8 New-and-Improved Portland Shopping Spots We're Digging Right Now
A peek inside the new Makerspace shop in Sellwood.
A strange symbol popped up on our weather forecast app today. It was a tiny cloud with—can it be?—raindrops attached.
Okay, the chances of rain are still a good 10 days out. But as sure as the sun is rising later and setting earlier every day right now, fall—and winter—will eventually set in. What better time to prepare your wardrobe and your house for cozy season?
Which means, of course, that you might as well go nose around some new and interesting stores and happenings before the rain inevitably begins. Here’s what’s on our watch list for fall.
Superette
Alphabet District
We’ve had a close eye on this impeccably curated, Latina-owned space for awhile now, starting when they opened up a pop-up in Portland’s Central Industrial Eastside. As of early September, they’re open on the always-busy shopping stretch on NW 23rd Avenue. Buyers here have a clear eye for luxe color and prints—we’re swooning for their selection of pleated kaftans and breezy shirt-dresses. Denim goes way beyond basics here; we like the button hem detail in this off-white pair of pants that allows you to wear them tapered or wide-leg, as the day demands. 1536 NW 23rd Avenue
Origin Story
Boise-Eliot
Pay attention to IG for this new effort, coming in November from three of Portland’s best-loved indie-brands. Modern Myth is bringing the Moroccan textiles—rugs, pillows, footstools, you name it, all of which wouldn’t look out of place at La Momounia—while eco-conscientious clothing comes from Soluna, best known for neutral knit separates (though our current pick is this pair of kicky two-tone cargo pants) and Wildehaus, a ceramics and houseplant whisperer. 4022 N. Williams
Makerspace
Sellwood
The exterior of the new Makerspace.
What’s better than a place to buy stuff? A place to buy stuff AND make your own, we’re thinking. Workshop-retail hybrid combos have come and gone around town over the years; Makerspace is the newest and sweetest version of the genre, which opened at the start of the month. They sell perfect cards, lovely ceramics, and helpful tinctures—but if you’d rather make your own slab mug or learn bookbinding, they have you covered there too. 1520 SE Bybee Boulevard
Taryn x Philip
Beaverton
Perhaps you’ve heard tell that the suburbs are booming? The finds at this boutique, new in Cedar Hills as of July 2022, back that up. The vibe is decidedly less indie than you’ll find in inner SE Portland, true. Instead, you’ll find some time-tested brands: Think 7 For All Mankind, Michael Stars, and Splendid. We particularly appreciate their emphasis on inclusive sizing, too. 2545 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard
Boheme PDX
Slabtown
Portland loves an outdoor shopping bonanza. Just look at the crowds who’ve flocked to the Portland Flea all summer long. But why should eastsiders have all the fun? Hit up Boheme PDX’s third Sundays event, under the arches of the Fremont Bridge, for 70+ vendors, hawking everything from the Irish fishermen’s sweaters of our dreams to Swedish-inspired sandals to handmade, vegan leather everything. There’s only two more meet-ups this year before their December-February winter break, and one of them is this Sunday. 1631 NW Thurman Street
Breeze + Branch
Beaumont-Wilshire
Is it cheating to mention this home goods store on Northeast Fremont in a “new and interesting” roundup, given that they are about to have their second birthday? Absolutely not, especially considering that they’re throwing a party and it happens to be this Saturday, complete with what they are calling a “lil’ curated market” that focuses on emerging artists, particularly women and people of color. Or stop by anytime for delightfully personal art prints, assorted handmade furniture and some assertively chunky jewelry. 4605 NE Fremont Street
Indigo Traders
Multnomah Village
This artful home goods store has been holding it down in Multnomah Village for almost a decade now, but they’ve really elevated their game after this past summer’s move to a new, light-filled storefront on the neighborhood’s main drag. The best day to pop in is Tuesdays, when you might catch a Turkish coffee demo—sample some of Ankara’s finest, learn to make your own cup, and buy the supplies you need to replicate it at home. Or check out the region’s best display of handwoven Turkish towels, blankets, scarves and napkins (throw in a Mamoul cookie press while you’re at it, for all upcoming holiday baking needs.)
