PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The annual Powell’s Books warehouse sale proved to be a major success over the weekend, attracting approximately 10,000 visitors.
Chief Marketing Officer of Powell’s House of Books Jeremy Solly said, “Most people got through in about 15, maybe 20 minutes in a wait, or walked right in. Actually, a lot of people did.”
This year, the event expanded its space, offering twice the square footage and double the number of books compared to previous years.
To enhance the shopping experience and minimize wait times, Powell’s introduced a timed entry system. Admission is free, and attendees were encouraged to reserve a timed-entry slot for either Saturday or Sunday.
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Solly emphasized the importance of creating a pleasant experience for attendees, stating, “People could get in, spend some time perusing through all the books, through all the different colors and genres, and I think people were able to do that really leisurely.”
The sale drew a diverse crowd, including teachers stocking up on books for their classrooms and families enjoying the wide variety of genres available. Solly noted, “The books are such a draw because there was such a wide variety this year, even more than last year.”
In addition to the extensive selection of books, the event featured refreshments from local vendors, including cocktails, coffee, and brewing options, creating a festive atmosphere.
Most titles were available at significantly reduced prices, ranging from $1 to $4.
Despite the hot weather, with temperatures passing 90 degrees, the turnout was impressive. Solly observed, “Even the weather didn’t deter people because they love their books and they want to bring more books.”
The sale offered a mix of used, overstock, and clearance items, as well as some newer titles. Solly explained, “There were some newer titles that people walked away with still. So it wasn’t just a lot of old books either.”