(Photos © J. Maus)
Showers Pass, a company that designs and markets bicycling apparel and has been headquartered in Portland since 2005, has relocated. According to a statement from the company, the new, 8,000 square foot space (at 2101 SE 6th Ave) is twice the size of their current office and warehouse facility on SE 17th Ave. near Powell Blvd.
A Showers Pass spokesperson says they needed a larger facility due to the continued growth in sales of their popular line of rain jackets and pants. Also adding to their growth is the recent introduction of VelEau, a bicycle-mounted hydration system. The product, which we reported on back in April, is set to hit retail shelves in early July. Showers Pass has already inked a sales agreement for VelEau with major national retail chain REI.
Showers Pass touts that their new headquarters (note: it’s not a retail storefront) as being “more accessible by bike and transit” — it’s just blocks from the Eastbank Esplanade and the new light rail and streetcar lines.
The Portland Development Commission (PDC) helped make the move possible by offering grants, facade improvements and help with a loan to completely remodel the new space.
new location like one of their jackets,
as they did at the SE 17th Ave location.
Mayor Sam Adams noted that the move could position Showers Pass, which currently employes about seven people, for more growth in the future. “The company is well positioned to add jobs and talent to our growing athletic and outdoor industry cluster,” he said in a statement.
Showers Pass moved to their location on SE 17th Avenue in 2008 and was formerly located on SW Scholls Ferry Road.