PORTLAND, Ore. — With just five days until Election Day, many businesses in Portland are anticipating potential unrest similar to what the city experienced in 2016 and 2020. Protests following previous elections left several smaller businesses significantly damaged. But despite their concerns, local shop owners expressed a more hopeful outlook this year.
"It's taken us this long to have Portland come back and be safe and inviting. Downtown is vibrant again," said Teri Peck, owner of Black Book Vintage Collab.
Peck called past rounds of unrest "inexcusable" and said it seemed like there was never a stop to it. But despite the lingering fears, the sentiment among many business owners is one of cautious hope as they prepare for the election.
Leo Khoury, owner of Habibi Restaurant, noted improvements in safety and increased police presence, and said downtown businesses in general feel more comfortable now that at other times in recent years.
However, he added that he's still taking precautions this week, preparing plywood to board up his windows just in case something happens.
"But I have a feeling nothing is going to happen," he added.
Blaine Peters, owner of Tiny Brambles, also highlighted some of his investments in security measures ahead of November 5, including a roll-down gate on the inside of the shop to protect the windows and merchandise.
Overall, businesses remain optimistic. Tim Straub, chocolatier at Creo Chocolate, expressed a sense of resignation to the unpredictability of protests.
"If they come, they come. We can’t change the world," he said.