[March 20, 2025]
Welcome to this edition of the Hillsdale Business Update, in which we strive to keep you apprised of moves, news, and happenings in the commercial district.
And don't forget, if you have a recommendation to share with your Hillsdale neighbors, send us an email and we'll include it in our Readers Recommend column.
New Gift Shop Takes Up Residence
East Borough Shop has relocated from Alberta St. to Hillsdale Shopping Center, giving owner Amy Roy more space closer to her SW Portland home. After four years on the east side, she sought an “extra-charming spot”—and found it in Hillsdale.
A self-described “shopkeep,” Roy is the face customers will most often see, along with her son or mother, who help out occasionally. She invites neighbors to explore the shop’s curated selection of gifts, homewares, and whimsical items—and to ask about its name. Visitors might think of “burrow” rather than “borough”—stop by, and Roy will happily share the story behind it.
6354 SW Capitol Highway
Wednesday-Sunday, 12pm to 6pm.
Treasure Chests and Walls of Pants
Hillsdale’s newest retail shop opens this Saturday, March 22, from 11am-8pm, near City Thai restaurant at the back of the Hillsdale Center. Shirtzenpantz buys, sells, and trades a curated selection of men’s and women’s second-hand clothing, furniture, art, and more.
Twin brothers Owen and Ethan Gail started thrifting in the early mornings before high school, shopping “the bins”—Goodwill outlet stores where items are sold by the pound and serious thrifters score the best deals. After six years of selling online, the 22-year-olds are bringing their thrifting expertise to their first brick-and-mortar store.
Themed sections like “Lumberjack” and “Boho” feature Pendleton, Filson, Anthropologie, and Free People, with a sprinkling of Patagonia and Northface. Treasure Chests containing $5 finds are scattered throughout the store. An impressive “Wall of Pants” showcases some really, really, large pants and fuels the brothers’ claim to have created the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Prices start at $5, average around $20. With a higher range up to $30-$40 for nicer brands, Owen points out his prices are lower than comparable used clothing online, and way lower than retail.
The buy/trade part of the business starts up in April. Like other resale shops, Shirtzenpantz pays based on the expected sale price, but with a twist: Sellers can choose to take 25% cash, a 40% donation to the charity of your choice, or 60% store credit.
Also unlike most resale shops, Shirtzenpantz accepts out-of-season items year-round—so they will take coats in summer and shorts in winter. They’ve even rented a second storefront (formerly Hillsdale’s State Farm office) for extra inventory and to showcase products in the display windows.
The Gail brothers promise fun finds for all ages. High schoolers will love the hunt, while parents can browse for brands they recognize.
6343 SW Capitol Hwy
Open every day from 11am-8pm
40% senior discount on Wednesdays
Grand Opening Saturday, March 22, 11am-8pm
One free Treasure Chest item per customer until 4pm
Free cookies from 4-8pm
—Valeurie Friedman
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