Powell's City of Books

Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore occupying an entire city block in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1971, it is renowned as one of the world's largest new and used bookstores, housing approximately one million volumes across its sprawling, multi-color-coded rooms. The store has become a major cultural landmark and tourist destination, emblematic of Portland's literary identity and commitment to independent retail.

History

The store originated in 1971 when Walter Powell, a retired Chicago textbook salesman, opened a small bookstore in Portland, Oregon. His son, Michael Powell, who was then a graduate student at the University of Chicago, soon joined the venture. The enterprise expanded significantly in 1979 when it purchased the stock and inventory of the nearby J.K. Gill Company, a former office supply chain, allowing it to occupy its current full-block location. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, under the leadership of Michael Powell, the store grew into a Pacific Northwest institution, surviving the rise of national chains like Barnes & Noble and Borders. The company later expanded to operate several satellite locations in the Portland metropolitan area and briefly in Chicago, though the flagship "City of Books" remains its centerpiece.

Description and layout

The flagship store covers 68,000 square feet over multiple floors, with its labyrinthine interior divided into nine major color-coded rooms, such as the Gold Room, Purple Room, and Rose Room. Each room is dedicated to specific genres, including Science Fiction, Philosophy, Art History, and Military History. The store's vast inventory integrates new, used, and rare books side-by-side on the same shelves, a distinctive feature pioneered by the company. Notable sections include the expansive Pearl Room for rare and collectible titles and the Basement level housing technical and academic works. The complex also contains the World Cup Coffee & Tea café, author event spaces, and the Powell's Books for Kids section in the separate **Powell's Books on Burnside** building across the street.

Operations and business model

Powell's operates as an independent, employee-owned company following an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) transition completed in 2020. Its core business model relies on the high-volume buying and selling of both new and used books, facilitated by a large team of knowledgeable buyers who assess thousands of used titles daily. The company also runs a significant e-commerce operation through its website, serving an international customer base. In addition to retail, Powell's hosts hundreds of author events annually, featuring figures from Stephen King to Maggie Nelson, and publishes its own imprint, **Powell's Books Presents**. The store collaborates with numerous local entities, including the Portland Art Museum and the Wordstock literary festival.

Cultural impact and recognition

The store is widely recognized as a cornerstone of Portland's cultural landscape and a symbol of the resilience of independent bookselling. It has been frequently cited in publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes as a premier literary destination. Powell's influence extends to its role as a community hub, fostering literary culture through its event series and support for local authors and small presses. The store's iconic status was cemented when it was named one of the "**10 coolest bookstores in the world**" by CNN and received the **Literary Landmark** designation from United for Libraries. Its distinctive bags and "**City of Books**" branding are instantly recognizable symbols within the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

In popular culture

Powell's City of Books has been featured and referenced across various media, solidifying its place in popular culture. It appeared in episodes of the IFC television series Portlandia, notably in a sketch where characters attempt to buy a single book within the overwhelming store. The bookstore is also mentioned in novels by Chuck Palahniuk and Katherine Dunn, authors with strong Oregon connections. It served as a filming location for the Gus Van Sant film *Drugstore Cowboy* and has been the subject of segments on programs like Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Musical references include lyrics by the band The Decemberists, and the store is a frequent stop for touring authors and celebrities, from President Barack Obama to Matt Groening.

Category:Bookstores in the United States Category:Companies based in Portland, Oregon Category:Retail companies established in 1971 Category:Tourist attractions in Portland, Oregon