When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
City Liquidators
Why City Liquidators is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
City Liquidators is a landmark furniture warehouse located in Portland, Oregon's Buckman neighborhood, operating since 1977. It occupies seven expansive buildings totaling 390,000 square feet, offering an extensive and diverse selection of new and used furniture for homes and offices, as well as a broad array of home goods. Founded by Walt Pelett, who continues to own and manage the business with his wife Pam, City Liquidators started by helping businesses liquidate goods such as office furniture, industrial equipment, and store fixtures. Over time, it expanded to include unique pieces discovered at auctions across the United States and even imported antique office furniture from London. This heritage continues to shape the store's unusual and eclectic inventory, which includes everything from office supplies and tableware to quirky items like Egyptian sarcophagi and vintage dolls. Customers can browse through a vast, treasure-like environment that combines bargain finds, quality furnishings including Ashley home furnishings, and unusual collectibles. City Liquidators has become a favored gathering place for locals and visitors alike who enjoy hunting for distinctive items and furniture at attractive prices, with financing and delivery options enhancing the convenience of shopping. The rich variety and scale make it a distinctive destination to meet friends and explore together.
Here's what people think of City Liquidators
As of recent, City Liquidators holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1316 reviews.
City Liquidators holds a solid rating of 4.3 from over 1300 reviews, reflecting generally positive customer experiences. Reviewers frequently praise the store for its immense selection and the uniqueness of its merchandise, noting the thrill of discovering unexpected items alongside standard furniture and home goods. Many positive comments highlight the affordability and variety of products, ranging from new home furnishings to vintage and unusual pieces not found elsewhere. Customers appreciate the mix of practical and whimsical items, making visits to City Liquidators both useful and fun. The store's size and eclectic inventory are often mentioned as major draws, with some reviewers enjoying the browsing adventure almost like a scavenger hunt. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out issues such as occasional difficulty navigating the vast warehouse, inconsistent customer service experiences, and the challenge of finding specific items due to the large and varied stock. A few customers have noted that the warehouse environment can sometimes feel cluttered or overwhelming. However, these criticisms tend to be outweighed by the overall positive sentiments. In conclusion, City Liquidators is widely regarded as a top destination for furniture shopping in Portland, especially appealing to those seeking variety, bargains, and a distinctive shopping experience beyond typical retail stores.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dianna M
Enormous venue! You could honestly spend hours in here just browsing! If they don’t have what you’re looking for it just might not exist. However I did find *one thing, a slot machine, & I do know they exist, lol. Friendly, helpful employees. We found a nice leather glider here and are looking forward to enjoying it.
Clair LeVere
Walking into City Liquidators is like stepping into a wonderland of furniture, decor, and unexpected finds. Whether you’re furnishing an entire home, hunting for a unique statement piece, or just want to wander and get inspired, this place delivers every time. The selection is massive, from sleek modern couches to quirky vintage chairs, office desks, rugs, art, and everything in between. And the prices? Way more reasonable than you’d expect for the quality. It’s one of the few places where you can find both style and a great deal in the same spot. The staff is helpful but never pushy. They give you space to explore but are quick to assist if you need measurements, advice, or help loading your haul. It’s clear they care about making sure you find what works for you, not just making a sale. City Liquidators is one of those places that feels like a true Portland institution, eclectic, a little chaotic in the best way, and full of charm. Every time I go, I leave with something awesome and the feeling I just discovered a secret. Highly recommend for furniture lovers, bargain hunters, and anyone who appreciates a good surprise find.
Hisham B.
Allison was a pleasure to work with; her kindness and extensive knowledge of her inventory were evident. However, we encountered an issue with the sofa, as it arrived with defective fabric. Additionally, the delivery driver struggled with English, which led to confusion as they stood at our back door for half an hour, despite clear signage indicating it was not the main entrance. It would be beneficial for the staff to focus on de-escalation and problem-solving techniques rather than resorting to yelling at customers over the phone.
