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Editor's Note: Portland, you're savvy. But you're also thrifty. That's why we're bringing you Buy PDX, a weekly roundup of retail events and sales around Portland. Every Tuesday, we'll let you know the best places to drop your precious dollars.
While everyday is buy-local for Buy PDX, there's a national day dedicated to bringing awareness to the importance and economic vitality that accompanies buying locally. This Wednesday marks the second annual American Made Matters Day, which stresses the need to support U.S. manufacturing. The goal is to encourage consumers to purchase at least one locally sourced product—and, hopefully, continue purchasing made-in-the-U.S. products throughout the holidays. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that for every $1 spent on American-made goods, an additional $1.32 would be invested into the American economy. ABC News also reported that if every family spent an extra $49.95 on products made in the states, it would produce 150,000 jobs. Twenty-one locations nationwide will hold events in celebration of AMM, including Portland-based Orox Leather Co. The fourth-generation family business, which makes handcrafted bags, belts and other leather goods from American-acquired leather, will offer 10 percent off products until Nov. 19. 450 NW Couch St. 10 am-5 pm Mondays-Saturdays.
This Wednesday, local boutique Communion hosts its annual fashion show at Dig A Pony. The first 50 guests to arrive will receive free Stance socks and have dibs on the best runway views. Along with food and drink, Communion, Stance and RVCA will have giveaways and there will be a raffle in support of the Pixie Project, the non-profit animal adoption center in Portland. Raffle prizes include goods from Juniper Ridge, Brixton, RAINS, FjalRaven and gift certificates from Communion. Dig a Pony, 736 SE Grand Ave. 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm) Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Later this month, the St. Louis-based Soft Surroundings opens its first store west of Denver, in Bridgeport Village. Products include comfy-fit clothing, shoes, skincare, deluxe home furnishings and jewelry. 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd., Tigard.
On Nov. 4, artist Jamie Lutz opened Shipyard Millieâs, a vintage furniture and housewares store. Lutz named the Vancouver-based company after her great-grandmother, who worked at the Kaiser Shipyard during World War II. In a press release, Lutz describes her grandmother: âShe was a woman of feisty spirit, spunk, resourcefulness, creativity, ingenuity, and love. From her, not to waste good scraps, nearly any piece of furniture can be repaired or re-purposed, homemade jam is tastiest, and life is best when youâre laughing.â The store attempts to embody this perspective by housing untouched and original vintage furniture, refurbished pieces and locally produced new items fabricated in retro styles. An opening ceremony will be held Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 am-6 pm, with drinks and a raffle with prizes from Shipyard Millieâs and other local retailers. 100 E 19th St,, St. 500, Vancouver. Store hours 11 am-6 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays.
A 1979 revamped Airstream travel trailer on Southeast Division houses some of the finest small-batch skincare, beauty products and specialty goods in town. The store on wheels, Menagerie, was opened this fall by Casey Shagena and Lou Medel. Shagena and Medel make it a point to carry non-chemical products with pronounceable ingredients that are good for the body and the environment. Menagerie was recently featured in well+GOODâs âThe top 7 natural beauty stores from coast to coastâ for carrying good-for-you brands like Meow Meow Tweet, Kiyoko, Smoke Perfume, Soul Sunday and more. The mobile store is nestled in southeastâs Tidbit cart pod, by food carts, Lodekka dress shop and an open-air beer garden. 2880 SE Division St. Noon-8 pm Wednesdays-Saturdays and noon-6 pm Sundays.
WWeek 2015