Shop Talk: First Look at The New Blake's in NW Portland

Friday, 06 August 2010 11:15 | Written by Byron

SNEAK PEEK: Well, that didn't take long. After being closed for just about four weeks, Blake's is back in business.

Blake, the incredibly cool clothing store that used to be situated just a few steps above Northwest Johnson Street on Northwest 23rd Avenue has flown that pint-sized coop for a much bigger, and dare I say, better store. About a month ago, owner, Blake Neiman-Davis, was handed the keys to a former Smith & Hawken store at 26 NW 23rd Place (located next door to Twist and near Levi's and Urban Outfitters) and built it to fit his store's needs—with the help of the goods folks from Compressed Pattern Design Studio. "It was time for Blake to grow up," says Neiman-Davis. "And this store is the perfect place for us to do that." I had the chance to sneak a peek at the store yesterday (today is the first day it's actually open to the public) and I think you'll agree with me that this is a very cool shop, indeed. And, oh yeah, make sure to check out all the cool stuff from Oregon's own Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage next to all the groovy threads. Yes, that stuff is for sale too!