Downtown Portland: Where Businesses Go to Die (or Hibernate)
So, you've heard the rumors about downtown Portland, huh? That it's a ghost town? A concrete jungle where businesses go to die a slow, painful death? Well, let's dive into this urban legend and see if there's any truth to it.
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| How Many Businesses Have Closed In Downtown Portland |
Counting Sheep (and Closed Shops)
Figuring out exactly how many businesses have bid adieu to downtown Portland is like trying to count the grains of sand on a very, very large beach. While we're at it, let's also try to count the number of craft breweries in the city. But seriously, it's tough.
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
There's no official, running tally of business closures. Some businesses quietly shutter their doors, leaving behind a haunting echo of old cash registers. Others go out with a bang, leaving behind a trail of disgruntled customers and angry Yelp reviews. And then there are the ones that hibernate for the winter, only to reopen in spring with a fresh coat of paint and a new menu.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Factors That Make Businesses Cry
Why are businesses fleeing downtown Portland faster than a hipster fleeing a kale smoothie? Well, there are a few culprits:
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
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- Rising rents: Let's face it, rent in downtown Portland is about as affordable as a first-class ticket to Mars.
- Homelessness and crime: No one wants to shop or dine in a place where they feel unsafe.
- The pandemic: Let's not forget the big kahuna: the pandemic hit downtown businesses particularly hard.
- Remote work: With more people working from home, there are fewer butts in seats downtown.
Is Downtown Portland Doomed?
Before you start writing Downtown Portland's obituary, let's remember that this city has faced challenges before and bounced back. New businesses are opening all the time, bringing fresh energy and ideas to the scene. And let's not forget about the city's charm: the quirky shops, the delicious food carts, and the stunning river views.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
So, while the situation may not be ideal, it's far from hopeless. Downtown Portland is a city in flux, and like any living organism, it's constantly evolving.
Who knows? Maybe in a few years, we'll be talking about how amazing downtown Portland has become.
How To...
- How to find out if your favorite downtown business is still open: Check their website or social media. If they're active, there's a good chance they're still in business.
- How to support local businesses: Shop small, eat local, and leave positive reviews.
- How to stay updated on downtown Portland news: Follow local news outlets and community groups.
- How to find new and exciting businesses downtown: Explore different neighborhoods and look for "open" signs.
- How to survive the apocalypse (just kidding): Stock up on canned goods, ammunition, and a really good sense of humor.
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