Nike Closes Portland Factory Store Due to Rampant Theft
Criminal activity is out of hand in the sneaker industry, with organised crime blamed for the increase in theft that’s wreaking havoc across the supply chain. It was only last week that we reported on the at Memphis store, and now Team Swoosh have announced the permanent closure of their Portland Factory Outlet.
Word of the permanent closure comes as no surprise. Nike shuttered the doors of the expansive location in 2022 following reports of brazen thefts, where individuals would enter the store and just walk out with product.
In 2019 it was reported that the Portland Factory had 437 reported cases of shop-lifting, while some stating that theft has always been an issue at this location. Ahead of the closure, it’s been said that crimes were becoming more daring, with thieves seen fleeing the store holding armfuls of clothes. It’s alleged that back in February Nike offered to pay for more police assistance in order to tackle the theft concerns at their Portland store. However their local government denied this request.
‘Nike’s commitment to supporting and uplifting Portland’s North and Northeast community is unwavering.’ A Team Swoosh representative told , ‘We are reimagining Nike’s retail space, permanently closing our current location at 2650 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and considering future locations as part of this community’s long term revitalization plan. True to our roots, we will seek the input of local community organizations and leaders to determine the best new location.’
Nike are yet to announce another new store opening as of yet, but stay tuned to Sneaker Freaker to keep updated.