Due to persistent thefts, Nike has officially announced that it will not be reopening its long-closed store in Portland, Oregon. The store had quietly closed in the fall of 2022 following a series of brazen shoplifting incidents where thieves would walk out with large quantities of merchandise. Local NBC affiliate KGW-TV reported that deteriorating public safety conditions and a rapid increase in retail theft prompted the closure.
In February, Nike had approached Mayor Ted Wheeler, requesting off-duty Portland police officers to provide security for the store. The company even offered to cover the cost of employing the officers. However, the mayor informed Nike that the city did not have any officers available due to staffing shortages.
In a statement obtained by KGW, Nike expressed its commitment to reimagining its retail space and mentioned plans to permanently close the current location at 2650 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The company intends to collaborate with local community organizations and leaders to identify the best new location as part of the community’s long-term revitalization plan.
The Nike store initially opened in 1984 and relocated to its current location in 2000.
