Basics Market on NE Sandy Blvd Is Closing

One of the most popular parts of Basics Market on NE Sandy is the meat department. Photo credit: Basics

Yesterday a neighbor posted on Facebook that the Basics Market on NE Sandy Blvd in the Hollywood District is closing, much to the dismay of folks in the area. I’ve heard a lot of praise for Basics, especially about their meats, so it’s a real bummer to see it close and leave a sizable storefront empty. The last day of business is Saturday, January 22.

The Hollywood location could not keep up due to elements outside of anyone’s immediate control: “Our location proved to be a challenge in attracting shoppers and the store’s small footprint didn’t allow for a product offering big enough to turn into our shoppers main destination. In the end, more shoppers were needed to ensure we move enough perishable groceries and avoid unwanted waste.” Preventing waste is a huge deal to Basics.

As they close this location (with the small footprint at 7,500 square feet) they plan to open new locations (likely with a larger footprint) elsewhere; current locations aside from Sandy are doing well (“our other Basics markets are thriving!”). Those three markets are in HIllsdale, the Pearl, and Beaverton, which has a dedicated meat market. I will note that all these are west of the Willamette River.

You can read more about the closing of Basics in their FAQ. Basics opened up in 2018 in the ground floor retail space of the newer building that houses The Portland Clinic. Gustav’s Der Rheinlander restaurant occupied that location prior to that. Here’s a contrast:

Image credit: Google Maps

So long, Basics. It’s hard to say goodbye but sometimes you don’t have a choice. One alternative for good meats and other local products in the area is the Hollywood Farmers Market, so at least there’s that.

Basics Market (closing January 2022)
5035 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
basicsmarket.com/store/sandy