High-end chain department store Nordstrom confirmed on July 1st that its store in Santa Monica, California, will close next month, dealing another blow to the struggling retail hub of this beachside city.
The spokesperson for Nordstrom informed The Epoch Times via email on Tuesday, “The final day of operation for the store will be on August 26th.” The company believes that through surrounding stores and online shopping, they can better serve local customers.
“This decision is never easy, and we understand the impact it has on the team,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to taking care of our employees during this transition period, including assisting those who are willing to transfer to other positions within Nordstrom.”
The 122,000 square foot store opened in 2010 at the Santa Monica Place shopping center. In May of this year, two other retailers – True Food Kitchen restaurant and luxury skincare brand Aesop – also announced the end of their business at the mall.
In 2021, Bloomingdale’s and ArcLight Cinemas had already withdrawn from the shopping center. The recent closures of several stores have intensified the management challenges at Santa Monica Place, located downtown and near the beach.
This shopping center, with a 45-year history, underwent a $265 million renovation in 2007. However, the nearby Third Street Promenade has seen an increase in the homeless population, which locals say has deterred some consumers.
According to a survey by the Santa Monica Coalition, composed of residents, businesses, and local individuals, 86% of residents do not go to downtown restaurants or shops, citing the current community atmosphere as the reason.
Real estate expert and co-founder of the coalition, John Alle, said in an interview with The Epoch Times in May, “People don’t come to downtown to shop or dine because they feel that walking or parking on the streets is not safe.”
According to The Real Deal, in April this year, Prism Places, a commercial real estate management and investment company, took over the property management of Santa Monica Place. The retail center, with 527,000 square feet, was transferred to the loan institution in June 2024 due to the owner Macerich’s inability to repay debts, leading the property into receivership.
The Santa Monica Mirror cited data from Morningstar, indicating that the asset value of this shopping center has dropped by nearly 60%.
In May, city leaders passed a plan allowing visitors to Third Street Promenade to drink alcohol outdoors in an effort to attract more people to local shops and restaurants. Mayor Lana Negrete stated that this controversial measure is one way to revitalize downtown business opportunities.
“We are working hard to revive the promenade,” Negrete told The Epoch Times in May. “We hope to create a destination where people come to eat, shop, plan their day, and experience something out of the ordinary.”
Despite the wave of closures, some new entertainment facilities have recently moved into the downtown area, such as Outlandish Digital – a TikTok content studio dedicated to helping creators bring their creative ideas to life.
At the time of writing, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce had not responded to The Epoch Times’ request for comment on the Nordstrom closure.