Contributed by Lindsay Shugerman, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Portland is a mecca for hipsters, writers, book lovers and coffee house fans.

It’s also a great place to shop for whatever is on your list. And with no sales tax, the deals are better than ever!

Not sure where to start? Here’s our list of the best of shopping in Portland, Oregon. Grab your umbrella, put on your walking shoes, and head out to see all Portland has to offer.

 

Hawthorne District Southeast

What Portland stands for

 

Inclusive. Welcoming. Quirky. Don’t look for mall stores here. Instead, shop for vintage clothing, antiques, music, art, gifts and more in the one-of-a-kind local boutiques and shops.

This shopping district is open to the unique mix of people who call Portland home. Wander the shops and restaurants and rub elbows with hipsters, the gay community and even some modern-day hippies. Now you’re in Portland!

Nob Hill

Trendy restaurants mixed with trendier shops

 

Head to Nob Hill if you’re in the market for hip home furnishings, amazing vintage clothing or exceptional toys for the special kids in your life.

But this area of Portland is more than just shops. It’s also home to some of the best and most creative restaurants in Portland, and maybe the entire Pacific Northwest.

Pearl District

The heart of Portland shopping

 

Now you’re shopping! Start your visit to the Pearl District like a local, with a ride on the free downtown trolley. Then jump into some of the most exciting boutiques and shops in the region.

You’ll find everything here, from clothes for men, women and kids to jewelry bridal wear and even the Pacific Northwest’s favorite shoes, Doc Martins (right across the street from my favorite Portland store, Powell’s Books).

Pioneer Place

A perfect shopping choice for rainy days

 

Sometimes you just need to get in out of the rain. And when you want to mix a drier locale with shopping, Pioneer Place in downtown Portland is the perfect choice.

Sure the unique and one-of-a-kind choices for shopping in Portland are great. But sometimes you just need a good old fashioned mall fix.

Pioneer Place is anything but old — in fact it’s a shining example of what an urban mall can be. You’ll find all the usual players here, like Juicy Couture, Apple Computers and American Eagle Outfitters. But there are also a sprinkling of local shops like Made in Oregon and The Dapper Frog.

There’s plenty to eat in the mall, too. Or catch a movie once your shopping is done.

No matter where you decide to go shopping in Portland, you’re sure to encounter some of the famous laid-back Oregon attitude. A word to the wise: leave East Coast hustle and bustle behind. It may garner you some amused looks, but it won’t get you to the head of the coffee line.

Happy shopping!