World’s largest independent bookstore returning to one of the world’s coolest airports

Portland, Oregon’s Powell’s Books, the world’s largest new and used bookstore, operated a shop at Portland International Airport (PDX) for over 30 years.

But the shop closed in July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. And in a tweet announcing its departure, Powell’s said, “We hope to return one day.”

We’re happy to say that’s going to happen.

As part of the expansion and makeover of the main terminal at PDX, Powell’s Book is returning to the airport.

And they’ve got a seven-year lease.

“Since the day we closed our airport store almost four years ago, the most common question from shoppers has been ‘Will Powell’s be returning to PDX?’ Now with the main terminal expansion, we are thrilled to serve travelers through our world-renowned airport,” said Powell’s Books CEO Patrick Bassett.

Powell’s Books will open a temporary kiosk shop when the new main terminal opens at PDX this summer. The bookstore will open a larger, 1,940-square-foot retail space in Phase 2 of the main terminal construction.

The new store – Powell’s fourth Portland retail location – will be in the South Hall of the airport, immediately after the Concourse B/C security checkpoint. The temporary kiosk will be directly in front of where the permanent retail shop will eventually open. 

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