Nike Closes Portland Store Due to Safety Issues

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The Soul District Business Association said the closure "dealt a major economic blow" to the community, according to a news release obtained by OregonLive. The Association's executive director, John Washington, said Nike told him early Friday that the store would be permanently closed over safety and security issues, according to the outlet.

“Word about the store closing landed like a lead balloon,” Washington said. “Why close down a flagship store that has supported Black Portland for over 40 years? It was an economic driver in this area, and we should be looking at the long-term impact of that closure.”

Earlier this year, the company sent a letter asking Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler to provide off-duty police officers to work security at its store. Nike added that it would cover the cost of the additional officers needed, according to OregonLive, but the Mayor's office denied the request.

Wheeler told OregonLive Friday that he was "very disappointed" with the closure and that his team had worked "tirelessly and in good faith with Nike for almost a year to offer creative solutions to their safety challenges." The mayor added that the city cannot offer any private business with "dedicated" off-duty police officers due to a staffing shortage.

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