Mmmm, does Portland really need another huge outdoor apparel store? Judging from the size of the new Evo store—11,000 sf—that's finally open after months of construction (in the historic former Salvation Army HQ), the answer appears to be a resounding "hell yes." This is Evo's second location, after the original in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood. At 200 SE MLK it's in close proximity to local institutions like Next Adventure and Andy and Bax, and just a short hop across the bridge from even more options like the US Outdoor Store.

Evo has a particular emphasis on board sports, and represents a huge number (150+) of brands, as well as housing a ski, snowboard, and bike service shop in the basement. They're into community engagement too, so look forward to things like monthly art shows, music, and movies, as well as the perhaps-less-fun-sounding yet nonetheless key occasional "Avalanche Safety clinics."

To begin with, Evo is hosting a grand opening this Saturday, Nov 15 (7 pm-midnight), for you to suss them out over food, drinks, live music, a silent auction, and dancing. It's also a benefit for The Chill Foundation, which uses board sports to teach "life lessons about patience, persistence, responsibility, courage, respect, and pride" to under-served youth. Thus the break from normal retail tradition: you need a ($5) ticket to attend.