Apple Pioneer Place in Portland, Oregon will reopen Monday February 22 at 11:00 a.m., according to a message posted by Apple. This will be the first time the store will be open to customers in 267 days.
Apple Store openings and closings have become common due to health conditions over the past year, but Apple Pioneer Place is a special case. The store has only been open for a total of three days since COVID-19 arrived in the United States, fewer than any other location.
A litany of unfortunate events and fortuitous timing have kept the store closed for much of 2019, 2020, and 2021 so far. Even as other retailers struggle, Apple has continued to invest significant resources in the flagship store over the past few years, an indicator of the company’s commitment to staying in downtown Portland. Although closed to customers, the store has been continuously updated and used for behind-the-scenes operations.
More recently, major repairs have been underway to the facade, which was badly damaged last May. The damage forced Apple to completely rebuild a significant part of the expensive storefront. Last month, the famous George Floyd mural surrounding the store was removed and donated.
Let’s take a look at the recent history of Apple Pioneer Place:
March 24, 2019: Apple Pioneer Places is temporarily closing for a major renovation project. May 31, 2019: The store reopens with a new design that includes interior trees, a forum, and a video wall. March 14, 2020: All Apple Stores outside of Greater China are closing due to COVID-19. May 27, 2020: Apple Pioneer Place reopens for storefront service and sales. May 29, 2020: The store is looted and heavily vandalized during a night of violence in Portland. May 30, 2020: One day before the store’s renovation anniversary, it is closed and destroyed. June 1, 2020: A community mural acknowledging the death of George Floyd is painted on a temporary wall around the store. December 23, 2020: Apple pledges to donate the mural, which has become an icon in downtown Portland. January 22, 2021: Don’t Shoot PDX accepts the mural and the panels are then removed for storage. January 27, 2021: Restoration of Apple’s storefront begins. February 22, 2021: Apple Pioneer Place reopens for the first time in 267 days.
Other Apple stores in Oregon have reopened for in-store shopping, but you’ll need to book an appointment to buy with a specialist before visiting. COVID-19 safety precautions are still in effect at all locations.
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Main photo courtesy of Drake Wood.
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