Staff Reports
Nike has made the difficult decision to permanently close its factory store in northeast Portland, Oregon, due to a rising surge in crime. The store, which had been in business for nearly 40 years, cited ongoing “theft and safety issues” as the reason for its closure on September 8th. This closure has dealt a major economic blow to the community, according to the Soul District Business Association (SBDA), a nonprofit that supports economic and business development in the neighborhood.
The closure of the Nike outlet is not only impacting the store itself, but also the small businesses in the area that depended on the foot traffic generated by the store. This decision by Nike has left many in the district feeling deflated, as they had hoped that the company, along with city officials and community leaders, would be able to find a solution to the safety issues plaguing the area. Unfortunately, it seems that it’s game over.
The Nike Community Store had originally opened in 1984, after local civil rights activists convinced the brand to build its first-ever factory store in the heart of the city’s black population. However, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter riots and the defunding of the police department in 2020, local businesses have faced a wave of crime and property destruction. The Portland Police Bureau received 276 reports of shoplifting at the Nike store alone last year, and many business owners struggled to maintain safety and security without a police presence.
While this closure is undoubtedly a setback for the community, there is some hope on the horizon. Nike may have plans to open a new store in north or northeast Portland, continuing its commitment to supporting and uplifting the community. The company recently hosted events in the neighborhood and will host its annual fundraiser for the SBDA, the MLK Dream Run, on September 17th. Nike has expressed its dedication to the community and its long-term revitalization plan, and will seek input from local organizations and leaders to determine the best new location for its store.
