Nordstrom’s Flagship Store in Downtown San Francisco Closes After 35 Years
The iconic Nordstrom store, located at the bustling corner of 5th and Market Streets, bid farewell to customers on Sunday, marking the end of its 35-year stint in downtown San Francisco. Opening in October 1988, this flagship store occupied a massive 312,000 square feet, spanning five floors of the popular San Francisco Centre mall.
The closure of this beloved store left many customers feeling nostalgic and saddened by the loss. Nordstrom had become an anchor in San Francisco’s retail scene, cherished by locals and visitors alike. On its final day, the store witnessed an increase in visitors, with many shoppers unaware that it was their last chance to indulge in the Nordstrom experience. People took the opportunity to take one last stroll through the now-desolate store.
Nordstrom’s decision to close its doors was announced in May, attributing declining sales as the primary reason. Employees also pointed out the impact of crime in the area and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as contributing factors to the store’s demise. The store’s grand opening in 1988 drew an impressive 60,000 shoppers on its very first day, reflecting its initial success.
While the closure of Nordstrom is undoubtedly a loss for San Francisco, concerns have also arisen regarding the future of the San Francisco Centre mall. The South of Market (SoMA) area, where the mall is located, has already suffered a 25% drop in sales tax revenue during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019.
Despite these challenges, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey remains optimistic about the city’s future. Dorsey believes that the city will bounce back from this setback and is actively working towards revitalization efforts. The mayor’s office is tirelessly focusing on changing laws and reforming taxes to attract more businesses to the area, ultimately reviving the once-thriving downtown district.
Nordstrom’s closure serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by businesses in downtown San Francisco. However, the city’s commitment to addressing these issues and revitalizing its downtown area remains steadfast. San Francisco’s journey towards recovery is far from over, and the closure of the beloved Nordstrom store is just one chapter in this ongoing narrative.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”