Jennifer Conrod
Why would anyone shop anywhere but here? This store is the best. Pam, Sami, Diego- everyone was helpful and how cute was Henry? I’m obsessed with this store and I can’t wait to go back!
Ashley Rose
I love love love this store. They have gismos and gadgets a-plenty, they have whosits and whatsits galore! Not only do they have excellent furniture (bought my most favorite dining table set here that I will probably have the rest of my life), but they have artwork, dish-ware, pillows, bath supplies, decor, and more. They offer delivery and assembly all around the Portland Metro and are very helpful. Street parking can be a challenge but it really depends on the time of day. Last few times I have been able to park right up front. Be wary of where you park as there plenty of transient folks in the area and don't leave valuables in your car.
How to reach City Liquidators
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Website: None
Why City Liquidators may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at City Liquidators with your friends? City Liquidators is much more than a furniture store; it is a vast emporium full of unique finds and curiosities, making it a fascinating destination to explore with friends or family. Located in Portland under the Morrison Bridge, the store boasts an enormous 160,000 square foot showroom, offering an adventure into a treasure trove of furniture, antiques, office supplies, knick-knacks, toys, and more. Whether your group enjoys hunting for vintage items, home décor, or simply loves the excitement of discovering rare and unusual goods, City Liquidators provides an engaging and lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to gather because it sparks conversation, nostalgia, and the joy of shared discovery. Beyond shopping, the store’s eclectic and sprawling layout invites a social experience where groups can bond over collective interests and the thrill of the hunt. Plus, Portland’s friendly vibe and the store’s long-standing history since 1977 add to its appeal as a memorable meetup spot that feels simultaneously local and adventurous.
What activities are there for groups at City Liquidators? City Liquidators offers a wide variety of activities that cater excellently to groups looking for an interactive and dynamic experience. First and foremost, the store’s showroom is vast and diversified, allowing ample time for each person in the group to explore different sections, from antique office furniture to modern home furnishings, lighting, and décor pieces. The store’s history of attending auctions across the United States and importing unique items from places like London means there are always unusual or eccentric finds to marvel at, providing an entertaining and educational backdrop for group conversations. Walking through aisles that range from practical to peculiar, groups can stimulate shared brainstorming on interior design ideas, gift hunting, or simply reminiscing over nostalgic items. Additionally, the mix of new and antique merchandise encourages group members to compare styles and tastes, making it a fun opportunity to discover personal preferences in a social setting. Large groups can challenge each other to find the quirkiest or most unexpected item, transforming a shopping visit into a playful scavenger hunt.
Why is City Liquidators perfect for a group meetup? The sheer size and diversity of City Liquidators make it an ideal location for gatherings of friends or families who want more than the standard meetup and want to infuse their time together with excitement and shared discovery. Unlike typical retail stores, the 160,000 square foot space allows groups to spread out comfortably and explore without feeling rushed or cramped, enhancing the visit’s social quality. The store’s unique atmosphere—part showroom, part museum, part treasure hunt—naturally encourages interaction and conversation, which is perfect for deepening connections during visits. In addition to browsing, groups can enjoy piecing together stories behind historic items or debating the merits of different furniture styles, sparking lively and meaningful dialogue. The environment is casual and inviting, suited for groups of all ages, making it a versatile meeting place for a variety of occasions, whether casual catch-ups or family outings. Furthermore, the store offers financing and home delivery services, so groups can also plan joint purchases or decorating projects, adding practical value to the fun experience.
