The Retail Thread

[maccoinnich]

Originally Posted by downtownpdx

Sorry.. misuse of the word “spate” haha.

Wait, is it? Seems correct to me.

[downtownpdx]

Originally Posted by maccoinnich

Wait, is it? Seems correct to me.

Haha (sorry to bump this thread) I looked it up because I never use that word and apparently “spate” is reserved for negative connotations, like a “spate of car accidents” etc. New retail downtown sure doesn’t fit that category.

On another note downtown office vacancy has fallen for the first time in nearly 3 years. Perhaps a turning point at last. And while Uniqlo is just one shop, I can’t help but feel like that retail lease signals a turning point as well, especially since they chose a downtown street level space rather than a mall. That opening coinciding with the public market in the next year will be a nice push forward.

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2026/04/06/downtown-office-vacancy-rates-fall.html

[OakAngeles]

Originally Posted by downtownpdx

Haha (sorry to bump this thread) I looked it up because I never use that word and apparently “spate” is reserved for negative connotations, like a “spate of car accidents” etc. New retail downtown sure doesn’t fit that category.

On another note downtown office vacancy has fallen for the first time in nearly 3 years. Perhaps a turning point at last. And while Uniqlo is just one shop, I can’t help but feel like that retail lease signals a turning point as well, especially since they chose a downtown street level space rather than a mall. That opening coinciding with the public market in the next year will be a nice push forward.

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2026/04/06/downtown-office-vacancy-rates-fall.html

With good news like that^^^, you can use whatever term you want for good news Seems like things have been looking up in general! Gonna be making a trip back to visit this summer & I can't wait to see what's new downtown

[maccoinnich]

Originally Posted by downtownpdx

Haha (sorry to bump this thread) I looked it up because I never use that word and apparently “spate” is reserved for negative connotations, like a “spate of car accidents” etc. New retail downtown sure doesn’t fit that category.

On another note downtown office vacancy has fallen for the first time in nearly 3 years. Perhaps a turning point at last. And while Uniqlo is just one shop, I can’t help but feel like that retail lease signals a turning point as well, especially since they chose a downtown street level space rather than a mall. That opening coinciding with the public market in the next year will be a nice push forward.

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2026/04/06/downtown-office-vacancy-rates-fall.html

Well today I learned!

[maccoinnich]

Old Town magazine shop to move out of NW Portland storefront



A sleek and colorful magazine store is saying goodbye to Old Town after less than two years in the neighborhood.

In October 2024, Chess Club set up shop at 435 N.W. 6th Ave. — bringing its well-curated selection of more than 400 independent magazines from around the world to Northwest Portland.

The store quickly became a hub for visual art and analog culture, cultivating a retail environment where organic discovery could thrive.

“People miss what felt exciting about the early internet,” co-founder Christy Lai said in a news release. “Stumbling into worlds, discovering references, finding friends who share obsessions.”

This summer, that hub will start anew in downtown Portland.

Chess Club is moving its storefront to the Telegram Building in Portland’s West End — an area of downtown known for its trendy street-level shops and the Pacific Northwest’s first Ritz-Carlton hotel. This new location, at 1111 S.W. Washington St. in the former West End Bikes space, plans to open in September, according to the release.

...continues at the Oregonian.

[maccoinnich]

Demolition permit issued for Uniqlo's move into the Fox Tower. They're taking over the former Banana Republic space and the adjacent Pielogy space.

[dizflip]

With how crowded Muji is on the weekends, I can only imagine how it's going to be for Uniqlo.

[downtownpdx]

Glad to hear they’re taking over the adjacent pizza space as well.

[urbanlife]

Originally Posted by maccoinnich

Demolition permit issued for Uniqlo's move into the Fox Tower. They're taking over the former Banana Republic space and the adjacent Pielogy space.

I am so mad this is happening now and not when I was spending a fortune at that store in the 2000s when I was riding my single speed bike around wearing my Uniqlo skinny jeans and fitted tshirts

[maccoinnich]

Lavoratti 1938 Opens Their First US Chocolate Shop in Portland



In downtown Portland, not far from Pioneer Courthouse Square, is the home of the very first Lavoratti 1938 chocolate shop in the United States. They chose Portland over places like New York City and San Francisco, which I think is a big deal. I stopped by the other day to see the shop, try some chocolate samples, and learn more about this cherished Italian chocolate company.

What Is Lavoratti 1938?
Lavoriatti 1938 is a chocolate company based in Varazze, a seaside town located in the Liguria region along the Italian Riviera. Genoa is not far, about 37 miles to the east. They are considered a “bean-to-bar” chocolate maker, sourcing their chocolate from San José, Ecuador to make bars, truffles, bonbons, pencils, spreads, and more.

Lavoratti: What’s in a Name?
This is a very straightforward origin story: Lavoratti is named after the company’s founder, Liberto Lavoratti. He started out selling sweets and drinks from a wooden box on the beach.

...continues at Bridgetown Bites.

[downtownpdx]

Just read this as well, great to see them choose a downtown storefront. It’s clear from the article that they were enticed by the upcoming public market, Portland’s food scene and downtown’s recent progress. Let’s keep this momentum going.