We’re lucky to live in an amazing state with a thriving artisan and entrepreneurial community. Here at The Duck Store, we value our close relationship with local entrepreneurs and small businesses, and we’re always coming up with ideas to promote their Oregon-made products.
In the winter of 2011, during a meeting among buyers who choose which product comes into the store, two of our team leaders were discussing the number of Oregon vendors we carry. One good idea led to another until someone had a EUREKA! moment, and Proudly Oregon was born.
Proudly Oregon began as an annual, one-day trade show style event at the Flagship Campus Duck Store at 13th and Kincaid. Featured products and events included apparel, electronics, art supplies, food, author readings, artist demonstrations, beer and wine sampling, and more. Some of our past Proudly Oregon participants have included University of Oregon announcer Don Essig, electric vehicle company Arcimoto, local Trader Joe’s muralist, Brandi York, Portland’s Hopworks Urban Brewery, Territorial Wine Company, sculptor Alison Caswell of Campus Sculptures, and many more.
After seven years of organizing Proudly Oregon as a one-day event, in 2019 we’re expanding into an ongoing celebration of our Oregon-based partners. After all, it isn’t just one day a year that we ‘shop local’ when it comes to source products for The Duck Store.
Throughout the month of April, we’ll be releasing blog articles and videos to profile a few of our local vendors. You’ll also see these brands featured in stores, online, and on our social media channels.
Our goal is to build Proudly Oregon into a part of shopping at The Duck Store any day of the year. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the talented entrepreneurs and artists who call Oregon ‘home’.
We’re constantly expanding our list of products from Oregon-based companies. Find them online here.
Oregon’s entrepreneurial streak runs deep. You know our biggest brands like Nike and Columbia Sportswear. And we’re also home to established businesses and start-ups covering industries from electric vehicles to food & beverage. For nearly 100 years, The Duck Store has had a front row seat to the enthusiasm, hard work and conviction that drives our local businesses, artists and people. We’re also proud to play a role in their stories. Through our Proudly Oregon initiative we’re sharing those stories and their products with you. Shop the Proudly Oregon collection here.