Powells

Powell's Books, commonly known as Powell's, is an American independent bookstore chain based in Portland, Oregon. It operates the flagship Powell's City of Books in downtown Portland and a number of satellite stores in the Portland metropolitan area, as well as an online shop. The company specializes in new, used, and rare books across a wide range of genres and disciplines.

Powell's was founded in 1971 by Walter Powell as a neighborhood used bookstore. Over the years it expanded into a large, multi-store operation, with the City of Books becoming its best known location. The downtown flagship is noted for its extensive inventory and labyrinthine layout, drawing customers from across the region and beyond.

Powell's maintains a strong emphasis on community programming, including author events, readings, book clubs, and school partnerships. It offers online ordering, mail order, and in-store services such as trade-ins and special orders. Powell's remains privately owned, traditionally by the Powell family, and operates under the name Powell's Books, LLC.