The last day of my stay in Portland was

a "golden hour" for research.

 

"Work exists in play.

So, when you play, be serious."

 

When written out like this,

it sounds like something an overly aggressive CEO would say,

but it's also a favorite saying of the BasShu director,

and he always includes this golden hour in the schedule during business trips abroad.

He's a wonderful boss and company (lol).

 

So, on the last day,

I wandered through the city (seriously), shopped (seriously),

and when I got tired (seriously), I had some tea,

and among the places I visited,

there's one shop I definitely recommend.

 

 

OUTDOOR STORE

One of the best outdoor stores in the U.S.

As the straightforward name subtly suggests...

it has a history of over 100 years.

Portland, where you can reach nature just a short drive from the city,

is the home of outdoor culture.

 

Here,

before fashion, as everyday wear,

you'll find the origins of what Portlanders desired.

Popular outdoor brands in Japan, such as

Barbour, Filson, RED WING
Carhartt, Levi's, Lee, Wrangler
Woolrich, PENDLETON

Naturally, they have all of them.

And on the second floor, there's women's wear too.

While browsing through the enormous selection in the store,

I found many items that aren't distributed in Japan, like "That brand makes such unfashionable shirts?" (lol).

 

-----

The store was constantly busy with locals,

and the elderly staff member was also bustling about.

 

Listening to customers' requests,

pulling out products,

and making sure they bought them.

 

He was quite skillful,

and above all, the relationship of trust between the store and its customers

was heartwarming and pleasant to see.

Even if the desired item was sold out,

the warm response was, "Alright, I'll come back when it's in stock."

 

It's not careless; it's a good balance.

 

Not just because one is a customer,

or a seller,

but there's proper mutual respect.

 

Watching such interactions,

I gradually started to admire Portlanders,

 

and it's strange how I started to feel that

even though I just thought that shirt was unfashionable, trying to wear outdoor clothing stylishly is actually what's unfashionable!

 

The prices are also cheaper than in Japan.

 

If BasShu were to open a store,

I'd want it to have this kind of warmth.

 

Ah, I want to open a store.

They say it's good to put your thoughts into words, so I'll write this down.

 

 

posted by A. Imoto