East Portland Grocery Store to Close Amid Crime Concerns

Closure could exacerbate food access issues in underserved neighborhood.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:29pm by Ben Kaplan

An east Portland supermarket that has faced ongoing issues with shoplifting, vandalism, and other criminal activity will be shutting down later this year, potentially worsening the area's longstanding lack of ample food access.

Why it matters

East Portland has historically had far fewer grocery stores compared to other parts of the city, creating 'food deserts' and making it difficult for residents to access fresh, affordable food. The closure of this store could further limit options and increase the distance people have to travel to reach a supermarket.

The details

The unnamed east Portland supermarket has grappled with a range of criminal issues in recent years, including frequent shoplifting incidents, vandalism to the property, and other disruptive behavior that has made it challenging to operate the store. Despite efforts to improve security and address the problems, the owners have decided to shut down the location by the end of 2026.

  • The east Portland supermarket will be closing by the end of 2026.

The players

East Portland

A neighborhood in Portland, Oregon that has historically had fewer grocery stores and food access options compared to other parts of the city.

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The takeaway

The closure of this east Portland supermarket is a concerning development that could exacerbate longstanding food access issues in the neighborhood, highlighting the need for more investment and solutions to address crime and ensure all residents have convenient options for affordable, healthy food.