Visitors to Oregon are delighted about our tax-free shopping. In downtown Portland’s core shopping district (or Pioneer District, as it’s called) there are plenty of big box stores where shoppers love to save money, like Nordstrom, Macy’s, J. Crew and The Gap, as well as the Nike and Columbia Sportswear masthead stores. And in The Pearl District there is a variety of locally-owned boutique shops.
Portland’s “Fashionable West End”, a district that has been developed in the last few years, lies between the two, and takes things a step further in terms of independent designers - think “Project Runway”. The district lies between West Burnside Street, the large boulevard that divides the Northwest and Southwest segments of downtown, and Yamhill Street, where the MAX Light Rail train runs. In the other direction, the Fashionable West End is situated from Park Avenue to 14th Avenue.
Frances May (1003 SW Washington St.) is a grandmother and granddaughter-run business featuring independent designers, with fashions for him and her. Hyden Yoo (406 SW 10th Avenue), a relative newcomer to the district, is a national brand featuring menswear that transitions easily from day to night. At Wild Fang (404 SW 10th Avenue), you can check out their giant swing, chalkboard and PBR bar (pretty fun, huh?). Chrome (425 SW 10th Avenue) features messenger bags, durable clothing, footwear and accessories. Pinkham Millinery (1012 SW Washington Street) makes custom designed hats – they are so beautiful!
Portland’s Fashionable West End also includes a variety of creative and interesting businesses, like Tender Loving Empire, a local music producing company who also sell unique Portland souvenirs, Living Room Theater, Cacao drinking chocolate and the Ace Hotel. For something delicious, swing by Clyde Common, Sizzle Pie or Kenny and Zuke’s Delicatessen.