Part 6/13:
The decision-making behind store closures appears to be heavily influenced by liability concerns. Corporate executives avoid openly blaming neighborhood crime, but the pattern suggests that stores in high-crime zones are deemed too risky and financially unviable. For example, Fred Meyer’s closure coincides with a lack of proactive crime prevention and law enforcement action in the area.
Local officials, meanwhile, have been criticized for non-responsiveness to escalating issues. Crime, especially in Portland’s neighborhoods like Hazlewood, remains largely unaddressed, creating an environment where retail property values and safety are compromised. The resulting insecurity discourages foot traffic, accelerates business closures, and harms the local economy.