Powell's Books is a used and new bookstore chain based in Portland, Oregon
Powell's Books operates physical locations in Portland, Oregon and Las Vegas, Nevada, plus an online store. The chain is known for mixing new and used books on the same shelves, organized by subject rather than by condition. You can walk into a Powell's location and find a new hardcover next to a used paperback of the same title, both priced differently.
The flagship store in Portland occupies an entire city block and holds over a million books. The Las Vegas location is smaller but follows the same model. If you shop online at powells.com, you can search their inventory across all locations and have books shipped to you or pick them up in-store if you live near Portland or Las Vegas.
Powell's does not operate as a subscription service or membership program. You pay per book, and prices vary based on whether the book is new or used and its condition. The store buys used books directly from customers and also accepts donations.
Key Takeaways
- Powell's sells both new and used books in the same store, with used books typically costing 30 to 70 percent less than new copies of the same title.
- The Portland flagship store is organized by subject and color-coded by condition, so you can browse without knowing the exact title you want.
- You can sell used books to Powell's in person at either location, and the store will pay you cash or store credit on the spot.
- Online orders ship from Powell's warehouse, and you can filter results by condition and price to find the best deal on a specific title.
- Powell's accepts donations of books in any condition, though the store does not provide tax receipts or valuation for donated items.
How pricing works for new and used books
New books at Powell's are priced at or near the publisher's suggested retail price, the same as you would pay at most other new bookstores. Used books are priced lower, and the exact price depends on the book's condition. Powell's uses a color-coding system in-store: a gold sticker means the book is in excellent condition, a red sticker means good condition, and a blue sticker means fair condition.
A used book in excellent condition might cost 50 percent of the new price. A used book in fair condition might cost 30 percent of the new price. These percentages vary by title and how old the book is. Older books and less popular titles tend to be marked down more steeply than recent bestsellers.
Online, you can sort search results by price and condition before you buy, so you can see exactly what you are paying. The website shows whether a book is new or used and describes any damage or wear. Shipping costs are added at checkout and vary by weight and destination.
Selling your used books to Powell's
If you have used books you no longer want, Powell's will buy them from you in person at either the Portland or Las Vegas location. You do not need an appointment. Bring your books to the "Buy Books" counter, and a staff member will examine them and make an offer on the spot.
Powell's buys books based on current demand and condition. A book in high demand and good condition will fetch a higher price than an obscure or damaged book. The store pays in cash or store credit, and you can choose which at the time of sale. Store credit is typically worth slightly more than cash, so if you plan to buy books there, store credit is the better choice.
The store does not buy textbooks, books with heavy water damage, or books with missing pages. Bring books that are clean and readable. If you have a large collection, call ahead to ask whether the store can accommodate you on a particular day.
Shopping in person at Powell's Portland
The Portland store spans an entire city block and is divided into color-coded rooms by subject: the Gold Room holds literature and fiction, the Red Room holds science and nature, the Blue Room holds history and biography, and so on. Each room is organized alphabetically by author within the subject. This layout means you can browse by interest even if you do not have a specific title in mind.
The store is open seven days a week, typically from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., though hours vary seasonally. Parking is available in nearby lots and on the street. The store is located at 1005 W. Burnside Street in downtown Portland. Inside, you will find reading chairs, a café, and staff members who can help you locate a book or recommend titles in a subject you are interested in.
The store can be overwhelming on a first visit because of its size. If you are looking for a specific book, ask a staff member or use the in-store computer terminals to search the inventory. These terminals show whether the book is in stock and which room it is shelved in.
Shopping online at Powell's website
The Powell's website at powells.com lets you search their entire inventory of new and used books. You can filter by condition, price, publication date, and edition. The search results show the price, condition, and shipping cost for each copy available.
When you add a book to your cart and check out, you choose a shipping address. Standard shipping takes five to ten business days. You can also choose to pick up your order in-store if you live in the Portland or Las Vegas area, which saves on shipping and lets you get your books faster.
The website shows stock levels in real time, so if a book shows as in stock, it is available for purchase. Out-of-stock books are marked as such, and you can sign up to be notified when they come back in stock. Returns are accepted within 30 days if the book arrives damaged or is not as described.
Donating books to Powell's
Powell's accepts book donations at both the Portland and Las Vegas locations. You can drop off books at the "Buy Books" counter during store hours. The store does not require an appointment for small donations, though large donations may need to be scheduled in advance.
Powell's does not provide tax receipts or valuations for donated books. If you need a receipt for tax purposes, you will need to estimate the value yourself based on what similar used books sell for. The store accepts books in any condition, including damaged or outdated books, though staff will let you know if a particular book cannot be used.
Donations support Powell's ability to stock a wide range of titles and keep prices low. The store does not resell all donated books; some are recycled or sent to other organizations.
What to expect at the Las Vegas location
Powell's Books in Las Vegas is located at 4 South Meadows Parkway and is smaller than the Portland flagship but follows the same model of mixing new and used books. The store is open seven days a week, typically from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., though hours vary seasonally. You can buy and sell books in person, and the same color-coding system for condition applies.
The Las Vegas store does not have the same breadth of inventory as Portland, so if you are looking for a specific title, it is worth checking the website first to see if it is in stock. You can also order online and pick up at the Las Vegas location if the book is available there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a book I bought at Powell's if I change my mind?
Powell's accepts returns within 30 days if the book is in the same condition as when you bought it and you have your receipt. Books must be unread and unmarked. Online purchases can be returned by mail or in-store if you live near a location.
Does Powell's have a membership program or loyalty rewards?
Powell's does not operate a membership program or points-based rewards system. You pay the listed price for each book. The store occasionally runs sales and promotions, which are advertised on the website and in-store.
How much will Powell's pay me for my used books?
The amount varies based on the book's condition, current demand, and how recently it was published. Popular recent books in good condition typically fetch 20 to 40 percent of the original retail price. Older or less popular books may fetch less. You will receive an offer when you bring your books to the counter.
Can I order a book online if it is out of stock?
Yes. The website shows an option to be notified when the book comes back in stock. You can also contact Powell's directly to ask whether they can source a specific title, though this is not may provide.
Does Powell's ship internationally?
Powell's ships to addresses in the United States. International shipping is not currently available through the website, though you may be able to contact the store directly to discuss other options.