Joyce Ogiri and Jenna Demuru
32 minutes ago
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Crowds gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square to kick off the holiday season in Central City.
“People are coming back, things are coming back here, and I’m really looking forward to the holiday season,” said Josh Gardner, a Portland resident and local business owner.
A study by the National Retail Federation predicts that people plan to spend nearly $900 on holiday items this year. Local business owners hope people will follow their path.
“It’s so important to everything, the economy and everything here,” Gardner added. “I miss when Portland was so vibrant and there were always so many people here. You know, this has always been a great city, and even though we’ve had a little bit of a stain on it, We are starting to see that stain starting to be removed.”
City leaders also want people to include a trip to downtown Portland as part of their vacation plans. But for some people concerned about safety, Portland police said they have a plan in place.
“We will have an increased presence in the downtown area during the holiday season,” said Portland Police Deputy Chief Chuck Lovell. “We’re going to be doing some walking beats starting Monday. And we’re really interested in helping people feel safe coming downtown to shop and enjoy the Christmas festivities.”
Mayor Ted Wheeler said he understands people’s concerns.
“It’s hard to see that the improvements are sticking,” Wheeler acknowledged. “That doesn’t mean we’re not a city without challenges. We are, but we’re also seeing improvements. And that doesn’t mean we’re not a city without challenges. We are, but we’re also seeing improvements. And that doesn’t mean we’re a city without challenges. We owe it to true believers like you.”
Another Portland holiday tradition, the PDX pop-up shop, is also back this season. You can visit all nine of his stores until Dec. 31, and business hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Click through the slideshow above for more information and other holiday events happening downtown.