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In December of 1984, Doug Peterson opened the first Peterson’s located at 922 SW Morrison.
I asked Doug Peterson what it was like when he opened up his first store in 1984.
I opened the first store on Morrison during the height of the MAX light rail construction. There was a lot of dust and noise, jackhammers and confusion, the sidewalks were splintered up old plywood which were temporary until they poured the new ones.
But I saw the future of light rail in Downtown Portland, and for that reason I chose that location to begin with. A lot of the Construction workers who were working on the light rail construction became our first customers, which I knew (and hoped) would happen.
It was not ‘customer friendly’ at all as far as the noisy and dusty surroundings, but we moved forward with enthusiasm.
In the beginning Peterson’s started out more as a News-stand/Tobacco store. We also carried a full line of postcards and greeting cards. We also carried a large selection of books as well.
Gradually, as per request from the growing customer base, Peterson’s started carrying more and more convenience store types of products, such as sodas, candy bars, etc.
At first we stayed open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. but our customers wanted us to have longer hours, so we started opening earlier and staying open later.
It wasn’t until later on that we actually became a full fledged convenience store. Our Customers wanted it that way and of course we were happy to oblige.
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