Portland was once too small to attract national chains, but that is changing. W

Sean Donahue

Source

Mainebiz

Date

1-20-2003

Pages

1, 14-15

Abstract

Portland was once too small to attract national chains, but that is changing. Wild Oats just moved to Portland, following Starbucks, Ri-Ra, Flatbread Company, and Betsy's, a women's clothing store. National retailers look for thriving markets that have been pre-cultivated by local entrepreneurs, and Wild Oats' arrival could signal the city is now on national retailers' maps. To succeed in Portland, the stores must fit into the city's streetscape. When Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream moved from a small Old Port shop to a more corporate-style shop, it went out of business, as have Old Chicago Pizza, Subway, T.G.I. Friday's and T.C.B.Y. With details on the possible effect of chains on Old Port business.

Subjects

Retail trade

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