Stores
PDX Satisfaction
Feb 21st
I just learned that my original hometown airport — Portland International (PDX) — came in second in J.D. Powers and Associates’ 2010 North American Airport Satisfaction Study in the medium-sized airport category (10-30 million annual passengers). The study measured overall passenger satisfaction with six general factors: accessibility, baggage claim, check-in/bag check process, terminal facilities, security check and food & retail services. PDX came in just behind Kansas City International (MCI), with 733 points out of 1,000 compared to MCI’s 742. Aside from justifying my admittedly biased pride in my city’s airport, the study affirmed that other flyers appreciate most what I also enjoy about the facility: its food and retail offerings.
Oh, I also like the fact that Portland’s light-rail system, MAX, provides quick, convenient mass transit links to downtown and beyond; and the parking garage’s setup makes it easy to spot the open parking slots. Also, the overall design of the complex is both pleasing to the eye and functional; the arching glass canopy between the parking structure and terminal lets light stream in to the lush vegetation draping over the sides of the building while keeping visitors dry on those too-often rainy days. And I really appreciate the free Wi-Fi available throughout the site. But I admit that what I really look forward to when a trip to PDX is in the plans is the opportunity to visit some of my favorite shops and restaurants — anywhere, not just my favorite airport shops and restaurants.
Checking out the list of the airport eateries, it is clear that the managers have made a conscious effort to load the place up with popular, long-time local favorites rather than a slew of tired chain representatives. Rose’s Restaurant and Bakery has been a Portland institution for decades, offering up both New York-style deli foods and the most amazing, enormous desserts. The Beaverton Bakery since 1925 has also been serving up great baked goods, and their airport outlet also sells soups, salads and sandwiches. Samplings of local liquid libations can be had at Rogue Ales Public House and the Laurelwood Brewing Co.; the biggest problem for me is deciding which one of these many fabulous options I will enjoy during my limited time traveling through the airport.
While most of the restaurants and pubs are located beyond the security checkpoints, a number of the retail stores are not, so if I’m picking someone up or dropping someone off, I like to leave time to stop in for at least a quick browse if not some serious shopping. Again, some fine local institutions are represented here, most with well-deserved national and international reputations. The parents of both Columbia Sportswear and the Nike Store are Portland-area based with products sold world-wide. If you’re looking for gifts that speak of where you’ve been, the Made in Oregon shop has everything from the upiquitous t-shirts and caps to fine wines, gourmet foods, chocolates, jewelry and smoked salmon. I love meandering through the Oregon Pendleton Shop, letting my eyes rove over the fantastic variety of beautiful woolen blankets while my fingers trail across the soft wool plaid shirts and lovely shawls. The famous trade blankets first came off the looms in Pendleton in Eastern Oregon in 1909, and one of my most prized wedding gifts is a blanket from this venerable company.
My two favorite shops, however, I save for last (or, when time is short, they are my only stops). Powell’s Books is Portland’s legendary new and used bookstore, with the original store taking up an entire block downtown. The airport branch, necessarily smaller and lacking some of the aged charm of the original, nevertheless offers a generous assortment of gift items and new and used books — not just the ordinary NYT bestsellers but an eclectic and fascinating cross-section accompanied by interesting notes and comments from store employees (who are a very well-read bunch!).
The Real Mother Goose started up in 1971 and is a feast for the eyes. It is both gallery and retail shop, with the most stunning array of handcrafted jewely, art glass, ceramics, textiles, woods and exotic items I’ve ever seen in one place. My sister gave me a silver and turquoise bracelet from Mother Goose when I was 16, and I’ve been in love with the place ever since. You can spend a lot of money here or not very much, but you’re guaranteed to come away with something beautiful and unique.
I hope all your travels are swift and easy. But if you find yourself with extra time to kill at Portland’s airport, don’t despair. I think you’ll find you’ve got some very agreeable options for whiling away that time, and you might actually be glad for the opportunity.
– Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader
‘Tis the Season
Dec 1st
Thanksgiving 2009 has come and gone. All the pumpkin pie has finally been eaten! Growing up, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday, thanks to the great food and time with family. It continues to be one of my favorites, but as each year passes, I understand why the holidays are difficult for some people. While they are still joyous, I know I miss those family members who are no longer with us. Luckily, the memories remain strong.
I have to give my mom kudos this year. She always does a great job, but everything was extra tasty this year. My sister-in-law’s dishes, including homemade pie, were equally fabulous. Even I managed to add a new vegetable dish to the spread — butternut squash and Brussel sprouts (healthy, but tasty!).
With Thanksgiving behind us, New York City is in full holiday season mode. Christmas songs are playing in the stores, larger-than-life decorations are lining Fifth and Sixth avenues, and the retailers are doing the best they can to end the year in the black. I walked to Whole Foods at Columbus Circle last night, and I saw the building decked out in lights. The lights are so bright it seems like daylight at night. If you are in the neighborhood, be sure to check out the tents in front of Columbus Circle. The Winter’s Eve tents allow visitors to sample tasty dishes from the various trendy restaurants located in and around the Time Warner Center. ‘Tis the season!
