energizing downtown’s retail core
Our robust programming and campaigns encourage a vibrant retail environment for the Downtown Portland and Old Town neighborhoods. Through strategically placed earned, paid, and owned media, we amplify the energy of downtown Portland and Old Town by highlighting new retail openings, cultural events, and the people who make the district special.
Retail Incubator
Since 2009, our PDX Pop-Up Shop Program has been a beloved downtown Portland holiday tradition. This program transforms vacant retail spaces into vibrant, temporary destinations where local artists, designers, and emerging entrepreneurs showcase their unique gifts and goods.
Immerse yourself in the creativity of Portland’s independent design community. Each holiday season, Pop-Up Shops feature an exciting range of locally-made offerings—from handcrafted ceramics and jewelry to homemade treats and artisan goods. There’s a good reason why shoppers return year after year: you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t discover anywhere else.
PDX Pop-Up Shops create real impact beyond the holiday season. The program generates seasonal jobs, activates vacant storefronts, and helps property owners showcase their spaces to future tenants. Many participants have experienced such success that they’ve grown into permanent downtown fixtures—Crafty Wonderland, Amity Artisan Goods, Bentley Fleurs, Bridge & Burn, Sinister Coffee & Creamery, and the Portland Pickles’ Pickle Jar all started as Pop-Up Shops and are now beloved community staples.
If you’re a maker or small business owner looking for an incredible opportunity to showcase your products and engage with the Portland community, contact Sydney Mead.
Visitor Assistance
Downtown Portland Clean & Safe’s Sidewalk Ambassadors serve as friendly local experts throughout the district. Our ambassadors provide visitor assistance, directions, restaurant recommendations, and information about downtown events and attractions. They’re walking concierges dedicated to helping both visitors and locals experience all that downtown has to offer.
In addition to hospitality services, ambassadors support community events at Director Park and across downtown, helping create the welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that makes our district special.
Downtown Retail Council
The Downtown Retail Council (DRC) is the voice for downtown Portland’s consumer businesses. Open to retailers, restaurateurs, and hoteliers within the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District, the DRC meets monthly to support the retail environment by developing cooperative promotions, overseeing the Downtown Retail Strategy, accessing market research, and representing the collective interests of downtown businesses on public environment and policy decisions.
Meetings: Fourth Thursday of each month (January–October), 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Street Beat Newsletter
Our monthly Street Beat newsletter is a vital part of how we connect the downtown community—bringing updates on our programs and services, community events, business features, and the latest downtown stories. Each month, we curate special content to promote upcoming district events, spotlight local retail shops and restaurants, and celebrate new businesses opening their doors. We make it easy to stay connected to downtown’s pulse with Street Beat.
visit downtown campaign
The Visit Downtown Campaign is a collaborative effort between the Portland Metro Chamber, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, and the City of Portland to keep Portland’s core in the spotlight. This partnership ensures that the vibrancy, creativity, and community spirit of downtown reach both locals and visitors, inviting everyone to experience what makes our urban center thrive.
