After living in Oregon for a while, one of the most difficult things to adjust to is paying sales tax. Oregon has 0% sales tax. When you buy that shirt priced at $19.99, if you pay with a $20, you actually get a penny back. It is a foreign concept for most of us. You can pick out the tourists on their first day of shopping because they are standing at the cash register looking partially delighted and partially shocked. Now that I’m paying 8.9% sales tax on merchandise, it is a refreshing break to go shopping when I’m in Oregon.

Math and Science for Librarians
Everyone knows about the independent bookstore Powell’s City of Books (better known as Powell’s). But if you’re looking to read up on colloidal systems, Photoshop Cs3, or vectors, your best bet is to check out Powell’s Technical Books Store
Powell’s Technical Books
33 NW Park Avenue

One Stop Shopping
Hit a bunch of your favorite stores and eateries at this centrally located mall.
Pioneer Place
700 SW Fifth Avenue

Looking for Brandon Roy in the Offseason?
Maybe you’ll find a life sized poster of him at the original Niketown. Nike, based right outside of Portland, opened this store in 1990.
Niketown Portland
930 SW 6th Ave

Need Another Pair of Hiking Boots or a Kayak?
Another store with Northwest roots, REI recently opened up a store located in the Pearl District. You can get outdoor adventure gear, activewear, and other travel gear here.
REI
1405 NW Johnson St

Forgot Your Nail Clippers? Need Some Chapstick?
Then you need to go to every celebrity’s favorite store, Rite Aid. It’s Britney Spears’ favorite store. You never know… you may find Jessica Simpson, David Hasselhoff, Jessica Alba or Gwen Stefani in the next aisle.
Rite Aid Store #5345
622 SW Alder Street

What are your favorite stores in downtownish Portland area?

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