Wow, Turns Out There Are a Few Stores Left in Portland

By Meda B. '27

“I don’t know what could be worse than Portland…You don’t even have stores anymore.”

–Donald Trump, October 8, 2025.

I was very concerned when I heard this. No stores in Portland? In 2023 I was wandering blithely and innocently in the streets of Portland, unaware that in just a few short years, the President would send the National Guard into the “war-ravaged” city because of the apparent lack of stores. I should have stocked up on overpriced granola and secondhand buttons while I still had the chance!

Imagine my shock and relief when I opened up Google Maps and discovered that there are several thousand stores still in operation in the city. I have compiled a list of some interesting spots to visit in Portland while you still can. 

1. Proud Mary Café

Trump said living in Portland is like “living in Hell.” If the Hell he is referring to is overpriced coffee, he might be correct. At this café, you can order a “Deluxe Snap Chill” for $13.00, or a bag of single origin beans for $60. But hey, according to their website, their mission is to fight for more equitable practices and develop meaningful relationships with farmers. 

2. Powell’s Books

Trump doesn’t strike me as much of a book guy, which is why he might have overlooked the world’s largest independent bookstore. But don’t worry, it’s still open in Portland. 

3. Portland Airport

In another interview, Trump complained that “When a store owner…there are very few of them left…but when a store owner rebuilds a store, they build it out of plywood.” Maybe the President was a little confused.

Although some buildings in Portland are being torn down and replaced with wood, this is because it’s more environmental and a lot more attractive than concrete and steel. PDX is celebrated nationwide as an architectural innovation, as the first major American Airport to be built with a timber roof. The wood isn’t in fact plywood, but locally sourced timber from tribal owned, family owned, community, public, and non-profit forests.

4. Bridge & Burn

Trump claimed “the place is burning down, there’s fires all over the place.” It’s possible he was referring to Bridge & Burn, a clothing store which sells “thoughtful, timeless pieces that embody effortless fit, unique fabric, and everyday function.” According to Ariana S, a five star reviewer, it was “just what I needed as a 30 something who is tired of Madewell but still loves laid-back classics.” Sounds dangerous. 

5. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum

Trump said that Portland was “anarchy” and he didn’t know “how anybody lives there.” But though the Freakybutttrue Peculiarium and Museum may appear a little dark and dangerous, you shouldn’t worry because “it’s all done in the spirit of good clean fun.” You can peruse unusual exhibits, art, and a gift shop. Maybe you can even purchase the 3D bat air freshener you’ve always wanted for your car. 

6. Porsche Studio

While I have never been to this venue myself, it has always been my dream to enjoy an elegant meal in a poorly lit room full of $150k cars. You can have one-on-one appointments to design your ideal Porsche in one of their several gathering spaces or their cafe. 

“And I hear how wonderful it is—it’s not wonderful, it’s a disaster.” 

Contrary to this statement from President Trump, Portland is a wonderful city to visit, and I hope this showed you the variety of quirky stores and businesses that are still very much thriving in Portland. 

And I hope it’s obvious that the reason the city isn’t peaceful right now isn’t the protesters non-violently exercising their First Amendment rights to protest ICE. It’s the fact that Trump illegally sent the National Guard to the city because he was trying to instill fear and misinformation.