3 Tempting and Brand-New Storefronts in NW Portland
Image: Jennie Gassner
The holiday shopping industrial complex is showing more than a few chinks in its armor this year, what with those pesky supply chain shortages and the general no-goodnik aura around certain online behemoths.
All the more reason to shop local and IRL this season. To sweeten the pot, here are three brand-new storefronts in and around Nob Hill, the Pearl District and Old Town that are on our radar screen, for gifts for others or (if we’re really being honest) ourselves.
Portland Leather
This locally owned leather workshop has come a long way in its decade-plus of operations, and has just planted its flag in NW 23rd Avenue’s bustling shopping district after a pandemic-delay of more than a year. There, you’ll find buttery-soft totes, backpacks, and cross-body bags at surprisingly reasonable prices, in a variety of colors, plus wallets, pencil cases, and passport holders for stocking stuffers.
Their real calling card is the distinctive, rich leather smell that hits you right when you walk in the door; vegans will of course be less enamored, but the company says works with the cattle industry to source hides that would otherwise go to waste. And don’t be fussed if your new tote has a spot, scratch or slight imperfection—that’s the story of where the material has been. Where it’s going is up to you. 808 NW 23rd Avenue, open 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Thu–Sun
Reformation
The Hamptons, check. London, check. Los Angles, check. And now—or, rather, as of November 12—Portland, check. We’re getting our own storefront for eco-forward fashion line Reformation, and one that’s a spacious 2,000 square feet to boot. Style mavens will be familiar with the brand’s signature denim and body-con dresses/two-piece sets, but the Portland store will make room for pandemic-friendly athleisure wear, plus bridal styles and line of printed denim (not for the faint of heart, or those who prefer their jeans to be solely in shades of blue.)
What’s more, Reformation has accurately read the Portland room, and kited out its new storefront in natural and/or recyclable accoutrements, from repurposed furniture to eco-friendly hangars. 1015 NW Couch Street, open 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon–Sat & 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun
Flor Wines
When in doubt, give wine. (Assuming, of course, that those on your list are of legal drinking age.) The powers-that-be behind new retail wine storefront Flor Wines, which is set to open November 23 along the NW Park Blocks, come from the Gabriel Rucker empire, including Andy Fortgang, the co-owner and wine director at Le Pigeon and Canard, and Sergio Licea, the former wine director of Little Bird Bistro.
Their concept for Flor? Powell’s Books, but for wine, basically. The idea is for you to browse the way you might at the bookstore's stacks and emerge with a wine you’ve never heard of, from a region where you didn’t even know grapes could grow. The space covers 1,700 square feet, and the owners are hoping for wine clubs and classes, special events, and regular in-store tastings. 825 NW Glisan Street, open 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Tue–Sat
