The world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s Books, will make its return to Portland International Airport (PDX) after a vote by the Port of Portland Board of Commissioners approved a seven-year lease agreement with the transit facility.
A Portland institution since 1971, Powell’s Books had a PDX location that was in operation for over 30 years before it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020. The brand will open a temporary kiosk later this summer, with plans to expand into a 1,940-square-foot retail space during the second phase of the PDX Next expansion project. Both the temporary kiosk and permanent retail space will be located post-security in the airport’s South Hall.
“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.”
“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.”
