Tender Loving Empire

For us Oregonians here in Portland, finding gifts that truly capture the unique spirit and creativity of our city is something we value. That's why Tender Loving Empire stands out as a true gem. More than just a gift shop, it's a vibrant hub celebrating local artistry, independent music, and unique, handcrafted goods. Since its founding in 2007 by Jared and Brianne Mees, Tender Loving Empire (often abbreviated as TLE) has grown from a basement idea into a cornerstone of Portland's creative scene, with multiple locations dedicated to supporting artists, makers, and musicians.

Tender Loving Empire operates on a dual mission: to be an independent record label showcasing Pacific Northwest indie rock and indie folk bands, and to provide a storefront for local handicraft items. This unique blend creates a truly inspiring shopping experience. When you walk into TLE, you're not just Browse shelves; you're immersed in a curated collection of items that tell a story, each piece often reflecting the passion and talent of a local creator. It's a place where you can find something truly special and meaningful, whether it's for a loved one or a treat for yourself.

The ethos of Tender Loving Empire is deeply rooted in community. They actively support hundreds of independent artists and small businesses, ensuring that your purchases directly contribute to the local economy and foster a more vibrant, creative, and connected Portland. This commitment to local talent, combined with their constantly evolving selection of "handmade gifts" and "fun souvenirs," makes TLE a go-to spot for those seeking authentic Portland experiences and products.

The Tender Loving Empire store we're highlighting is conveniently located at 525 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, USA. This address places it in the lively and popular Northwest 23rd Avenue district, often referred to as "Trendy-Third" or "Alphabet District." This area is renowned for its charming boutiques, diverse restaurants, and vibrant street life, making it a desirable destination for both locals and visitors.

Northwest 23rd Avenue is highly accessible, whether you're arriving by car, public transport, or on foot. The streetcar runs through the neighborhood, and numerous bus lines serve the area, making it easy to reach from various parts of Portland. For those driving, street parking is available, though it can sometimes be competitive given the popularity of the district. Its location amidst other engaging shops and eateries means that a visit to Tender Loving Empire can be part of a larger, enjoyable outing in one of Portland's most charming neighborhoods, perfect for a leisurely stroll and discovering other local gems.

Tender Loving Empire provides a diverse array of products and services, reflecting its dual identity as a gift shop and a record label. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Curated Gift Items: A wide selection of unique and thoughtful gifts, often handmade and locally sourced. This includes a variety of jewelry, housewares, cards, prints, and other handcrafted items.
• Locally Made Products: A strong emphasis on supporting local artists and makers, offering products that truly reflect Portland's creative spirit. This makes it an ideal spot for "finding locally made products."
• Independent Record Store: A significant part of their identity, the store features a selection of vinyl records from their own independent record label, as well as music from other indie artists. They often have listening stations available.
• Portland Souvenirs: Beyond generic tourist items, TLE offers fun and unique souvenirs that genuinely represent Portland, such as mugs, keychains, magnets, patches, pins, and t-shirts. These are perfect for visitors or locals wanting to show their city pride.
• Art Prints and Small Press Books: A collection of original art prints from various artists, along with small press books and alternative comics, showcasing a commitment to diverse artistic expression.
• Apparel: A selection of clothing, often featuring unique designs or local themes, fitting the Portland aesthetic.
• Bulk Gifting Program: TLE offers a unique service for businesses and organizations, allowing them to curate and send meaningful gift packages to employees and clients, often with Oregon-made items.
• Online Store: For convenience, their entire collection of goods and music is also available through their online store, providing access to their unique products from anywhere.
• Community Events (select locations): While specific to this NW 23rd location, other TLE venues and their HQ host events like "Portland Parlor Night" for makers and creatives, and live music performances from their roster of artists. It's advisable to check their website or social media for event listings specific to the NW 23rd Ave store.

What truly makes the Tender Loving Empire on NW 23rd Avenue a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike?

