customers. Walk down any of the aisles and you’ll notice names such as Grunden’s, Carhartt, Levi’s, and Columbia. With the fleet of commercial fishing boats dwindling every year, Nelson’s has expanded its inventory in order to suit our customers needs.