Community Business Spotlight: MadeHere PDX
Chatting with our Neighbors at MadeHere PDX
In this series, Urban Nest sits down with local PDX business owners to talk shop about what makes their store or business fit so well with Portland. Learn about new neighborhoods, new businesses, PDX community and more!
A Beautifully Curated Collection of Portland's Finest Locally-Crafted Goods
Right across the street from Powell's is MadeHere PDX, a showroom and retailer that stocks the best of what Portland's maker community has to offer. Inside, you'll find a wide variety of locally made jewelry, furniture, outdoor equipment, food and beverage, apparel, housewares, and more. Locals will immediately recognize many of Portland's biggest handcrafting brands, including Reverend Nat's, The Good Mod, Orox Leather, and Kiriko Made. Learn more about the shop and it's relationship to the local maker community in our interview with owner John Connor.
UN: How long have you been in business?
MadeHere opened its doors on November 1, 2014.
UN: What is unique about your business?
We are exclusively focused on products made here in Portland. Most retailers merchandise one or two categories of goods, be it items for the home, apparel and accessories, outdoor equipment, or anything else. The good shops source the best selection they can find from all over the world. We’ve turned that on its side; we source the best products we can find from all categories, exclusively from Portland. We showcase everything from soap and salt, to sunglasses and stand up paddleboards.
UN: For you, what is most important about the customer experience?
The most important aspect of the customer experience is what I expect when I walk into a shop: that we treat everyone with dignity and respect. Beyond that, I hope that everyone who comes to MadeHere, whether it’s for the first time, or the hundredth, finds something new; that there is a sense of discovery.
UN: How would you describe the community that surrounds your business?
I think of our community of makers and manufacturers almost as partners in this business. Without them, and the diversity of skill and talent they represent, we would not be as successful as we are. In another sense, the greater Portland community makes this business possible in their commitment to buying local, as well as the culture we enjoy here, making Portland an increasingly popular destination for visitors from all over the world.
UN: What do you think makes your business a great fit for Portland?
One of my favorite things to hear from a customer is sheer amazement at the quantity and diversity of locally made products. It’s that sense of discovery I mentioned above, where someone learns something new about their hometown. That’s also one of my favorite aspects of owning and having founded MadeHere; getting to meet all the makers and share their passion for what they do.
UN: What is your favorite thing about Portland?
It’s the access to coast and mountain, river and range. I rock climb as much as I can, ski, ride my bike, trail run, and I love the proximity of Portland’s culture to the outdoors.
UN: What part of town do you live in, and what do you love about it most?
I live in Alameda now, but have lived in the Pearl, Arbor Lodge, and St John’s. No matter what part of town I’m in, I love the neighborhood places. Places that you wouldn’t travel to, but that serve that particular area. My son just turned two, and I get up with him on weekend mornings. We have a great time walking or riding or running around the neighborhood, getting breakfast, hitting a playground, throwing a ball for the dog. This would work in almost any part of town. It’s an overlooked part of what makes Portland such a great place to live.
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Learn more about MadeHere PDX on their website.