The third floor of Hippo Hardware, Portland, OR, is devoted to the display, storage, and repair of all types of lighting fixtures. Both new and used fixtures, parts, and service are available in over 10,000 sq ft of display space. Hanging from the rafters is original vintage to quirky ‘50s space age plus shelves of shades and display cases filled with lamps and sconces. One can shop from the numerous catalogs available to find the right lighting fixture in whatever style, shape, or finish. Like Rejuvenation House Parts and Schoolhouse Electric, Hippo has a U.L. lab approved, repair, and restoration lighting shop to fix and create all types of fixtures residential and commercial.
Custom creations are the pride and joy of the imaginative people at Hippo. The McMenamin brothers rely on the wild and crazy folks at Hippo to come up with the fun and functional lighting that enhances their lighthearted sense of humor to create the ambience of their brewpubs and restaurants. “The latest victims of being ‘Hipponatized’ are the proprietors of the new Kaleidoscope Pizza Pub in Medford, Oregon. After seeing what we had done at McMenamins Kennedy School, they knew they could let their imaginations run wild. They picked odds and ends from our parts department to have our crew make one-of-a-kind fixtures for their restaurant. They also brought to us many art projects created by friends to turn into fixtures,” remarks Steve Oppenheim one of the owners.
Whether you are looking to find or authentically restore a period fixture for an historical landmark project or need to buy a reasonably priced used fixture you can find it at Hippo’s lighting floor. What also makes Hippo special is its sales policies. Customers can sell or trade any house parts of value. They can trade their treasures for a one and a half value Hippo Chip (trade dollars). The Chip can be used anytime by anybody. Hippo also offers gift certificates: $20 will get you a $25 certificate. “Nobody makes a bad buy at Hippo, just a wrong buy. Customers can take items home on approval and return them for a refund within a reasonable time frame,” declares Steve.
Hippo Hardware has been in business since 1977, and looks forward to the coming years of providing its customers with products that they can brag to their friends about. “Do you like it? I got it at Hippo!” The folks at Hippo love to hear this over and over.
Hippo is located at 1040 E Burnside, Portland, OR, 503-231-1444 or logon to www.hippohardware.com.
