Popular outdoor recreation retailer REI is closing its Pearl District store located in downtown Portland due to increasing local crime and retail loss from store sales, the company announced on Monday.
“The safety of our employees, members, and customers is always our number one priority,” spokesperson Megan Behrbaum said. “Last year, REI Portland had its highest number of break-ins and thefts in two decades, despite our actions and investment to provide extra security.”
The company informed its more than 150 employees of the upcoming closure, as their lease expires in February 2024.
Behrbaum highlighted that the decision “does not reflect the hard work and dedication of our Portland team, nor the overall health of the co-op,” she said.
Oregon legislators were considering a package of bills, SB318 and SB340, introduced to legislation last month, that would help the state become more prepared and equip to solve the high amount of organized theft and charge individuals with stricter penalties.
The company says it has been unsuccessful in working with its landlord to address safety issues at the store and has “outgrown” the current space it has occupied since 2004, to continue providing its desired level of customer service and employee experience.
“The extra security measures required to keep customers and employees safe are not financially sustainable,” Behrbaum said.
Other major retailers like Starbucks, Walmart, and Nike closed stores in the Portland area last year due to safety concerns and increasing theft.“We continue to equip our partners with the training, policies, and information they need to address the societal challenges that cross our store thresholds every day. But when these efforts aren’t enough to ensure the safety of our partners, we will make the decision to close a store, regardless of its revenue or union status,” a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement to local FOX 12.
Despite the Pearl District closure, the company remains dedicated to serving its community in the area and is continuously evaluating opportunities for new locations.“While we do not believe a downtown Portland location will be possible in the near term, our stores in Tualatin, Hillsboro, and Clackamas remain open and ready to outfit you with the gear and advice you need to enjoy life outside,” the company wrote in its email.
“Until that time, we look forward to continuing to serve the outdoor community,” Behrbaum said.
Portland’s Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office issued a statement regarding REI’s closure.
Wheeler has joined Oregon Governor Tina Kotek to increase security efforts and hire more police officers to combat the high crime rates, according to the statement.
“Mayor Wheeler is committed to further supporting REI to help ensure we retain their business in Portland and help them succeed. All options are on the table as we explore paths forward,” the statement concludes.