(CORRECTED) MEDIA ADVISORY: PDX Pop-Up Shops Turn Vacant Storefronts Into Vibrant Businesses For A 16th Year – November 7th 11 A.m. (Photo) - 11/05/25
(CORRECTED) MEDIA ADVISORY: PDX Pop-Up Shops Turn Vacant Storefronts into Vibrant Businesses for a 16th Year – November 7th 11 a.m.
11 Small Businesses Open Pop-Up Storefronts Downtown — Ribbon Cutting and Interview Opportunities
(Corrected the name of one of the Pop-Up shops: Portland Camera Club + The Portland Darkroom)
PORTLAND, Ore. — Downtown Portland’s independent spirit is taking center stage this season as the PDX Pop-Up Shops return for their 16th year — transforming vacant retail spaces into vibrant storefronts powered by local makers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
This year marks the largest PDX Pop-Up Shops cohort yet, featuring 11 small businesses, including six women-owned or led enterprises. Many are collaborating with dozens of local makers and crafters, extending the impact of this program far beyond the storefronts themselves.
In addition to these Pop-Up Shops, 47 new retail businesses have opened or announced that they will be opening Downtown in 2025. This is a significant increase from 2024, when 39 new retail businesses opened, highlighting upward trends in entrepreneurship and vibrancy in the city core.
Media Opportunities
-
Opening Day - Ribbon Cutting: Friday, November 7 at 11 a.m.
-
The program officially opens with a ribbon cutting at 401 SW Morrison Street.
-
The owners of the 11 Pop-Up Shops, as well as former Pop-Up Shop participants, will be present and available for interviews and photos.
-
Speakers will follow the ribbon cutting, including Pop-Up Shop owners and the lead organizer of the event, Senior Director of Downtown Programs at Downtown Clean and Safe, Sydney Mead.
-
To RSVP, please email media contact Monice Wong at mwong@portlandalliance.com.
-
-
Interview Opportunities with Each Pop-Up Shop
-
All Pop-Up Shop owners will be available for interviews throughout the program, which runs from November 7th to December 24th. To schedule, please email the media contact, Monice Wong, at mwong@portlandalliance.com.
-
“Each year, the Pop-Up Shops showcase how small businesses continue to show up for Portland,” said Sydney Mead, Senior Director of Downtown Programs for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. “These entrepreneurs are bringing new life and energy to Downtown and Old Town, proving that creativity and community are at the heart of our city’s recovery.”
The 2025 lineup features a mix of new retailers and returning favorites:
-
789 Custom Designs – Giftlandia: Multi-dimensional wood art pieces and gifts
-
Blue June Outfitters: Jewelry and apparel blending boho, witchy, and nature-inspired aesthetics
-
Books with Pictures: Award-winning comics and graphic novels bookstore
-
DB Dessert Company: Custom cakes, elaborate cupcakes, and celebratory treats
-
Domaine Divio: Family-owned winery testing a Downtown tasting room concept
-
Madam Cooper’s Parlor: A showgirl-meets-cowgirl boutique and selfie studio
-
Portland Camera Club + The Portland Darkroom: Gallery, shop, and community hub celebrating analog photography
-
Retórica LLC: Custom fine jewelry crafted with repurposed precious metals
Returning favorites include:
-
Mike Bennett’s Holiday Gift Shop at Director Park
-
Ceramics NW at Pioneer Place, featuring work from more than 70 artists
-
Bring! Treats for Dogs at the Park West Building
For 16 years, the PDX Pop-Up Shops have served as a launchpad for small businesses, helping many grow into permanent fixtures in Portland’s retail landscape — including Amity Artisan Goods, Crafty Wonderland, Bridge & Burn, Bentley Fleurs, The Pickle Jar, and Sinister Coffee. From emerging entrepreneurs to local retail anchors, these businesses are some of the many success stories from the program.
Led by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, in partnership with property owners and brokers, the Pop-Up Shops initiative provides short-term retail leases, insurance, signage, and utilities at no cost to participating businesses. The program runs November 7 through December 24, offering visitors a rotating mix of unique shopping experiences and a chance to discover the next generation of Portland’s local brands.
For more information, shop details, and hours, visit downtownfortheholidays.org or follow @downtownpdx on social media.
