PDX Pop-Up Shop Application

Downtown Portland Clean & Safe is bringing back the PDX Holiday Pop-Up Shop Program, and we are looking for creative, entrepreneurial businesses ready to take the next step and try brick and mortar retail in the heart of Downtown Portland.

For six festive weeks, selected businesses will have the opportunity to operate their own Downtown storefront during the busy holiday shopping season. Downtown Portland Clean & Safe covers the cost of the lease and utilities and provides exterior window signage and marketing support.

Why Open a PDX Pop-Up Shop?

The PDX Pop-Up Shop Program is designed to give emerging and growing businesses an opportunity to experiment with retail without taking on the cost and long-term commitment of a traditional commercial lease.

For participating businesses, it is an opportunity to:

• Test the brick-and-mortar market and learn whether a storefront makes sense for your business.
• Reach new customers during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
• Build your brand and introduce people who may know you online, at markets or through social media to your business in a physical retail setting.
• Learn what works in a storefront, from merchandising and displays to staffing, hours and customer behavior.
• Test new products and ideas and get immediate feedback from customers.
• Gather real-world sales information that can help inform future business decisions.
• Gain additional visibility through the PDX Pop-Up Shop marketing campaign and Downtown Portland holiday promotions.
• Become part of Downtown Portland’s retail community during one of the most energetic times of the year.

Most importantly, the program gives entrepreneurs the chance to answer a big question: Could your business thrive with a permanent storefront?

What We Provide

Selected businesses receive:

• A Downtown Portland retail storefront for the duration of the program
• Rent and utilities paid by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe
• Exterior window signage
• Inclusion in the PDX Pop-Up Shop marketing and promotional campaign
• Support from our team as you prepare to open

What You Provide

Participating businesses must have:

• A federal tax ID
• Liability insurance issued in the business’s name
• Products available to sell
• Staff available to operate the shop
• Your own display racks, shelving, tables and other merchandising materials
• A Wi-Fi hotspot or other internet solution
• Your own point-of-sale system
• Businesses are responsible for setting up, merchandising, staffing, and operating their individual shops.
• Please note: Franchises are not eligible for the PDX Pop-Up Shop Program.

Food and Beverage Businesses

Food and beverage businesses are welcome to apply. Depending on the products being sold and the selected location, Multnomah County may require additional temporary food service licenses or permits. If selected, our team will help you navigate the applicable short-term licensing requirements. Required licenses and insurance must be issued directly in the participating business’s name.

Shop Hours

Pop-Up Shops are generally expected to be open:

• Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Shops are generally closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Christmas Eve hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Please note: Some locations may require businesses to operate seven days a week. Some businesses might prefer seven-day-a-week models. Businesses that have chosen expanded hours in previous years have often found the additional open days valuable, particularly during the holiday shopping season.

2026 Program Timeline

• Applications Due: September 18, 2026
• Finalist Interviews: Week of September 21
• Selected Businesses Notified: Week of October 5
• Storefront Locations Announced: Week of October 12
• Shop Setup: Timing will vary by storefront, generally between October 19 and November 12
• PDX Pop-Up Shops Open: November 13
• Thanksgiving Day: Closed
• Christmas Eve: Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Christmas Day: Closed
• Program Ends: December 26
• Storefront Teardown: December 26, 2026 – January 1st – 6th, 2027* date may vary depending on the venue.

Participating retailers may have the option to remain open between December 26 and the end of the year, if it makes sense for their business and individual storefront agreement. All spaces must be returned clean and to their pre-rental condition at the end of the program.

Ready to Try Retail?

Apply by September 18, 2026, and make Downtown Portland part of your business story this holiday season.