Portland’s trippy new retail “experiences”

August 21, 2023 Joe Ditzel

See, you can’t just open a retail story anymore. It has to be “an experience.” Portland takes this idea to the next level with these insane new shops.

Cloud Boutique

Products: Personalized Clouds, Rainy Day Clouds, Thunder Buddy Clouds.
Special Feature: A “Cloud Care” section where customers learn how to “maintain” their cloud to ensure it lasts.
Monthly Event: “Cloud Shows” where artisans craft magnificent cloud displays.

Chimera Emporium

Products: Custom Mythical Creatures, Pre-designed Fantastical Beasts, Holographic Habitats.
Special Feature: A “Creature Café” where you can watch your imaginary pet play with others.
Workshops: “Design Your Beast” sessions with resident creature artists.

Dream Weavers

Products: Adventure Dreams, Calm Dreams, Nostalgic Dreams.
Special Feature: “Dream Diary Station” where customers can describe their self-created dreams.
Exclusive Service: “Recurring Dream” subscriptions for dreams to be experienced multiple times.

Memory Lane

Products: Adventure Memories, Peaceful Retreat Memories, Fantastical Event Memories.
Special Feature: A “Memory Preview Lounge” where you can get a taste of a memory before renting.
Event: “Memory Sharing Sundays” for customers to share and trade memories.

Galactic Groceries

Products: Martian Melons, Andromeda Apples, Starlight Snacks.
Special Feature: A tasting station called “Bite of the Cosmos”.
Monthly Event: “Galactic Chef Demos” featuring dishes using otherworldly ingredients.

Temporal Threads

Products: Renaissance Raiments from 3000 AD, Neo-Victorian Vests from 2550 AD, Futuristic Folkwear.
Special Feature: “Timeless Tailoring” – adjustments made with a touch of time-travel.
Workshops: “Future Fashion Forecasting” predicting next millennium’s styles.

Emotion Elixirs

Products: Bottled Bliss, Giggly Goblets, Serene Sips.
Special Feature: “Sample Your Sensations” – a place to experience a tiny drop of emotions.
Event: “Elixir Evenings” – guided experiences of complex emotional cocktails.

Shadow Shop

Products: Dinosaur Shadows, Fairy Tale Shadows, Elusive Elf Shadows.
Special Feature: A “Shadow Theater” where shadows come to life to perform tales.
Workshops: “Shadow Crafting” teaching customers to shape and play with their shadows.

Echo Emporium

Products: Dragon Roars, Whispering Woods, Goblin Giggles.
Special Feature: “Sound Booths” to privately experience each echo.
Event: “Echo Exhibitions” where rare and new sounds are debuted.

Whimsical Waters

Products: Mermaid Tears, Troll’s Tranquil Pond, Dew from the First Dawn.
Special Feature: A “Hydration Haven” where customers can refresh with magical water properties.
Monthly Event: “Water Tasting Wednesdays” showcasing a new fantastical water source.