Why So Many Businesses Are Suddenly Leaving One Major US City
Retailers in Portland, Oregon are closing down due to an increased retail crime rate and lack of sales due to local hipster culture.
Hipster—a person who follows the latest trends and fashions in clothing and lifestyle, especially those regarded as being outside the cultural mainstream. Portland is a city full of them, but as the city’s crime rises with retail theft, many businesses and folks are pulling up stakes.
This is the dictionary definition of a subculture of popular trends that tries to distance itself from the mainstream. According to Fox, sadly, mainstream businesses are leaving Portland due to the rise in retail theft and crime. Companies such as Nike, Gap Inc., Columbia Sportswear Company, Banana Republic, JCPenney and Cracker Barrel have all announced their departure from the city over the past few months.
One has to wonder if it is the theft and crime pushing them out or the fact that mainstream brands aren’t as popular there. The reasons for these companies’ exits are likely a combination of both.
No matter the cause, Portland’s unique subculture is facing an enormous challenge. How do they preserve their individuality while keeping larger businesses safe? It starts with understanding crime and retail theft prevention tactics as well as recognizing what makes Portland so special—its diversity, its culture, and its people. From there, the city can create effective strategies to protect some businesses while still allowing its citizens to express themselves freely.
In order for Portland to remain a vibrant and captivating place, it must be willing to invest in crime prevention measures like more police officers on the streets, increased security cameras, and improved lighting in dark places. Additionally, partnering with local organizations can help Portlanders stay informed and prepared for potential criminal activity.including retail theft.
These partnerships should include businesses, universities, and nonprofit groups that share the city’s interest in promoting safety. On an individual level, Portlanders must be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when necessary. Criminals are less likely to target people or places that appear to be vigilant and informed.
Finally, Portland needs to ensure that its citizens have the resources they need in order to stay safe. This includes providing access to mental health counseling, educational programs, and job training opportunities. By giving its citizens the tools they need to succeed and feel secure, Portland can create a safe and healthy, retail theft-free community for everyone.
Building a safe and vibrant Portland requires collective action from city officials, business owners, citizens, and other stakeholders. With the right strategies in place, Portland can continue to be a model for how cities nationwide can create safer communities.
However, other reports say that Portland is nowhere even near the levels of crime and retail theft of many other cities in the nation. Portland is a city of resilience and hope, and hopefully, it can work together to make sure its citizens are safe.
We must start by ensuring that our police officers are given the necessary resources to do their jobs properly. This means providing them with quality training, modern equipment, and access to technology that helps them investigate crimes quickly and accurately.
Hipsters–or local culture–supports the buy local movement. This movement has almost become a type of lifestyle on its own. Members are adamant about only buying anything from locally owned and operated companies. Furthermore, they strive to promote these products and businesses as well.
But will such large businesses leave that others will start to follow? This hipster says, “doubtful.”
