Parent company R Griggs Group Ltd. of Britain already has two stores in England and two stores in France. The U.S. division says it thought about opening it first U.S. store in a larger market, but decided to drop the first fledgling close to the nest. Eventually, the company wants storefronts in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Dr. Martens is among the hippest shoe manufacturers in the world. Bands such as The Who, The Sex Pistols, Depeche Mode and Nirvana have adopted the brand as their footwear of choice, making the brand popular worldwide. The company's corporate-owned stores are being designed with the company's connection with musicians in mind.

Designed by Portland's DisplayWorks, the Portland store will include an Artist Lounge/"Chill" space for customers and touring artists visiting Portland. Defined by chain mesh curtains and graced with a vintage, cherry red Chesterfield leather sofa, the lounge will play host to rock stars and shoppers and the occasional artist performance.

Unique to Portland, the sound system will intrigue passers by with crowd chants and mike check sounds when bands aren't performing, and a 12x10' wall will house a collage of local music show posters.

The brand's trademark colors, yellow and black, will be used as a chief design feature throughout the store. The finish on the store will include "a natural palette of wood, raw steel, and exposed infrastructure elements, quietly conveying the brand's work-wear roots and sturdy craftsmanship," according to the company.