What makes City Liquidators unique compared to other furniture stores? What sets City Liquidators apart from conventional furniture retailers is its origin story and the eclectic range of merchandise it offers. Founded in 1977 initially to help businesses liquidate goods, the store’s inventory has always included industrial equipment, office shelving, and items that most stores would never carry — from a truckload of wigs to 100-year-old cannonball safes. This diverse background has created a treasure trove of inventory blending antiques, new items, practical furnishings, and unusual collectibles. The store still carries brands like Ashley home furnishings, but it also prides itself on stocking rare, hard-to-find pieces accumulated from auctions and imports worldwide. This exceptional variety adds to the fun of group visits because no two trips are the same—there’s always something new or unexpected to find. This heritage of ‘liquidation meets curiosity’ cultivates a highly unique shopping environment that pleases both bargain hunters and connoisseurs of antiques alike, making every visit a distinctive adventure.
How accessible and convenient is City Liquidators for groups? City Liquidators is conveniently located at 823 SE 3rd Ave in Portland, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Its position on the east side of Portland under the Morrison Bridge places it near several transportation routes, adding to the convenience for groups coming from different parts of the city or beyond. The store’s vast layout ensures that it can comfortably accommodate larger groups without feeling overcrowded, which enhances the social experience. Parking availability and nearby public transit options further ease the logistics of organizing a meetup. The store’s operating hours and customer service, including financing packages and delivery on furniture items, also add layers of convenience for groups who might want to make purchases together. Furthermore, the diversity of merchandise inside means groups can efficiently combine different shop types into one outing—from office supplies and furniture to decorative toys and housewares—saving time and amplifying their shared experience.
What atmosphere can groups expect when visiting City Liquidators? The atmosphere at City Liquidators is a blend of vibrant energy, nostalgia, and discovery that creates a stimulating environment for groups looking to spend quality time together. The store is known for being somewhat unpolished and authentic, which contributes to its charm and distinct personality. Unlike sterile, highly curated retail spaces, City Liquidators feels like an expedition into a massive warehouse of visual stimulation and storytelling. This uniqueness fosters curiosity and makes the shopping trip feel dynamic and engaging. The vast assortment of items—from practical to quirky—encourages playful exploration and conversation. Visitors often remark on the treasure hunt feeling that pervades the visit, a key ingredient in creating memorable group experiences. The store’s long history and reputation as a Portland staple add to the warmth and familiarity visitors feel upon entering. While the store may lack luxury polish, its authenticity makes it feel approachable, down-to-earth, and perfect for casual group meetups.
What should groups know before visiting City Liquidators? Groups planning to visit City Liquidators should anticipate a sprawling shopping experience that rewards patience, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. Because of the store’s size and variety, it can take several hours to truly explore, so plan accordingly. Comfortable walking shoes and a prepared mindset for discovering hidden gems are advisable. The store is not highly organized like traditional retailers, so part of the fun is wandering through diverse sections and seeing what catches your eye. While the store offers financing and delivery services, it is wise to discuss these options with the store representatives if the group is considering significant purchases. Because City Liquidators specializes in liquidation and unique items, stock constantly changes, making repeat visits worthwhile but also meaning that some desired items may only be available sporadically. Lastly, visitors should expect a casual environment without high-end merchandising polish, which contributes to the authentic shopping adventure experience suited for groups ready to explore Portland’s unique retail culture.
How can groups make the most out of their visit at City Liquidators? To maximize a group’s experience at City Liquidators, consider turning your visit into an interactive event. You might organize a treasure hunt where each person is tasked with finding the most unusual or beautiful item in the store. Sharing discoveries and stories behind antiques and collectibles can spark lively group conversation and help everyone learn something new. Combining shopping with plan-making—such as deciding on joint furniture purchases for shared spaces or upcoming events—can also foster bonding and practical outcomes. Be sure to allocate enough time for the visit, as rushing reduces the chance to fully enjoy the store’s vast offerings. Taking photos of favorite finds or ideas can be useful for follow-up discussions. Finally, group members should engage with the friendly sales staff, who can provide insight into the history and features of rare items, further enriching the visit’s educational and social components. With a spirit of adventure and teamwork, a meetup at City Liquidators transforms from simple shopping into an enriching, memorable social outing.