Nike has declared the indefinite shutdown of its factory outlet in northeast Portland, Oregon, last Friday, citing ongoing "theft and safety issues." This comes after almost four decades of operation in the northeastern part of the city, as informed by a local non-profit advocating for business growth in the area.
The announcement was shared by The Soul District Business Association (SBDA) during a telephonic press briefing, describing the closure as a significant economic setback.
“This news has landed like a lead balloon in our district,” John Washington, the SDBA’s executive director, said in a release. “We had all been holding our breath since last November when the store quietly shuttered its doors due to internal and external theft and safety issues.”
“But, like so many of us riding out the fallout of the pandemic and protests, we held out hope that Nike, city officials and community leaders would recalibrate and realign order. But it looks like it’s game over,” Washington continued.
Nike permanently closes iconic Portland store amid "theft and safety issues"https://t.co/yQTfsls9Tk
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) September 11, 2023
Historically, the Nike Community Store launched in June 1984, following efforts by Portland's civil rights advocates to introduce the brand's inaugural factory store on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, previously known as Union Avenue. This location was historically the hub for the city's African-American residents.
Ron Herndon, a leader of the Black United Front, once remarked in a 2004 Nike press note that this establishment was pivotal in portraying Northeast Portland as a promising business destination.
However, the 2020 decision to slash funding for Portland's police department had repercussions. Several businesses, grappling with crime and property damage, found it challenging to ensure safety. Reports suggest that Nike had temporarily closed the store over half a year ago before resolving to shut it permanently.
Earlier in the year, Nike approached city officials, seeking off-duty police personnel to bolster security at their northeast Portland store. However, Mayor Ted Wheeler reportedly declined due to insufficient staffing at the Portland Police Bureau.
In a recent statement, Wheeler expressed his deep regret over the store's closure, emphasizing that his team had been in prolonged discussions with Nike, exploring various solutions to their safety concerns.
Nike representatives communicated to Fox News Digital their enduring commitment to Portland's North and Northeast communities. They highlighted their four-decade-long association, emphasizing their contributions through volunteering, monetary inputs, and affiliations with non-profits benefiting the locality.
Nike stated, “Nike’s commitment to supporting and uplifting Portland’s North and Northeast community is unwavering. We are reimagining Nike’s retail space, permanently closing our current location at 2650 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and considering future locations as part of this community’s long term revitalization plan."
The company further added, “True to our roots, we will seek the input of local community organizations and leaders to determine the best new location. As we plan ahead, we are keeping the best interest of our employees at heart, providing them options to continue to be part of the Nike family."
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