Cargo
Secondhand store in Southeast Portland
Closed · opens 11 am today81 SE Yamhill St · map ↓
Cargo reviews
Large two-floor Portland shop of global gifts, home goods and vintage, fun for browsing and for visitors. Many find prices high, and opinions of the staff are mixed.
262 written reviews · 77% five-star · 4% one or two stars · owner replies to 22% · 44 in the past year · reviewed since 2011
- 18One-of-a-kind findsUnusual items from around the world and local crafters, with Asian pieces singled out.
- 15Friendly staffMany shoppers call the staff friendly, courteous and helpful.
- 15Wide varietyGifts, plants, cloth, found objects and a strong kimono range: something for everyone.
- 8Prices seen as highMany call items overpriced, though a few say some pieces are fine.
Selling or donating here
Its website and business listing don’t say whether it buys from the public, takes consignments or accepts donations. Ask before you bring anything in.
Call (503) 209-8349What shoppers mention
Themes from 262 written reviews, counted and summed up by us. One review can mention several.
What they like
- One-of-a-kind finds18 reviewsUnusual items from around the world and local crafters, with Asian pieces singled out.
- Friendly staff15 reviewsMany shoppers call the staff friendly, courteous and helpful.
- Wide variety15 reviewsGifts, plants, cloth, found objects and a strong kimono range: something for everyone.
- Fun to browse10 reviewsEasy to browse, and shoppers often leave with something unplanned.
- Well-chosen stock9 reviewsVendors and displays seen as thoughtfully chosen, mixing affordable and high-end pieces.
- Big store4 reviewsBigger than expected: a warehouse-style space across two floors.
Prices & deals
- Fair prices3 reviewsSome say prices are clearly labeled and reasonable; others disagree.
- All price points3 reviewsSomething for most budgets, from very cheap to very expensive.
Shopping there
- Easy to lose hours3 reviewsWandering among nooks, antiques and fabrics easily eats up hours.
Who comes here
- Worth a trip5 reviewsRecommended as a spot to bring visitors and show off Portland shopping.
Common gripes
- Prices seen as high8 reviewsMany call items overpriced, though a few say some pieces are fine.
- Rude staff2 reviewsSome find staff unfriendly, not engaging until someone is ready to buy.
- Dated stock2 reviewsA couple of shoppers found little worthwhile, including an unremarkable record bin.
Known for
- Kimonos, obi and an annual kimono sale 2 shoppers
- Greeting cards, paper goods and gifts 3 shoppers
- Hello Good Morning section inside the shop 2 shoppers
- Imported global goods and Asian antiques 4 shoppers
A good fit for
From written reviews on its business listing, up to 29 Sep 2026. We check every theme against the reviews before we show it.
How it compares in Portland
Each dot is one of 127 Portland stores with 20+ written reviews. The big dot is Cargo.
When shoppers are unhappy
We read all 6 of its one- and two-star written reviews since Oct 2023 and sorted them by reason. One review can give several.
- Rude or unhelpful staff3 in the last 12 months4
- Prices too high3 in the last 12 months3
- Unclear or unfair store policies (bags, fees, minimums)1 in the last 12 months1
What it sells
- GiftsShoppers mention it
- Home decor and housewaresShoppers mention it
- FurnitureShoppers mention it
- JewelryShoppers mention it
- Books, records and mediaShoppers mention it
- Collectibles and toysShoppers mention it
Seen as high. Prices run from 2 to 500 dollars; used manga is 12 flat and records 6, which some found pricey.
Hours & getting there
| Monday | 11 am–6 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–6 pm |
- Payment
- Credit cards, debit cards and contactless
- Access
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance and accessible parking
- At the store
- Wi-fi, Curbside pick-up, Women-owned, Free parking lot, Free street parking
Good to know
- Park in the back lot; street spots exist but towing is a risk Tip from 3 shoppers
- Plan around restrooms: shoppers disagree on whether one is available Tip from 2 shoppers
- Check imported items online first to avoid big-box markups Tip from 2 shoppers
- Many items judged overpriced, sometimes above big-box store prices Raised by 4 shoppers
- Staff described as unfriendly or poor at customer service Raised by 2 shoppers
- Open Sundays, 11 am–6 pm. Listed hours
When it’s busy
Busiest on Saturdays around 2 pm. Quietest day: Monday. The first hour after opening is usually the calmest. Weekends are noticeably busier than weekdays.
Typical visits by hour from its business listing, compared with the store’s own busiest hour.
In its own words
Cargo is a retail environment unlike many others and has been in business for over 25 years. Over the decades our mission has always remained the same, to celebrate the handmade, the whimsical, the unique, the undiscovered and all the folks that make this happen. Our customers are travelers, collectors, and voyagers of all ages, and it is our mission to create lasting relationships and share with them the joy of discovery. Recently, Cargo has expanded to include a handful of local makers and businesses that we support and collaborate with that we call the Cargo Emporium.
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Questions
Does Cargo buy secondhand items?
Its website and business listing don’t say. Call (503) 209-8349 to ask. Nearby, OURstore Vintage, Avalon Antiques and Thee Lucky Bastard Antiquities & Desirables buy from the public.
Does Cargo take donations?
Its website and business listing don’t say. Call (503) 209-8349 to ask. Nearby, Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette, Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette and Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette take donations.
What are Cargo’s opening hours?
Monday to Sunday 11 am–6 pm (Portland time).
Sources and dates
Its business listing and written reviews · its website (cargoinc.com) · last updated 4 Oct 2026