Whether you're strolling through chichi boutiques in the Pearl or digging up treasures with the hippies in thrift stores on Hawthorne, Portland shopping is always interesting. Here are some places to go.
Shopping Areas
Bookstores
Clothing Stores
Music Stores
Yarn Stores
Ephemera
The Pearl District
http://www.shopthepearl.com
The Pearl originated as Portland’s art district, with PNCA and a number of galleries located here. Over the years, with neighborhood renovations, it has become the home of chic lofts and pricier shops, like Anthropologie, as well as numerous local boutiques.
Southeast Hawthorne/Belmont
Quirkier and more budget-friendly than the Pearl, sister streets Hawthorne and Belmont offer great shopping opportunities. Whether you're in the market for vintage clothing (The Red LIght and Buffalo Exchange), books on any subject (Powell's on Hawthorne), stationery and housewares (Sorel's, Presents of MInd and Noun), or just a tasty meal, these two strips have it all.
Northeast Alberta
Shop Alberta
Many of the boutiques and restaurants along Alberta are newcomers: the neighborhood is in the process of upscaling, but still retains much of the racial and cultural diversity that made it interesting in the first place. Among the many independent shops springing up along Alberta, I can personally recommend Office (modern, arty paper and office products), PedX (shoes), and Frock (ladies' fashion by Portland designers), but I'm sure you'll find your own favorites.
Powell’s City of Books
Burnside location – 1005 W Burnside St.
800-878-7323, or 503-228-4651
9am – 11pm
www.powells.com
Filling four stories and covering an entire city block, Powell’s is the largest new and used bookstore in the world. Powell’s has four other locations around the Portland area, but the Burnside location is the ultimate destination for book-loving tourists and locals.
Annie Bloom's Books
7834 SW Capitol Highway
503-246-0053
9am - 10pm
www.annieblooms.com
Annie Bloom's is a charming neighborhood bookstore, perfect for browsing. Complete with friendly staff, plentiful sales racks, free tea and cookies, and even a store cat, it's a great place to while away some extremely pleasant hours. They also offer a frequent-buyer program that entitles you to a free book when you buy twelve.
Reading Frenzy
921 SW Oak St.
www.readingfrenzy.com
503-274-1449
11am - 7pm Mon-Sat; 12pm - 6pm Sun
Right across the street from Powell's, Reading Frenzy specializes in 'zines (independently published magazines) and books from small, independent presses. The offerings are highly original, and range from xeroxed and stapled personal zines by Pacific Northwest authors, to underground comics, to artistic, professionally-bound periodicals like McSweeney's.
Frock Boutique
2940 NE Alberta St.
www.frockboutique.com
Frock features the work of many local Portland designers. Find unique, vintage-inspired pieces with a glamorous edge.
Imelda's and Louie's Shoes
3426 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
www.imeldasandlouies.com
Imelda's (for women) and Louie's (for men) offer a variety of chic footwear, from fashion sneakers to designer heels. Imelda's verges on a shoe museum, with sandals and boots displayed on pedestals like the works of art they are.
John Helmer Haberdasher
969 SW Broadway
www.johnhelmer.com
For fellows (or ladies) who want the old-fashioned hat-buying experience, John Helmer is the place to go. From the traditional green-and-white awnings out front, to the racks of stetsons lining the walls, this local haberdasher is a class act all the way. Pick up an Irish Walking Hat for the cold winter months, or a roll-up Panama to celebrate the coming of spring.
Moxie
2400 E Burnside St
(503) 296-6943
Moxie is a local boutique specializing in independent and local clothing designers, and unique, affordable inventory.
Oddball/Baddoll Shoes
1639 NW Marshall St.
www.baddoll.com
Oddball and Baddoll are locally owned, and have a great selection of colorful sneakers and funky boots and heels. They also carry clothing and accessories to go with your new hi-tops.
Red Light Clothing Exchange
3590 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
(503) 963-8888
The Red Light is a classic vintage shop in the heart of the funky Hawthorne shopping district. Although their prices have risen a bit in the past few years, they're still a great source for everything from '50's cocktail dresses to embroidered bowling shirts, and they remain more affordable than buying new.
