From humble storefront beginnings in 1971 on a derelict corner of northwest Portland, Oregon, Powell's Books has grown into one of the world's great bookstores, with five locations in the Portland metropolitan area, and one of the book world's most successful dot-coms, serving customers worldwide.

Powell's roots began in Chicago, where Michael Powell, as a University of Chicago graduate student, opened his first bookstore in 1970. Encouraged by friends and professors, including novelist Saul Bellow, Michael borrowed $3,000 to assume a lease on a bookstore. The venture proved so successful that he managed to repay the loan within two months.

Michael's father Walter, a retired painting contractor, worked one summer with Michael in the Chicago store. He so enjoyed his experience that upon returning to Portland he opened his own used bookstore.

Author Event at Powell's Books Walter swamped his original location by buying every marketable used book that came through the door, finally pushing the whole operation into a former car dealership. The old car dealership has undergone many transformations, and Powell's today looks little as it did when Walter opened his shop in the early '70s.

Six stores and several expansions later, Powell's went online in 1994, and experienced immediate success. Within two years, Powell's entire inventory was listed on the web.

Today, Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used, and out of print books. Shop those shelves — plus literally millions more books, DVDs, and gifts — here at Powells.com.

What do we think about this website

Powell's Books is the largest independent used and new bookstore in the world. They carry an extensive collection of out of print rare, and technical titles as well as many other new and used books in every field. Its blogs keep you better informed about literary options than any 'personalized' recommendations list. Different lists with favourites, like “25 books to read before you die”. Most books have reviews and product information which is interesting before buying. Powell’s Books has a wide selection of Minecraft books filled with tips, tricks, tutorials, and more to help you up your virtual game, along with some pretty cool merch to enjoy in the (admittedly inferior) real world. They sell also Powell’s souvenirs, journals and notebooks, Sci-Fi /Fantasy gifts and games, and Sock-it-to-me-socks.

Powell's Books has a large assortment Gift Cards and eGift Cards. You can sell your own books  online.

Shipping costs vary from free (during special promotions) up to $26, depending on the delivery location.

Check their Help-page for Money Back Guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your purchase you have to contact Powell’s. You can return the item in its original condition within thirty days of receipt, but there are a few exceptions. 

To help your fellow shoppers, please rate and review your experience with Powell's Books down below.