PDX: Tender Loving Empire Expands to Open in 2017

Sept. 20, 2016

Tender Loving Empire (TLE) announced Sept. 20, the signing of a long-term lease with the Port of Portland for a new retail location at the Portland International Airport. They are planning on opening for business in April, in the D Concourse. This will be the fourth retail location in Portland for this 10-year old company, a record label and marketplace for handmade goods that supports independent artists.

TLE will carry a wide selection of handmade gifts, apparel, music, food and beverages, and its own signature line of products, presented in a fresh, bright and inspiring retail space.

For the airport location TLE will again be teaming up with the award winning Fieldwork Design, who has designed both their SE Hawthorne and NW 23rd locations in Portland.

“For the last ten years we’ve been working hard to shine a light on the art and craft of Portland’s most talented and dedicated makers. Today is a big day for the hundreds of artists we represent, and for our great TLE team. We’re excited that the 18 million people who visit the Portland Airport each year will be able to experience the joy, love and care that these artists have put into their handmade creations.” said Brianne Mees, co-founder of TLE.

Added co-founder Jared Mees, “The art and music culture here in Portland is one of the things that makes this city great. I’m excited that people visiting Portland will be able to experience a taste of that culture right when they get off the plane at PDX.”

“We’re pleased to see Tender Loving Empire join the retail concession family at PDX,” said Shane Andreasen, senior manager of concession development at Portland International Airport. “Their location on Concourse D will provide all travelers—especially international travelers—the opportunity to purchase handmade goods that support our region’s independent artists.”