The first time I ever visited Portland, Ore., was on a rainy Saturday afternoon in January about eight years ago. My stay was brief, permeated with chill and twilight, and I ended the trip with feelings of ambivalence. However, over my subsequent years in the Pacific Northwest I’ve returned there several times, and I’ve discovered a delightful fact: Portland is insidious. Like a casual acquaintance who slowly grows into a cherished friend, the city reveals more of its great qualities every time I visit and leaves me looking forward to my next visit. I had the privilege of one such return last week when I traveled with our Store Concepts team to attend the opening of a very special …
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