For the last 12 years, PDX Pop-Up Shops has brought local designers and artists into vacant storefronts in downtown Portland for the winter holiday season. This year, the PDX Pop-Up shops are again popping up and converting Portland’s vacant retail space into seasonal shops bustling with activity. This program, a project of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and the Portland Business Alliance, provides unique gift offerings for the Holiday season as well as an opportunity for small and emerging retailers to launch their very first ‘brick and mortar’ storefront.
Successful graduates of this program have been Amity Goods and Crafty Wonderland (now re-opened!), both of which quickly have become favorite retail destinations for both Portlanders and tourists alike.
“It is an important indicator of Downtown Portland’s desirability for small businesses that we had more applications this year than we were able to place in the Downtown area,” says Sydney Mead, Director, Downtown Programs for the Portland Business Alliance and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. “Our selection committee honed in on these seven businesses as being ready for the next step in their business development, and we are honored to be working with them.”
Added Andrew Hoan, President and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance: “The Alliance is pleased to partner with Downtown Portland Clean & Safe to support this year’s Pop-Up Shops in establishing a presence in our central city. Supporting these entrepreneurs and retailers will help advance the vibrancy of our retail economy as we continue to recover.”
This year, there are a record number of shops for a total of seven storefronts. Many are minority, woman, and LGBTQ+ -owned.
Pop-Up shops are a great opportunity to shop small, shop local, and connect with some of the more exciting new businesses in the Downtown area.
PDX Pop-Up Shops: Open November 16, 2021 – December 31, 2021. Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Please note special dates for Makers Outlet below.
This year’s PDX Pop-Up Shops are:
- Indigenous Come-Up (719 SW Morrison Street): Owner Lluvia Merello is proudly Quechua, Andean/Inca and she is both maker and partner with other Indigenous creators and makers. Indigenous Come Up will be featuring Enamel Pins, Double Jingle Style Earrings, Kusi Coya original bags, and Fulani Gold Hoop Earrings. Beautiful, detailed work!
- Grate Co. (1101 SW Washington Street): Greg & Nate founded Grate Company in 2015 with the goal of harnessing their overflowing creativity and share their passion with the world. They will have workshops, wreaths, bouquets, and even a delicious line of candles. Things are popping up Grate all over!
- Makers Outlet (133 SW 2nd Avenue): Special Hours – Open November 23, 2021 – January 31, 2022, Owner Rosalee Rester has been turning local maker’s deadstock into an outlet store that could only happen in Portland. Rosalee began an online baby clothing line and quickly realized that our maker community had an issue inventory that lingered in their own stores. The solution: a maker outlet store where the community can purchase couture and bespoke clothing as well as local crafts at a discount.
- R&Arie (215 SW 1st Avenue): R&Arie owner Reeba Daniel is creating an immersive and intimate self-care environment with a focus on wellness products. Small batch skincare, candle bar, ayurvedic consultations with a focus on Black, Indigenous, People of Color makers.
- Tabbisocks (875 SW Yamhill Street): Portland loves socks! True words! Founder Maarlie Wada moved to the U.S. from Japan and brought with her her eye for Japanese sock style. While PDX Pop-Up shops strongly supports our local makers, this opportunity charmed the socks off our selection committee, and we are excited to support this locally owned company.
- The Pickle Jar, Portland Pickles Clubhouse & Team Store (910 SW 2nd Avenue): That is correct, Portland’s favorite summer wood bat baseball league for college-eligible student-athletes will be bringing their “A-Game” to a gift shop full of their iconic mascot and merchandise. Watch this space for “Dillon Drops,” special guest appearances from Dillion one of the minor leagues most recognizable and beloved mascot.
- Ceramic NW (300 SW Yamhill Street): The volunteer-run Oregon Potters Association will be showcasing up to 40 ceramic artists in this amazing display of Oregon talent. Expect all things clay in this wonderful ceramic showcase. We are excited to support this non-profit as it experiments with their very first retail space.