The newly remodeled Nike store in Portland showcases the company's rich history in running and its deep-rooted connection to the city. The 7,500-square-foot store, which reopened its doors on Thursday, is a testament to the brand's ongoing focus on sports and its commitment to making Portland a more livable and marketable city. The design is a nod to the iconic Nike swoosh, created by Portland State University student Carolyn Davidson, and other significant moments in Nike's corporate history. The store's centerpiece is a running track with lanes emblazoned with the year 1972, the year Nike was founded. Giant overhead images depict the track at Nike's corporate campus and Hayward Field, where co-founder Phil Knight ran track for Bill Bowerman. The store also features a wall engraved with Eliud Kipchoge's record marathon time and another with a quote from sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson. The design includes four columns, each paying homage to a specific piece of Nike history, such as Bowerman's waffle iron, Nike Air, the foam used in Nike running shoes, and the creation of the swoosh logo by Davidson, with an etching of a handwritten letter she sent to Knight in 1971. The store's renovation took approximately two years, during which Nike operated a temporary store across the street. The store's grand reopening celebration will feature a run with two-time Olympic medal winner Galen Rupp on Friday. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. In addition to the downtown store, Nike operates a store in Bridgeport Village and clearance stores in Woodburn and Seaside. The company also closed an outlet store in Northeast Portland in 2023. The focus on sports and Portland's hometown pride is a key aspect of CEO Elliott Hill's ongoing work to refocus the company and rebuild relationships with wholesale partners. The store's design and events reflect Nike's commitment to its roots and its ongoing efforts to engage with the community.
