Columbia Sportswear Moving a Division to Portland

Fifteen years after Columbia Sportswear left Portland for Washington County, the company is moving one of its divisions back. The company announced Tuesday that its SOREL brand will move to downtown Portland.

"Today marks another important chapter in our 78-year history as a Portland corporate citizen," said Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle. "Our Sorel team will join the more than 400 team members we currently employ within the City of Portland.

"They are among more than 1,800 total Columbia Sportswear Company employees who consider the Portland area their home.”

Boyle, who announced that 45 employees will move into a space above the Columbia store downtown where there is space for another 40 employees, was joined at the announcement by Mayor-elect Ted Wheeler.

"Portland is accumulating a long list of things we’re known for, but one of the mainstays on that list is our athletic and outdoor apparel industry," said Wheeler. A pioneer of that industry is demonstrating their confidence our city and its economic future."

When Columbia moved from Portland to Washington County in 2001 it was seen as a blow to the city. Mayor Charlie Hales had vowed to bring the company back.

Wheeler, whose campaign received $15,000 from Boyle and his iconic mother, Columbia Chairwoman Gert Boyle, thanked Kimberly Branam and the Portland Development Commission for helping male the deal possible.

The PDC will provide up to $50,000 in assistance to Sorel for tenant improvements.