Valentine’s Day Brings a Boost to a Downtown Portland Business That’s Been Around Since the 1930s. – KXL

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland’s downtown recovery remains uneven, according to recent economic reports, but one longtime business is hoping Valentine’s Day brings a boost.

The Portland Metro Chamber this week described the region’s economy as being at a critical turning point, citing job losses, high office vacancy and sluggish population growth. While foot traffic and safety conditions have improved in parts of the central city, many businesses say weekday activity still lags behind pre-pandemic levels.

At Gifford’s Flowers, a family-owned shop on the corner of Broadway and Jefferson, Valentine’s Day is typically one of the busiest times of the year.

“Our family has owned this for four generations,” said Laura Gifford Kerr.

The florist has operated in Portland since 1938, surviving economic downturns, changing retail trends and the disruptions of the pandemic.

Gifford Kerr said conditions downtown feel safer than they did several years ago, though she believes more weekday shoppers and office workers are needed to support small businesses consistently.

“It’s not scary to be downtown,” she said. “We’re not seeing as many property crimes that we were seeing maybe like three or four years ago.”

Valentine’s Day sales remain strong, with roses still a leading choice for customers. But Gifford Kerr said buying patterns have shifted over time.

“It used to be traditionally only roses,” she said. “We still do a lot of those, but I would say it’s almost 50-50 as far as spring, romantic mixes, local, colorful flowers.”

The shop plans to remain open through Valentine’s Day while supplies last, stocked with classic red roses and a range of bright seasonal arrangements.