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
Terminal Confusion
Nov 20th
On my recent trip to London, I had the chance to experience British Airways and London Heathrow‘s much-discussed Terminal 5. For all the money and hype, I found the terminal to be poorly laid out.
My flight arrived very early in the morning. As a business-class passenger, I was able to use the fast lanes for Customs (a nice feature!), so lines were no bother to me, but it literally was like a one-mile, never-ending walk to get from the gate to the exit. Up escalators, down escalators, on a monorail shuttle, here, there and everywhere. Too far, too confusing, too much!
When I arrived for my flight home, I was pleased to see lots of check-in space and plenty of self-service kiosks. After quickly checking myself in, I dropped my bag and proceeded to security. Despite being in the premium check-in line, I had the longest security wait I’ve had in a while. Once through, I proceeded to the lounge directly after security. Nope, that was not the lounge I was permitted to use. I had to go down a floor and then walk all the way across the terminal and then go up two floors. Down to go up, huh?
So, I proceeded down and across, all the while being impressed with the large selection of high-end shopping available. All major British department stores, like Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, were represented, as well as top designers, bookstores and pharmacies. An impressive selection of eateries also abounds. So, I went down and across to get back up. Up two more escalators, and I was finally at the lounges. Guess what — since I was departing from a B Gate, the lounge attendant recommended I use the lounges past the monorail service and closer to my gate. That was nice of her, but couldn’t any of the other five people I had spoken to explained this system to me?
Back down, back across, and then down more, until I found my way to the monorail shuttle service. A quick ride later, a short walk and more escalators, and I was where I needed to be — settled in the lounge, enjoying a light breakfast and just a few steps from my gate. But, boy, was I tired and turned around! Granted, I didn’t get a chance to explore all Terminal 5 had to offer as I was too busy trying to find my bearings, but my first impression was not what I had been expecting.
– Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive
Do Your Part
Jan 17th
On Monday of this week, the repercussions of the recession – or economic downturn or whatever you want to call it — resounded much closer to home for me, literally. The plywood mill which employed 125 people in our small town of 2,000 announced it had closed for an indefinite period of time. Workers said they had not received any warning of the move, and with the nationwide stall in construction, it’s likely that those jobs are gone, for all practical matters, for good.
That same afternoon I got a call from my newlywed daughter in Chicago, telling me she had just been laid off from the job she’d held in the publishing industry for almost two years. She and the other employees let go that day accounted for about 10 percent of the office’s workforce. While Sarah was given about a month’s salary in severance pay and assured she would receive excellent references, they hardly assure us that she will rapidly find work again in her field — or in any job that will make use of her four-year private college education. Since arriving in the Windy City almost three years ago, she has done all the right things to make connections professionally and personally, so she goes forth on her job search armed not only with her skills, smarts and resume but also with a few potential leads. Until (when, not if!) she steps on that next rung of her career ladder, though, she knows she will likely be holding down some part-time jobs to help pay the bills.
While the evening news brings us headlines of the collapse of large retailers like Circuit City and trouble for yet another banking giant, we should remember that for each of those, there are hundreds if not thousands of unreported stories of small businesses closing or laying off workers. These have an enormous impact on their communities and the lives of all those suddenly un- or underemployed.
Flipping through a magazine last week, I scanned a page on which the editor asked a number of celebrities what they were doing differently in response to the shift in the economy. One reply, by a young actor I did not recognize (I realize I have reached that age where I do not fit the demographic at which a whole slew of programming is targeted), made me want to reach into the picture and grab him by his couture lapels and give him a shake. He said he was going to eat out less often and cook at home. Well, fine if he wants to hone those domestic skills, but doesn’t he realize the biggest contribution he can make to this economy is to go out and spend some of that ridiculous salary he gets (note I did not say “earns”)?
I’m not suggesting that anyone spend beyond their means or consume frivolously or gluttonously. At the same time, it seems that for those of us that have the security of a steady income and savings, we should continue to support the businesses in our communities who rely on our patronage. Fewer diners mean restaurants hire fewer waitresses, bartenders, cooks and dishwashers. Shops that see a drop in revenue must lower their overhead, and so clerks and stockroom personnel see their hours reduced or jobs eliminated. Those folks are all our neighbors, our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters.
So if you can, go buy a book at the local booksellers. Buy those new tires the car needs, and get a tune-up while you’re at it. Treat yourself to a massage or manicure. Take in a movie (be sure to buy some popcorn from the high school student at the refreshment counter), and then go have a nice dinner at the restaurant down the street. And please, tip generously . . . if you’re somewhere in the Chicago area, your waitress could be my daughter!
Patty Vanikiotis, proofreaderÂÂ