Seaplane
www.e-seaplane.com/
827 NW 23rd Ave.
Seaplane’s boutique offers higher-end, extremely original designs by local and independent clothiers. High points often include pieces by Seaplane’s co-owners, local designers Kathryn Towers and Holly Stalder.
2nd Avenue Records
400 SW 2nd Ave.
503-222-3783
Carrying on the punk and indie traditions with a vengeance, 2nd Avenue is an excellent place to find that rare 45 or bootleg cassette you heard one time at a friend's house in 1983. If you don't find what you're looking for among the CD and LP racks, be sure to ask at the counter: like as not, they'll produce it as if by magic from one of the cardboard boxes lining the back wall.
Crossroads Music
3130B SE Hawthorne Blvd.
503-232-1767
www.xro.com
Crossroads is a haven for lovers of old and rare recordings. Their LP selection is awe-inspiring, especially for early blues, jazz, country and soul. The prices are very reasonable: I once came upon a beautiful full set of Bessie Smith LP's for just $30. Crossroads' inventory is maintained by 35+ independent vendors, so check back often to monitor the changing stock. They also carry a range of vintage posters and receivers.
Green Noise Records
2615 SE Clinton St.
503-736-0909
www.greennoiserecords.com
A small, neighborly record store that also carries 'zines and comic books, Green Noise is a cozy place to shop for garage, surf or lounge music. They have a good used selection, as well as new CD's and LP's.
Everyday Music
1313 W Burnside (Downtown)
1931 NE Sandy Blvd (Northeast)
503-274-0961
www.everydaymusic.com
Everyday Music is aptly named: it is an excellent workhorse record store, offering a standard selection of new and used CD's, DVD's and LP's, with the occasional great find for those who search through their bins. Shoppers are allowed to listen to any record in stock before buying, and EM will pay cash for any CD/DVD/LP you care to sell. For lovers of jazz and classical music, the downtown store has an entire annex devoted to these genres.
Jackpot! Records
3736 SE Hawthorne Ave. (Southeast)
203 SW 9th Ave. (Downtown)
503-239-7561
www.jackpotrecords.com
Jackpot's two locations provide hip, stylish atmospheres in which to shop for all things recorded. They specialize in garage, psychedelic, indie and soul recordings, but you're likely to find that Britney CD you want, too. Although Jackpot carries used records, their new selection is more extensive.
Music Millennium
3158 E Burnside (East)
801 NW 23rd Ave. (Northwest)
503-231-8926 (East)/503-248-0163 (NW)
Website here
A locally-owned small chain, the Music Millennium stores carry a good selection of CD's at standard prices. More exciting than the merchandise are the in-store performances at the Northwest location, which in the past have included shows by the likes of Elliott Smith and Rufus Wainwright. There is a Classical-only store next to the regular Burnside location.
Trade Up Music
4701 SE Division St.
503-236-8800
www.tradeupmusic.com
Trade Up is by far the best musical instrument store in Portland (in my humble opinion). Extremely reasonable prices, excellent friendly staff, great selection and a comfortable environment combine to make a stellar instrument-shopping experience. None of that testosterone-fueled one-upmanship that infects so many guitar stores; just a comradely enthusiasm for making music. Trade Up also has a new location at 1834 NE Alberta Street.
Yarn Stores
Some of us at CubeSpace have terrible fiber addictions. These are the places where we get our fix.
Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks
8524 SE 17th Ave.
503-258-9276
Mon-Thu 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri & Sat 9 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
www.abundantyarn.com
This is Sellwood's neighborhood yarn shop, with a cafe and regular classes.
