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MudPuddles ending 47-year toy store tradition at NW 23rd and Kearney

Kate Noreen, who spent eight years in that space, will close shop on July 20

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Michaela Lowthian
Jul 04, 2025
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Kate Noreen found her dream, and is moving on.

Kate Noreen once dreamed of running her own store in Nob Hill. She got her wish, but the dream slipped away.

“I went to Portland State and I lived here in the ’80s,” Noreen said. “Owning a small business on Northwest 23rd was the ultimate goal.”

MudPuddles Toys & Books is closing July 20 after eight years at 2…

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A guest post by
Michaela Lowthian
Left-handed journo examining the highs and lows of NW Portland and the Pearl District.
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