Powell’s Books Announces Return to Portland International Airport
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Press Release: June 12, 2024
PORTLAND, Ore. — Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, is returning to Portland International Airport (PDX) after a four-year hiatus. The news was announced today following a vote by the Port of Portland Board of Commissioners approving a seven-year lease agreement with the local bookseller.
“Since the day we closed our airport store almost four years ago, the most common question from shoppers has been ‘will Powell’s be returning to PDX?’ Today I’m very excited to finally answer yes!” said Powell’s Books CEO Patrick Bassett. “We always hoped to return to PDX and now with the main terminal expansion we are thrilled to serve travelers through our world-renowned airport.”
Powell’s Books will open a temporary kiosk shop in late summer 2024, once the new main terminal opens, followed by a 1,940 square foot retail space set to open in Phase 2 of construction. The new store – Powell’s fourth Portland retail location – will be in the South Hall of the airport, immediately after the Concourse B/C security checkpoint. The temporary kiosk will be directly in front of where the permanent retail shop will eventually open.
“Through every stage of this project, supporting local businesses and giving travelers more of what they love about PDX has been our primary goal,” said Kaitlin Hunter, Senior Manager of Concessions at the Port of Portland. “All 21—now 22—of the shops and restaurants opening in the new main terminal are local brands, and it’s special that travelers will get to experience such an iconic part of our city right at the airport.”
Powell’s Books previously operated at Portland International Airport for over 30 years before closing during the COVID-19 pandemic in July of 2020.