Fast-growing Hoka has signed a lease near Providence Park, becoming the latest Nike rival to cement its footprint here.
The athletic footwear company will occupy space in the Canvas office building in the development known as the Press Blocks.
Hoka did not immediately return an email seeking comment. It’s unclear how much space the company leased — or how many it employs in Portland.
But it appears to be growing. Hoka, which is owned by California-based Deckers Outdoor Corp., is advertising six open positions in Portland focused on developing new footwear and apparel. It’s also looking for a recruiter who would be based in California or Portland.
Among Hoka’s Portland employees is Brooke Lord, who recently became the company’s vice president and general manager of the U.S., according to her LinkedIn profile. Lord previously worked for Columbia Sportswear for three years. Before that she worked for Nike for 15 years, including as vice president of global running sales.
Hoka is among those which have recently taken market share from Nike.
“We are excited to be a part of this building in Portland’s Stadium District to provide our teams with an inspiring space to support our exceptional brand culture and commitment to excellence,” Hoka President Robin Green said in a press release from Urban Renaissance Group and Security Properties, which announced the deal.
Business leaders said the lease signals the ongoing strength of Portland’s athletic and outdoor industry, which is still reeling from recent Nike layoffs. They also said it signals the continued rebound of the local economy.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hoka and Deckers to Portland,” said Andrew Hoan, president and CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber, in a statement. “As our State of Sport report showed, Oregon’s athletic, outdoor, team and recreation ecosystem is unparalleled across the U.S.”
Prosper Portland, the city’s economic development agency, estimates there are more than 800 athletic and outdoor companies in Oregon.
“Hoka’s decision to expand its footprint in Portland, right next to the landmark Providence Park soccer stadium, is the latest proof our regional comeback is on, and international brands are taking notice,” said Greater Portland Inc. President and CEO Monique Claiborne, in a statement.
The Portland area’s long been home to athletic footwear heavyweights Nike, Adidas North America and Columbia Sportswear. In recent years, numerous companies opened footwear and apparel offices here to hire workers from those companies, especially Nike, which despite its recent struggles remains the industry leader.
On, which recently opened a retail store in Northwest Portland, opened a Portland office in 2013. Under Armour made a big splash in 2015 when it announced plans to open an office on Southwest Barbur Boulevard.
In 2021, Lululemon expanded its Portland operations. Allbirds, Arc’teryx and Fila followed in 2022 with new offices or expansions.
– Matthew Kish covers business, including the sportswear and banking industries. Reach him at 503-221-4386, mkish@oregonian.com or @matthewkish.
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