-
February 2024 by Henry Sause
Great selection and awesome rings. Bought myself a nice carnelian ring. No regrets
-
October 2023 by Mindy Bee (mindykins151)
Haven't shopped on Hawthorne for a bit and just found this gem. The handmade necklaces in the window caught my eye, on our way to breakfast. Had to stop in and take a look on the way back to the car. Beside the delightful owner's authentic kindness, who hand makes his items, this was an easy sale. Not only that, I'll be back for holiday and birthday and special occasion gifts. This place has a great vibe, very nice assortment of lovely Tibetan fare, highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-
September 2023 by Theresa Beller
Potala imports is more than a store. I have been shopping there for over a decade. The owner treats his place of business like a Tibetan temple. He keeps it meticulously clean. He burns incense and has mantras playing in the background,, everything is colorful and organized. He prices everything fairly.He is always smiling and welcoming customers. He and his son go out of their way to help customers.His store is a peaceful porthole on Hawthorne and it helps keep light shining on any darkness.
-
June 2023 by Jo Mcclenny
I love this shop. I visit whenever I come to Portland. I am from San Diego and we have nothing like this
-
October 2022 by Adel K.
I got a crystal necklace for my Bday from my bfriend from this shop. The owner of the shop told him it's opal. It was moonstone. I'm working with crystals so I know. We went back telling him it's not opal and the next day he told us that is not opal but aquamarine. He was lying to our face, saying 2 different thing about the same stone. He clearly had no clue what kind of a crystal he is selling. He didn't except my scholarly knowledge and was smiling at us that we r completely stupid and he is right. Felt very upsetting and disrespectful. He did not pay back the money but we could exchange it into things in the shop. Well, it took me pretty long time to find something which doesn't look cheap in that shop and worth the price. Overall, I really went through everything in this shop and I can confidently saying it is very cheap shop in general ...and honestly, think about it, how can a seller lying in a shop with a huge smile on his face and not saying hey, sorry I don't know anything about crystals, where you are marketing and cultivating goodness. Honestly I got so angry and disgusted. I respect people and don't cultivate lying at all. Specially not in these kind of shops. And be aware, there is no return but an exchange...well good luck to find anything which worth a penny..just sad.
-
April 2022 by Bradford Hastreiter
What a wonderful wonderful bodhisattva that runs this magical place. Thank you. As someone who has followed the Dharma for over 30 years, all I can say is: Go here! Go here!
-
December 2021 by Peggy Arnott massie
This is a BEAUTIFUL STORE!!The man at the counter was SO sweet.i went in to pick up a package that wish had said was ready to pick up.it was not there .he took my number and called me when it came in.the store is full but organization is amazing.so many beautiful things to look at .and the prices are very reasonable.
-
December 2021 by Tony A.
One of the more delightful little stores on SE Hawthorne. Potala Imports offers an impressive variety of unique and handmade items imported from the craftsmen and craftswomen in Nepal and Tibet. Incense, statues, jewelry, beads, prayer flags, singing bowls, charms, carvings, bags, scarves, wool hats, gloves, blankets, clothing, beautiful wooden masks of Hindu dieties -- nearly everything that comes to mind when you think about Tibet and Nepal you can find at Potala. The shop is cozy and warm and smells sweetly of incense, and the owner is friendly and always willing to talk about Tibet and Nepal and the items Potala offers its customers. Even if you're just browsing, Potala is worth stopping by. It's an essential part of the old Portland character on that stretch of SE Hawthorne.
-
October 2021 by kierra hope
I love this shop so much. The owner, Dondup is one of the kindest people i have ever met and he was so helpful. I have been to countless Tibetan and Nepali import stores throughout the years and this is by far the best one I have been to. They have the best prices and the largest jewelry selection. I feel similar shops are lacking in variety and sizes for rings but Potala has more than enough. For the sterling silver ring I bought I was quoted $65 at another shop, Potala had it for $19. The jade bangles are by far the most reasonable price I've seen, they retail online for $50-$90 and got mine from Potala for $29 :) Dondup was very knowledgeable about every product and could tell me what type of stone was in every piece of jewelry. I am more than happy with my purchases and I want to recommend Potala to anyone I come across. The owners really put their heart into their store and you can feel it. They also make a lot of the jewelry by hand. I'm so happy this place exists. I left the store so thankful I could support their small business. Thank you, Dondup!!
-
September 2021 by T G
I'm Tibetan and enjoyed shopping here! Very well organized, beautiful items, and calm atmosphere. The owner was very kind and helped my mom find a Tibetan dress for my wedding which was lovely! Thank you for your help!
-
September 2021 by Dan D
Many interesting items. Worth at least a walk through and you might find something wonderful.
-
September 2021 by Autumn English
Old gentleman convicts us of theft!!!without even asking if we took items, He jumped to conclusions and was disrespectful and unkind to two willing customers. Being honest young girls, i tried to remain kind and respectful but it’s very hard to do so when you are being told you did something you did NOT do. While we offered for him to check our things and the cameras he refused both, wrongly accusing us. We will not return here again. And would not recommend.
-
September 2021 by Peggy Arnott
This is a BEAUTIFUL STORE!!The man at the counter was SO sweet.i went in to pick up a package that wish had said was ready to pick up.it was not there .he took my number and called me when it came in.the store is full but organization is amazing.so many beautiful things to look at .and the prices are very reasonable.
-
June 2021 by Lola G.
Three years later, I find Mr. Lama as gracious, kind, and helpful as ever - and his merchandise as gorgeous and high quality as ever! I now buy all my jewelry - and any for gifts - only here, as well as his wonderful and beautiful yak-wool blankets for Christmas and any other winter gift occasion. Incense is heavenly, the cds he offers are a wonder into other cultures and worlds, as are his figurines. His prices are very good for the quality you get, and he is my first go-to when I feel like treating myself or need to buy a present. He is a joy and his store a treat for Portland and all visitors!
-
October 2020 by Dillon Volk
Great vibes here. Recently purchased a sound bowl which was handmade in Tibet.Thanks Potala!