The number of businesses that believe they've lost customers to downtown Portland's reputation has decreased significantly.
PORTLAND, Ore. — New results from a study proposed by a leading Portland business group suggest improvements in several areas related to perception and commercial performance.
Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, a division of the Portland Metro Chamber, found that 79% of businesses believe they have lost customers “because of Downtown's reputation” in 2023, up from 87% in 2022. revealed that it had decreased. The Portland Business Survey was published last October.
Additionally, 30% of respondents said their business has improved over the past year, and 32% said their business level has remained the same. The remaining 38% reported poor performance.
According to DHM Research, which conducted the Clean & Safe survey, people facing a recession blame homelessness (93%) and perceived safety issues (84%).
Other key figures from the study:
- The percentage of businesses requiring graffiti removal decreased from 78% to 72%.
- The need for repairs to windows, doors, and buildings decreased from 77% to 67%.
- Employee resignations due to safety concerns also decreased from 50% to 45%.
Additionally, 73% of Old Town-based respondents said they planned to remain downtown, matching 74% of the 428 business respondents who participated in the survey.
The study's purpose was to “identify factors and trends impacting business operations and commerce in downtown Portland.” We also surveyed respondents' satisfaction with the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe Neighborhoods program, and respondents gave it positive ratings.
For example, according to the survey, “91% of respondents believe that holiday lights and winter lighting in Downtown and Old Town are a positive enhancement to the downtown area, up from 89.85% last year.” That's what he said.
KGW news partner Portland Business Journal has more details on the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe investigation.
