Portland Boutique “Stand Up Comedy” Named Among Nation’s Best by The new York Times
PORTLAND, OR – A Portland clothing boutique, Stand Up Comedy, has been recognized as one of the 50 best clothing stores in the United States by The New York Times. The unique shop, located at 511 SW Broadway, was highlighted in a recent NYT article showcasing independent retailers offering distinctive shopping experiences.
Stand Up Comedy distinguishes itself by blending a late 1980s jewelry store aesthetic - complete with heavy carpeting and wood-finish cabinets – with a curated selection of high-fashion pieces. Owner Diana Kim’s inventory features brands “at the forefront of fashion,” according to NYT reporter Vanessa Sidell. The store’s website describes its offerings as “clothing, print, objects. Content as a form of inquiry, method as de-centering, output is relational.”
The Times article noted the juxtaposition of the store’s interior and its avant-garde merchandise,emphasizing that the aesthetic should not detract from its seriousness as a fashion destination. Stand Up Comedy carries recognizable items like the viral Tabi shoes – the two-toed footwear inspired by conventional Japanese design – alongside pieces from emerging fashion designers.
This recognition arrives as manny small businesses face challenges in a post-pandemic retail landscape. Sidell acknowledged the difficulty of operating a clothing store today, stating in a NYT social media video, “it’s never been harder to operate a clothing store.” The article is part of a larger New York Times project documenting firsthand accounts of unique retail experiences across the country. Sidell added, “Peopel always ask me where do I go shopping? And now I can just send them a link.”
Stand Up Comedy is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and also by private appointment. More information can be found on their website: https://www.standupcomedytoo.com/.
