Just two FYI's for those with some time on a layover at PDX and why you might want to shop at PDX.

First, we have no sales tax in Oregon.

Second, I believe it's a condition of all shops that operate at PDX that they cannot charge more at the airport than their regular stores away from the airport.

CS

p.s. Glad to see PDX added here http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif

Make sure you check out The Real Mother Goose for handmade, American crafts (shameless plug) http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ChinaShark:
Just two FYI's for those with some time on a layover at PDX and why you might want to shop at PDX.

First, we have no sales tax in Oregon.

Second, I believe it's a condition of all shops that operate at PDX that they cannot charge more at the airport than their regular stores away from the airport.

CS

p.s. Glad to see PDX added here http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ftairports_forum/smile.gif</font>

Oh, yes, forgot to mention the most important reason to shop at PDX... Powell's Bookstore.

New _and_ used books, selected by real book people (ILWU Local 5), not a computer at the home office.

They also _buy_ books.



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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by K7AAY:
Oh, yes, forgot to mention the most important reason to shop at PDX... Powell's Bookstore.
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Is that shopping at PDX as in the airport or downtown? Hopefully at PDX (2 hr layover - no KL lounge access)

The shopping is at the airport. The stores, most have downtown and suburban locations, offer the same merchandise at the same prices at the airport.

If you enjoy contemporary art, Mother Goose is one of the best galleries in the U.S.

Norm Thompson offers clothing and travel items.

The Made in Oregon Store offers items from, where else? only Oregon. Selection includes some food as well as wine. Try an Oregon Pinot Noir.

Powell's location is small compared to the main branch on Burnside. But, then again, the main branch is perhaps the largest bookstore in the U.S.

You can check out many of the items before arriving at sites such as:

www.normthompson.com (http://www.normthompson.com)
www.powellsbooks.com (http://www.powellsbooks.com)

Food is also sold at in-town prices. The Wendy's items for breakfast are the same as those in the neighborhoods.

Food selection is quite good with a variation of items available from a variety of vendors.

The major shopping is outside security, but it is expanding inside the secure area as well. It slowed down until the security issues could be resolved.

Come and spend, our unemployment rate is 8.2%. Don't worry, no one will shut off the lights because once people discover Oregon, they tend not to leave.

Disclaimer.

opushomes is not a Port Commissioner, store owner at the airport or official city greeter. Opinions are poster's own.

Hmm, does Powells discount prices? I'm hooked by a local chain my way that discounts everything by a minimum of 20%, even stuff you order!

Have 1:45 and a long mileage run in front of me!

Powell's does not discount. If you are looking for a large selection of in & out of print, they are great. It is one stop shopping practically, but it is not cheap.

Since you are from Canada, for paperbacks, at least, you may do better at the chains or on Amazon or similar.

Definitely one of the prettiest, friendliest and cleanest airports I've had the pleasure of traveling through!

But the BEST reason to shop at the airport is. . .

BOW WOW MEOW!!

I love that store. Each time I pass by I have to stop and get something for my fur-babies back home.

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BTW, Powell's has (at least) two locations at PDX, one on the concourse before security, and one after security on the D concourse. Don't know whether there's one airside on the A/B/C concourse area.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by WAAbbit:

But the BEST reason to shop at the airport is. . .

BOW WOW MEOW!!

I love that store. Each time I pass by I have to stop and get something for my fur-babies back home.</font>The store looked to be closed (and out of business) the last time I went through PDX (unless they've moved to elsewhere in the airport, the one I know is next to Pendleton's and that was closed). I guess people don't buy presents for their pets that much when traveling.

BTW, Powell's has (at least) two locations at PDX, one on the concourse before security, and one after security on the D concourse. Don't know whether there's one airside on the A/B/C concourse area.

There's one on the C concouse, between the AS and AA gates.

Powell's does not discount. If you are looking for a large selection of in & out of print, they are great. It is one stop shopping practically, but it is not cheap.

Since you are from Canada, for paperbacks, at least, you may do better at the chains or on Amazon or similar.

I think the discounted stuff or out of print books are to be found in Powell's downtown store. The airport branch is pretty standard stuff and still has a good selection IMO.