The monotony of mass-produced products and click-to-order life pales compared to the excitement of finding a hidden gem that sells unique items. Our small businesses aren’t just shops, they’re stories waiting to be discovered.
Looking for a handmade masterpiece? Yearning for a coffee brewed with passion by someone who remembers your name? It’s all here in Portland and here are eight such businesses that make us love our city even more.
Mantel
8202 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Mantel is a hub for artisanal craftsmanship, showcasing a curated selection of homewares and lifestyle products. Founded by Karen McClelland, who draws from twelve years of art teaching experience, Mantel celebrates independent artists and their creative process.
Situated in a refurbished historical building, the retail store exudes both the grit and glam of the city’s Kenton neighborhood. Mantel offers an eclectic mix of locally sourced goods which includes modern ceramics, jewelry, and glassware. With a commitment to supporting small makers, Mantel embodies big style in every aspect of its carefully curated collection.
ECOVIBE
2380 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
ECOVIBE is a black-owned and family-operated lifestyle brand. Founded in 2010 as a sustainable apparel boutique, it has since expanded to two locations. The store’s selection includes houseplants, pottery, textiles, kitchenware, candles, and more, all carefully chosen for their environmental and ethical impact.
Committed to community support, a portion of every online sale goes to local environmental and social nonprofits. Moreover, ECOVIBE has been a proud member of 1% For The Planet since 2016 which furthers its dedication to giving back. Beyond being a plant store, it’s an urban oasis offering an inspiring and sensory experience for all who visit.
Bishop & Wilde Books
2601 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210
Bishop & Wilde is a new and used bookstore that features a diverse array of products, including books, plants, records, gifts, and art. This eco-conscious establishment is proudly queer-owned and goes beyond the traditional concept of a bookstore.
In addition to their physical storefront, customers can explore their online shop for a wider selection of items. Notably, it’s recently recognized as one of the ten most unique LGBTQ+ bookstores in the country by Gay Cities, making it not only a place for literature enthusiasts but also a vital community space fostering social change and celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.
Wild Rose Coffee
1909 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Wild Rose Coffee, like wildflowers in the hills, is blooming in the city. This fun coffee shop brews meticulously sourced beans from Hillsboro, OR, crafting inventive flavor combinations such as Strawberry Cheesecake and Lotta Colada.
They prioritize both the quality of their hand-crafted beverages and the customer experience. Wild Rose’s diverse team of baristas fosters a welcoming atmosphere where customers are treated like friends. Partnering with local businesses like Spielman Bagels and Jacobsen Salt Co., they strive to support and enrich our community while offering the freshest products sourced from our own neighborhoods.
Memory Den
499 SE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Nestled within a 1937 warehouse in the city’s Central Eastside Industrial neighborhood, Memory Den Vintage Mall boasts the title of Portland's largest vintage mall. With over 140 local vendors spread across two floors, this expansive space showcases a diverse selection of vintage treasures, ranging from furniture to clothing.
You can immerse yourself in nostalgia as you explore the eclectic offerings and snap photos with the iconic radio wall adorned with 83 vintage radios. Additionally, you can schedule a unique photoshoot session in their Decades Lounge. Amidst our city’s bustling retro-shopping scene, this place is a must-visit destination for vintage enthusiasts and curious shoppers alike.
Crafty Wonderland
808 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Crafty Wonderland is a hub for Portland's artisan community, showcasing goods crafted by local artists. Founded in 2006, it has become the largest handmade craft show in the Northwest, hosting biannual markets at the Oregon Convention Center and operating brick-and-mortar stores.
With a commitment to supporting indie makers, Crafty Wonderland provides a platform for artists to thrive financially while fostering community connections. You can visit their two locations in the city (NE Alberta St or Downtown) which features a diverse array of handmade goods, gifts, and art from over 200 local artists.
MadeHere
40 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
MadeHere is a shop dedicated to showcasing the talents of Portland-based artists, makers, and designers. Founded in 2014 by local entrepreneurs, it's a hub for over 150 brands and 10,000 locally crafted products. From soap to jewelry, apparel to hot sauce, MadeHere celebrates the city’s vibrant creative scene.
With both a large gallery-style physical store and an online platform, it presents a curated collection of high-quality items. On top of that, they focus exclusively on design-savvy goods made within Portland and the Pacific Northwest. So, whether you're seeking unique gifts or everyday essentials, this store offers something for everyone.
The Realm Refillery
2310 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
The Realm Refillery is a specialty store that pioneers the package-free grocery in Oregon. They focus on giving you a sustainable shopping experience, allowing you to purchase precisely what you need. This mode of shopping eliminates unnecessary packaging and produces less food waste.
The refillery’s commitment extends to supporting local BIPOC farmers and promoting ethical consumption. Each month, a percentage of profits is transparently donated to charities addressing the climate crisis and social justice. They prioritize sustainable sourcing, ensuring the ethical treatment of both people and the planet.
Final Thoughts
While shopping at big-box stores and online can be somewhat more convenient, nothing compares to going into a local store, finding unique items, and receiving excellent customer service. The best part is that shopping locally puts money back into the community, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Give love and support to small businesses by visiting these and other local mom-and-pop stores that help make Portland a special place.
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