PDX travelers could see resurgence of Powell’s airport bookstore
The company’s PDX bookstore was shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Port of Portland's Board of Commissioners is considering approving a new concessions lease with Powell's Books, nearly four years after the company ended business in the Portland International Airport. The bookstore was shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new lease would start in January 2026 and last for seven years. The shop would be located next to the airport's Columbia sportswear store and across from Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Powell's declined to comment on the potential location.
公開済み : 11ヶ月前 沿って Jashayla Pettigrew の Travel
The company's PDX bookstore was shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Nearly four years after Powell’s Books ended business in the Portland International Airport, airport leaders are considering another lease with the company.
As first reported by the Oregonian/OregonLive, the Port of Portland’s Board of Commissioners could approve a new concessions lease with the local bookstore chain at a meeting on Wednesday, June 12.
Powell’s PDX shop had been open since the late ‘80s, but the company announced its permanent shutdown in late July 2020. The location had already been closed since mid-March as a result of COVID-19.
The closure was a “sad necessity” due to the unpredictable pandemic, according to a previous statement from Powell’s President Emily Powell.
“The privilege of welcoming book lovers to Portland, and sending Portlanders off on their travels with a good book in hand, has been a true gift,” Powell said at the time. “It’s hard for me to imagine our future without the airport, and without the airport’s seasoned team of booksellers. We hope to return one day.”
That day could be sooner rather than later. Port commissioners’ agenda for the upcoming meeting shows the pending lease would start in January 2026 and last for seven years.
PDX is still undergoing the $2 billion renovation of its main terminal. The terminal is expected to open this August, and will be followed by 21 concessions including local distillery Freeland Spirits, apparel brand Portland Gear and pizza chain Sizzle Pie.
The Port approved the new concessions leases in April 2023, when there were ongoing negotiations for the remaining retail space in South Hall. Although Powell’s “needed more time to finalize its commitment,” commissioners identified the company as its preferred concessionaire.
“Bookstores repeatedly top the list of in-demand retail concepts in passenger surveys, and Powell’s is universally synonymous with Portland,” the meeting agenda reads.
The shop would be located next to the airport’s Columbia sportswear store and across from Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
Powell’s declined to comment on the potential PDX location.