Powell's Books, Portland, Ore., is returning to Portland International Airport with the approval of a seven-year lease, KGW reported, adding that the bookseller had operated a retail bookshop at PDX for more than 30 years before closing it during the Covid-19 pandemic in July 2020. The new store will be located in the South Hall of the airport, immediately after the Concourse B and C security checkpoint.
"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 plans to open a temporary kiosk shop in late summer 2024 when the new main terminal opens, followed by a nearly 2,000-square-foot retail space once construction is complete on the outer wings of the terminal. This will be Powell's fourth store in the Portland area, joining the flagship on Burnside St., the Hawthorne Blvd. bookstore, and the Cedar Hills Crossing shop in Beaverton.
"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."