Powell Books adapts to new realities

Powell Books is a Portland, OR, landmark, but it has dealt with its share of upheaval since the advent of the pandemic and ongoing civil protests that have rocked the city. The retailer is now looking to upgrade its online presence while investing in store upgrades to attract visitors to its downtown location. “We’re replacing the nervous system and the brain of the organization at once,” said Powell’s CEO, Patrick Bassett. “We’re starting to think about what we want to be post-pandemic.”