Recreational Equipment Inc REI is the Latest in a long line of businesses that Has been forced out of Portland and the Reason is simple crime the flagship Store in the Pearl District of the city Has been targeted by criminals and has Seen an unprecedented number of Break-ins and theft in recent years With increasing concern for employee Safety REI has announced that it will be Closing the store in early 2024 when the Lease expires joining the likes of Starbucks Walmart and Nike that have Already shutted the doors in the city Due to crime and drug problems but is This the latest departure a sign that Portland is on a path to ruin according To National Review Walmart closed in at Least two Portland stores in March Walmart CEO Doug McMillian acknowledged That theft is an issue it's higher than It's ever Benny said additionally Starbucks announced in 2022 that it Would be closing at least 16 stores Across the country including two in Portland according to the company Violence and drug abuse make employees Feel unsafe on the job it's not just Businesses that are fleeing in Portland Many residents are choosing to move to Other parts
