After Over Three Decades, the Flagship Nordstrom in San Francisco Closes its Empty Store

San Francisco Nordstrom Flagship Store Closure: An End of an Era

San Francisco’s landmark Nordstrom flagship store is set to close its doors on Sunday, marking the end of multiple decades in operation. Once a bustling hub of shopping activity, the store now stands desolate, with mannequins packed away and empty displays in cordoned-off areas. An employee, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed concern about the potential impact on neighboring businesses. “It’s half of the mall that is no longer going to be here. I do think it might change the businesses. You can already see it. It’s unfortunate,” the employee shared. A video confirming the closure of the downtown stores is available [here](https://abc7news.com/nordstrom-san-francisco-closing-westfield-mall-nordstroms-store-downtown-stores-union-square/13205127/).

Impact on the City’s Largest Mall

This development comes as a blow to the city’s largest mall, especially after Westfield recently pulled out from managing the shopping center. The Nordstrom employee attributed the closure to rising crime rates in the area and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. City data indicates that the South of Market neighborhood, where the mall is located, saw a 25% decrease in sales tax revenue from the first quarter of 2019 to 2023.

Changes Afoot for Downtown San Francisco

Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office of Economic & Workforce Development, acknowledges that shopping habits have changed, necessitating an evolution of downtown. She explained, “What we are seeing out there is that younger people particularly when they come to the city they want to see new concepts. They want to see pop-ups and exciting things that are here for a short period of time.” More information about Westfield giving up its location due to declining sales is available [here](https://abc7news.com/westfield-mall-san-francisco-sf-union-square-nordstrom-closure/13373746/).

Future Plans for the Mall

The city has plans to introduce store pop-ups in the area and has a long-term vision for the mall. “We are hoping that in the short term, we can bring those vendors down to ground floor where they have visibility and access to the public and that we keep visitation to that mall. Over the long term we work to build those exciting businesses and some exciting new concepts for what may happen there,” said Dennis Phillips.

One such concept is a soccer stadium. Mayor London Breed confirmed that the city is in the early stages of conducting a feasibility study for this project. “It’s not just a plan for a soccer stadium. It’s showing people what it’s possible. We are starting to think about what is downtown in light of the challenges around the retail. So, not only could there be a soccer stadium that could be transformative. Meaning soccer matches, FIFA, and a soccer tournament but concerts,” Breed said. More information about the ‘Vacant to Vibrant Program’ in SF is available [here](https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-vacant-to-vibrant-program-17-pop-ups-shops-coming-sf-buildings-retail-spaces-financial-district/13696576/).

The Mayor’s Office is actively working on changing laws, reforming taxes, and improving the cleanliness and safety of the streets to attract more businesses to the area. Amidst the closure of Nordstrom, the opening of a new IKEA store in the area has brought a glimmer of hope and excitement to downtown. Mayor Breed commented, “IKEA opening I think it’s a game changer.”

A map showing store closures near Union Square and the surrounding area since 2020 can be viewed [here](https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=17PEc_1DFujCdVpKfJPlRy2iGsirulN0&ehbc=2E312).

Original Story at abc7.com – 2023-08-26 01:46:56