Powell’s Books is a legendary bookstore, with a reputation of being the largest independent bookstore in the world. Founded by Walter Powell in 1971, the Powell’s Books chain has grown to include seven locations throughout the Portland metropolitan area. The flagship store, located on the corner of W Burnside and NW 10th Avenue, is the most famous and popular of the stores.
The Powell’s Books story began in 1971, when Walter Powell opened his first store in the basement of his home in Chicago. At the time, the store was a small, independent operation, but it quickly gained a reputation for its large selection of used books and its low prices. Walter Powell moved the business to Portland in 1979 and the flagship store opened on the corner of W Burnside and NW 10th Avenue.
Powell’s Books has grown exponentially since its inception. The flagship store now occupies an entire city block and is the largest independent bookstore in the world. The seven locations now span the entire Portland metropolitan area and employ over 500 people. Powell’s Books also has an extensive online presence, with its website offering over seven million titles.
Powell’s Books is known for its vast selection of books. With over one million titles in stock, Powell’s Books carries a wide variety of genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and from children’s books to textbooks. The flagship store also houses a rare book room, which is home to a wide selection of valuable and sought-after first editions.
In addition to its vast selection of books, Powell’s Books also offers a variety of services, such as book signings and events, author readings, and educational classes. They also offer gift cards and discounts for large orders.
So, is Powell’s Books the largest bookstore in the world? The answer is a resounding yes. Powell’s Books has grown from a small, independent bookstore to a large chain, spanning the entire Portland metropolitan area and boasting an impressive online presence. With its vast selection of books, its variety of services, and its reputation for quality, Powell’s Books is undoubtedly the largest independent bookstore in the world.
