If you’re looking to support local businesses this holiday season, there’s nothing more local than Lloyd Center — Portland’s mall that refuses to die quietly.
This will likely be the mall’s last Christmas. Its owners announced in 2023 plans to demolish and redevelop the entire 29.3-acre site into an open-air complex with housing, shops and entertainment venues. The former Nordstrom building has already come down to make way for a music arena.
For now, however, the rest of the mall remains intact. Developer Urban Renaissance Group says the mall will stay open through at least the end of the year.
That means December is a great time to take a few more laps around the iconic ice-skating rink and support the indie businesses that remain. While the major department stores left years ago, dozens of locally owned retailers still call Lloyd Center home — and several popup markets are scheduled throughout the month.
I took a stroll through the mall on a recent Saturday, when the ice rink’s four-story Christmas tree was ceremoniously lit for the holidays, to see what shoppers can find.
Collide Sport has opened a new popup, Dillon’s Sports Emporium, through December selling hats, shirts, jackets, scarves and more from the Portland Pickles, the Portland Bangers and the soon-to-debut Portland Cherry Bombs. The second-floor space, across from the former Ulta Beauty, is described as “part merch shop, part holiday fever dream.”
Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 4-7 p.m. Friday. The store has several special events planned, including a National Pickle Day Party from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 1 featuring pickle food, pickle drinks, a pickle costume contest, and a DJ.
Saturdays are the best chance to find Tada, an eclectic toy shop on the second floor, open for business. Owner Aly Fakhry says his hours are unpredictable because he’s a single father who also works as a translator to make ends meet. The store is named after his 11-year-old son, Murtada, who often shortens his name to “Tada.”
Inside, it feels like a renegade KB Toys, with aisles overstuffed with dolls, action figures, plushies and games from indeterminate decades. There’s also a wide selection of novelty belts, purses and baseball caps. If you’re looking for something unique, you’re sure to find it here.
Fakhry isn’t sure what he’ll do with his store after the mall closes, and he’s eager to make deals. All toys are 20% off, and he’s willing to negotiate on prices.
Raja Shrestha, owner of Gifts From Afar, opened his store 32 years ago at Lloyd Center. He is now the mall’s second-longest tenant, behind Joe Brown’s Carmel Corn.
“It’s a store that has things from all over the world,” he said. “Our goal was to introduce international culture, arts and treasure to Portland when we started the business.”
The back wall is lined with incense and incense holders — some of the store’s most popular items. Shrestha also stocks statues, swords and jewelry.
“Lloyd Center is a landmark for the Portland area,” he said, “and we are still here. We are a local small business, always willing to help. If you come and support us, you’re supporting Portland itself rather than a corporate headquarters somewhere in Chicago or wherever.”
Kathmandu to You also sells import goods — mostly from Nepal, India and Thailand. The store has a great collection of whimsical felted hats with mushrooms and flowers priced at $25. I also bought two pairs of comfortable one-size-fits-most lounge pants here for $20. They’re a great gift for someone who works from home.
Golden Horn sells affordable jewelry, much of it from Turkey. I picked up a pair of trendy zinc earrings for just $10.
The second floor is home to “nerd row.” That includes Gambit’s Games & Anime, which claims to have the city’s largest collection of Japanese-imported, officially licensed Pokémon plushies. The store also carries a variety of gaming cards; the new Avatar-themed Magic: The Gathering cards are a popular seller.
Next door, Floating World Comics carries a huge selection of mainstream and indie comics and books. Inside, the Grass Hut — a “store within a store” — sells art figures, greeting cards and artwork, much of it by Portland creator Bwana Spoons. Pieces in his collection of Japanese-inspired, colorfully painted soft-vinyl toys ranges from $20 to $100.
Lego fans can head next door to Brickdiculous. Owner James Jones said the Lego Minecraft Creeper kit ($48) is a popular seller, as are sets from the Lego Botanicals series ($66–$77). Make sure to walk to the end of the corridor to check out Dicepool, which sells board games, roleplaying dice and miniatures.
There are unique gift options across the mall.
What Star Wars fan doesn’t want a replica lightsaber? You can design your own at Docking Bay 45, next to the ice rink.
You can buy locally-made and designed streetwear from Tellurian.
If you’re looking for books, the Lloyd Center Barnes & Noble has transitioned into an outlet store, with nearly all titles 40% off list price.
And, of course, you can take home a bag of fresh popcorn from Joe Brown’s Carmel Corn, the only remaining tenant that has been part of Lloyd Center mall since it opened 65 years ago.
Popup Markets at Lloyd Center
Trans Town Holiday Markets
11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 20
Two-spirit, trans and nonbinary artists and creators will offer jewelry, prints, ceramics, textiles, and services like tarot readings and massage, inside the WERQ Together space on the first floor near the ice rink. Each market is followed by a support group social from 4-6 p.m.
Holiday Youth Art Market
11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
ILYouth2 will host a market in their studio, on the first floor of the mall, where artists ages 6 to 18 will sell their handmade prints, zines, stickers, patches, pins, apparel, sculptures, ceramics, toys and home goods.
Five Star Guitars Maker’s Market & Oregon Skate Swap
Noon – 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
A musician’s marketplace will take over the top floor of the former H&M store, while the Oregon Skate Swap occurs downstairs. Expect lots of skateboards, guitars, amps, gear, records and musicians on hand for meet-and-greets while DJs spin music and a bar serves drinks. Stoopid Burger, located in the food court, will take mobile orders for the event.
SPOT Market
Noon- 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
A variety of local businesses and makers will gather inside the former Gap to sell pottery, leather goods, jewelry, prints, home décor, self-care items and more. Expect complimentary beverages, hourly raffles and great music.
Mall Rats Holiday Market
11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Dec. 20
This market, inside the former Express store on the first floor, will feature more than 40 local artists.
NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dec. 20–21
The Native American Youth & Family Center will host a market showcasing goods from Native makers and artisans on the second floor in the former Ulta space.
link