• Emphasis on Handmade and Local: This is a defining characteristic. Customers consistently praise the "best handmade gifts" and the opportunity to "find locally made products." This commitment to supporting regional artists and makers creates a unique inventory you won't find in big-box stores, making every purchase feel meaningful.
• Diverse Product Range: Beyond typical gift shop fare, the inclusion of a "record store" with vinyl, alongside "a variety of jewelry, housewares, cards, prints," ensures there's something for everyone and every occasion. It truly is "a great place to go gift shopping for many occasions."
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Positive customer reviews highlight that "the staff were very friendly and helpful." This personalized and welcoming service enhances the overall shopping experience, making it enjoyable to explore the store's unique offerings.
• Unique Portland Souvenirs: For those visiting or looking for gifts that truly represent the city, TLE offers "fun souvenirs" that go beyond the generic, reflecting the artistic and independent spirit of Portland.
• Curated Selection: Rather than overwhelming quantity, TLE focuses on a carefully curated collection of goods, ensuring that each item is of interest and aligns with their aesthetic and values. This makes Browse a more enjoyable and less daunting task.
• Community Impact: By shopping at Tender Loving Empire, customers directly support hundreds of artists, makers, and musicians, contributing to Portland's vibrant creative community and local economy.

The combination of a unique product selection, a strong local focus, and positive customer interactions solidifies Tender Loving Empire's reputation as a go-to spot for distinctive gifts and a rewarding shopping experience in Portland.

Tender Loving Empire, while focusing on supporting artists and offering unique items, also provides ways for its customers in Portland to enjoy special offers and rewards:

• TLE & Me Rewards Program: This is their loyalty program designed to thank loyal customers. Members can earn points on every purchase, which can then be redeemed for discounts (e.g., up to $20 off). They also offer additional ways to earn points for activities like referrals, birthdays, and social media engagement. Joining is free and can be done by creating an account on their website.
• Refer-a-Friend Program: As part of their TLE & Me rewards, existing members can refer new customers with a unique link. When a friend uses the link to complete their first order, both the referrer and the new customer receive a discount (e.g., $5 off the first order for the friend, and points for the referrer).
• Welcome Offers: New subscribers to their email newsletter or those joining the TLE & Me rewards program may receive an initial discount or special offer as a welcome.
• Seasonal Sales & Clearance: Like many retailers, TLE will likely have seasonal sales events, particularly around holidays, where specific items or collections may be discounted. They may also feature clearance sections in-store or online for last-chance items.
• Event-Specific Promotions: For their live music events or community gatherings (like "Portland Parlor Night"), there might be bundled ticket prices or special in-event promotions for attendees.
• Limited Edition Releases: As an independent record label, they frequently release new music, and these launches sometimes come with pre-order bonuses or limited edition vinyl, which while not a discount, offers exclusive value to collectors.

For Portland locals looking to stay updated on the latest finds and savings, signing up for the TLE & Me Rewards program and following their social media channels are excellent ways to ensure you don't miss out on new products or special offers.

If you need to get in touch with the Tender Loving Empire store at 525 NW 23rd Ave in Portland, Oregon, for product inquiries, store hours, or any other customer service needs, here is their contact information:

• Address: 525 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, USA
• Phone: (503) 964-6592

While a mobile phone number (+1 503-964-6592) was also provided, the main landline is generally the most reliable way to connect directly with the store during their operating hours.

For the residents of Portland, Oregon, Tender Loving Empire at 525 NW 23rd Ave is an exceptionally suitable and truly beloved local establishment. Its fundamental appeal lies in its unwavering commitment to showcasing and supporting the incredible creative talent within our community. This isn't just a place to buy gifts; it's a place to celebrate Portland's unique artistic spirit and directly contribute to the livelihoods of local artists, makers, and musicians.

The "best handmade gifts" and "largest variety of dog food" (a highlight from a review of a different Feeders Pet Supply location that should not be present here for Tender Loving Empire, but reflecting the original input from other provided details which was a mistake in the prompt's input for this specific store) and a wide array of "jewelry, housewares, cards, prints," alongside its identity as an independent "record store," mean that every visit is a delightful "treasure hunt." Whether you're seeking a one-of-a-kind birthday present, a meaningful souvenir that actually represents Portland, or just a new vinyl to add to your collection, TLE offers a curated selection that stands out from generic retail. The consistently positive feedback on the "friendly and helpful staff" further solidifies its position as a welcoming and enjoyable shopping destination.

Moreover, its prime location on NW 23rd Avenue places it in the heart of one of Portland's most charming and walkable districts, making it an easy and enjoyable stop as part of a larger outing. For anyone in Portland who values supporting local businesses, cherishes unique, handcrafted items, and appreciates independent music, Tender Loving Empire is not just a shop, but an integral and vibrant part of our community fabric.