Close Knit
2140 NE Alberta St.
503-288-4568
Tues, Thurs-Fri: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wed 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.
www.closeknitportland.com
Knit Purl
1101 SW Alder
503-227-2999
Mon - Wed 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Thur 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri & Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun noon - 5 p.m.
www.knit-purl.com
Knit Purl is located in downtown Portland, near the central branch of the Multnomah County library. It's a higher-end yarn shop with an excellent, helpful staff. They recently launched a line of yarn, and if you go in on Thursday evenings, you might get champagne with your knitting help.
Lint
1700 NW Marshall
503-226-8500
Call for hours
www.lintinc.com/html/welcome.htm
Lint is often cited as the hippest yarn store in Portland. They have a small selection of quality yarns, including relatively inexpensive yarns like Brown Sheep.
Mabel's Cafe and Knittery
3041 SE Division St.
503-231-4107
Mon - Thurs 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri - Sun 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
http://mabelscafe.com/
Mabel's is a cozy, small store in Southeast. They're kinda funky and carry a pretty standard yarn selection -- Cascade, Manos del Uruguay, Debbie Bliss, Opal sock yarn. What makes Mabel's great is the comfort level inside the store. They sell beer and wine as well as cafe items, and it's a fantastic place to take your knitting and spend an afternoon.
The Naked Sheep
2142 N Killingsworth
503-283-2004
Tues - Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; closed Monday
www.thenakedsheepknitshop.com
Northwest Wools
3524 SW Troy St.
503-244-5024
Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
www.northwestwools.com
Located among the cute shops of Multnomah Village, NW Wools is a mid-sized yarn shop with a standard collection of wools and a cozy pattern room in the back.
The Yarn Garden
1413 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
503-239-7950
Fall hours: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun noon - 5 p.m.
www.yarngarden.net
The Yarn Garden is a bustling shop that carries a wide variety of yarns, from very affordable workhorse acrylics to luxurious hand-dyed silks. Their staff is friendly and helpful, and they offer an array of workshops, ranging from beginner to advanced. They also have a cafe, called the Sipperie, where patrons can lounge, knit, and contemplate their purchases.
Josephine's Dry Goods
521 SW 11th Ave.
www.josephinesdrygoods.com
Josephine's is one of Portland most venerable fabric stores, with a convenient downtown location and an inventory specializing in beautiful designer fabrics, from Egyptian cottons to raw silks. It's a great place to pick up some yardage for that special sewing project you've been contemplating.
Next Adventure
426 SE Grand Ave.
http://nextadventure.net
Located just two blocks from Cubespace, Next Adventure is an alternative source for outdoors and camping gear. You can often find great deals here, as they carry used equipment and close-out merchandise. Check back often in person or on the web, as the stock is constantly changing.
The Paper Garden
1713 NE 15th Ave.
The Paper Garden is a haven for all lovers of beautiful stationery, cards, invites and labels. With the wonderful selection and pleasing presentation, you’re sure to find the perfect vehicle for sending a unique letter or package.
Portland Running Company
800 SE Grand
www.portlandrunningcompany.com
If your brain is getting a little cobwebby from staring at a computer, but you're missing that perfect pair of running shoes necessary to clean it out, drop by by PRC's convenient SE Grand location and browse their excellent array of running and walking attire. You'll be jogging around the neighborhood in no time.
REI
1405 NW Johnson St.
www.rei.com/stores/portland
REI is where many locals go for camping and outdoors gear. Their beautiful new facility in northwest Portland won a LEED Gold Award from the United States Green Building Council, so you can shop for tents and kayaks in eco-conscious style.
Rich's Cigar Store
820 SW Alder St.
www.richscigar.com
Rich's is something of a Portland institution, and you don't have to be a smoker to appreciate the racks upon racks of periodicals from all over the world (over 2500 at last count) displayed in a leisurely, old-fashioned setting. If you are connoisseur of fine tobaccos, however, you will delight in Rich's walk-in humidor and wide selection of exotic and traditional blends.
Sorel's Vintages
3713 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
(503) 232-8482
Located in the heart of the Hawthorne shopping district, Sorel's carries a wide variety of home furnishings and accoutrements, from retro oilcloth and cocktail shakers to beautiful microfiber sofas and loveseats.
