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Where Are They Now?
Updated: 11 hours ago
The Lloyd Center may have closed, but the geek community lives on.
This summer, we said farewell to the Lloyd Center. Over the years, the mall had evolved into an unexpected gathering place for Portland's geek community, with an impressive collection of independent shops catering to fans of comics, gaming, anime, magic, LEGO, and all things wonderfully nerdy.
But when one door closes, another portal opens!
Naturally, we had questions. Where did our favorite shops go? Have they found new homes? Are they still out there, spreading geekiness across the city?
So we donned our deerstalker caps, sharpened our deductive reasoning skills, and did a little sleuthing. Here's what we uncovered.
First Stop: Pioneer Place
700 SW 5th Ave, Portland
Right in the heart of downtown, Pioneer Place is home to a mix of restaurants, food destinations, fashion, and beauty brands. But there's a new reason for geeks to pay a visit: three familiar faces from the Lloyd Center have set up shop!
An independent destination for all things LEGO! Whether you're looking to buy, sell, trade, build, or simply admire some seriously impressive brick creations, Brickdiculous has you covered.
A shop for readers, artists, and book lovers of all ages. As welcoming and accessible as your favorite independent bookstore, Floating World specializes in some of the coolest books around: comics!
The Pacific Northwest's premier magic shop and theater. Step inside and discover thousands of tricks, decks, props, and magical surprises. Whether you're an aspiring magician or a seasoned illusionist, there's a little wonder waiting for you.
Could Pioneer Place become Portland's new nerdy living room? Only time will tell, but with these three shops joining the neighborhood, it's off to a pretty magical start.
Street Level: Finding Their Own Adventures
Not all geeks travel in packs. Some prefer to strike out on their own, finding new homes and new audiences in different corners of the city.
Two more Lloyd Center favorites have found their next adventures.
2975 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Trading cards, anime, and collectibles! Gambits is a destination for gamers and anime fans looking to expand their collections, discover something new, or connect with fellow enthusiasts.
128 NE Broadway, Portland
An owner-operated game store specializing in board games, role-playing games, dice, and accessories. Whether you're assembling your next adventuring party or searching for that perfect set of dice, DicePool is ready to help you roll initiative.
Gone But Not Forgotten: The Legend of Docking Bay 45
Perhaps no Lloyd Center destination captured Portland's geek spirit quite like Docking Bay 45. This 3,000-square-foot, Star Wars-themed space was actually a collaboration between several independent businesses, creating an out-of-this-world gathering place for collectors, cosplayers, lightsaber enthusiasts, and fans of a galaxy far, far away.
While the original Docking Bay 45 has closed, the Force is still strong with its former inhabitants. We've tracked down a few of the rebel survivors and discovered they're still out there doing what they do best.
High-quality lightsabers trusted by collectors, cosplayers, and duelers around the world. Whether you're looking to add to your collection or take your dueling skills to the next level, Legion Sabers is still in the fight.
Find them online or at a convention near you.
Lightsaber choreography, movement, and combat training. Specialized in weapons-based martial arts, including lightsaber fencing and Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), alongside functional movement training that emphasizes confidence, creativity, and personal growth.
Classes hosted at Superhero Fitness: 345 SE Yamhill St, Portland
A Clone Wars veteran with a knack for acquiring and crafting Star Wars-inspired props. If you're looking for something worthy of a place in your own galactic collection, this might be your smuggling connection.
Currently operating in the shadows of Etsy: Scum & Villainy Acquisitions
An immersive Star Wars experience that refuses to stay in one place for too long.
Coming to a galaxy near you. Keep your scanners tuned and stay on the lookout for its next appearance!
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