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The shopping landscape in Portland has changed significantly in recent years, perhaps not quite as dramatically as the much-buzzed-about culinary scene, but in similar (pardon the pun) fashion. Specifically, those same hip and indie-spirited neighborhoods around the city that have become hot spots for food and drink—areas like the Pearl District, downtown West End, Alberta, North Mississippi, and Central East Side—are also enjoying a steady influx of distinctive, well-curated boutiques specializing in edgy fashion and jewelry, handcrafted home accessories and household goods, and artisanal foods.
The city’s longstanding shopping hubs, including the downtown core, Nob Hill, and the Hawthorne District continue to support a number of both established and up-and-coming retailers, too. Generally speaking, you’ll find more of Portland’s nationally known chain stores in these traditional commercial districts, especially around downtown’s Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Pearl District (particularly the lower half of the neighborhood, nearest Burnside Street), and along the lower blocks of Nob Hill’s N.W. 23rd Avenue. Additionally, on the East Side, the prosaic but convenient Lloyd Center Mall and surrounding neighborhood has plenty of chain stores.
Keep in mind that Portland has no sales tax, which can translate to huge savings for visitors; it’s one reason you might even plan to set aside some time browsing in chain shops that you already have back home.
Downtown Portland merchants are generally open Monday–Saturday between 9 or 10 am and 6 pm, and on Sunday noon–6. Smaller, independent retailers often keep limited or somewhat unpredictable hours—many establishments in the laid-back and quirky East Side neighborhoods don’t open until 11 or noon, and some stay open until 7 or 8; these sorts of places also sometimes close one or two days a week, usually either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday. It’s always best to call first before making a special trip to visit a shop.
Form meets function at this design boutique with a niche selection of clean-lined, modern goods and gifts for every room in the home. You'll find curvy thick-glass bowls, modern lamps with sheer paper shades, polished-stone trays, Bigelow natural-bristle toothbrushes, and Chemex coffee kettles, with some goods produced locally and exclusively for Canoe, and others imported from Asia and northern Europe.
This popular clothing retailer is one of the Pacific Northwest's most defining trendsetters—a favorite of stylish locals who come for that cool, understated look (casual to dressy) that Portlanders are known for. You'll find made-here labels as well as European faves. Frances May also stocks jewelry, art books, housewares, and the city's own OLO Fragrances.
Running on Saturday mornings and early afternoons year-round, this astoundingly large and diverse farmers' market carries not only Oregon's bounty of flowers and produce (look especially for berries in summer and stone fruits in fall) but also hazelnuts, cheese, delectable baked goods, wines and ciders, and other goodies. It's great for people-watching and souvenir shopping, and several stalls sell great food to eat on-site—be sure to come hungry. If you can't make the Saturday market, check the website for locations of smaller but still very popular versions of the market, held most days during the warmer months at various locations around town.
Chocolate fiends and sweet-tooths get their fix at this inviting storefront shop and café in the West End, which also has a branch inside Downtown's natty Heathman Hotel. Browse the huge selection of ultrafine, single-origin, artisanal chocolates from around the world, or order a cup of luscious and satisfying house-made drinking chocolate.
A local legend and global force in recreational outdoor wear, Columbia Sportswear is especially strong in all-weather jackets, pants, and durable shoes. The national brand's Downtown flagship store, just two blocks from Pioneer Courthouse Square, stocks the latest styles. You'll find another outpost at the airport.
For funky vintage garb that dates from the 1950s through the 1990s, look no further than this colorful nest of fashion treasures. Jewelry, shoes, dresses, coats, and even rhinestone tiaras can be found here.
Walking into this store feels like walking into an antique shop that specializes in fine jewelry, including some pieces from the 18th century. Rare and vintage designs, many of them purchased from luxury estates, fill the sparkling glass cases.
It's safe to assume that Nike's flagship Portland store, just a short drive from the company's mammoth HQ campus in Beaverton, has the latest and greatest in swoosh-adorned products. The high-tech setting has athlete profiles, photos, and interactive displays.
If you want real-deal western gear—saddles, Stetsons, boots, and shirts—head to this old-school, no-nonsense store which stubbornly resists all that is trendy, both in clothes and decor. The red neon sign, depicting a cowboy riding a bucking horse, is a Downtown icon.
This store stocks clothing by the famous local apparel maker, whose woolen mills were established in 1863 and continue to produce sturdy, brightly patterned blankets and rugs as well as men's and women's shirts, sweaters, outerwear, and gear that's as popular with octogenarians as with twentysomethings.
The retail shop of the eponymous Portland record label founded by Jared and Brianne Mees carries not only music but also cool hand-printed cards, posters, and T-shirts, along with an artistic selection of handcrafted lifestyle goods, from pastel miniature vases and squiggle-shaped earrings to ceramic fox trinkets and illustrated prints. You'll find additional locations on Hawthorne, in Nob Hill, at Bridgeport Village, and in the airport.
Stocking an exhaustive selection of trendy men's underwear, this boutique has a strong following with Portland's gay community, but any guy with a discerning eye for quality boxer briefs and ribbed trunks will appreciate underU4men and its helpful sales staff. In addition to more than 50 underwear brands, from good old Levi's boxers to sexy Unico and Andrew Christian briefs, the shop also carries thousands of swimsuits and a range of apothecary products.
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