Santa Monica, California, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Nordstrom will close its Santa Monica Place store on August 26, 2024, as part of a retail restructuring strategy amidst a growing trend of online shopping. The store, established in 2010, has faced increasing safety concerns in downtown Santa Monica, contributing to the decision. Nordstrom is also closing its Saint Louis Galleria location on August 24, 2024. Despite these closures, the company plans to expand with a new Nordstrom Rack opening in Encinitas in Spring 2026, following a positive sales performance reported for fiscal year 2024.
Nordstrom to Close Santa Monica Location on August 26 Amid Retail Restructuring
California-based Nordstrom has announced that its Santa Monica Place store will close on August 26, 2024. This decision is part of a broader strategy to realign its store network in response to the rising trend of online shopping.
The Santa Monica location, which has been serving customers since its establishment in 2010, is situated in a popular outdoor mall that shares space with high-end retailers such as Coach and Hugo Boss. The closure reflects the company’s intent to optimize operations and direct resources towards stores that are positioned to better serve customers, along with enhancing its digital presence.
This decision also comes against a backdrop of growing safety concerns in downtown Santa Monica, which has experienced a rise in crime and homelessness. Recent incidents involving gun violence and attacks against police officers near the mall have intensified these concerns, contributing to the retail decision.
Nordstrom has committed to supporting the employees impacted by the closure, helping them transition to other roles within the company. Alongside the Santa Monica store, Nordstrom is also closing its Saint Louis Galleria location in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 24, 2024. A new retail establishment, Dick’s House of Sports, will take over that space.
In spite of the store closures, Nordstrom is expanding its presence in California with the planned opening of a 24,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack in Encinitas in the spring of 2026. As of late July 2024, the state hosts 26 Nordstrom and 68 Nordstrom Rack locations, with several new stores having opened in the past year.
For the fiscal year 2024, Nordstrom reported a 4.7% increase in comparable sales compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend in sales performance. Recently, the company transitioned to private ownership following a $6.25 billion acquisition by the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool in May 2025.
As Nordstrom adjusts its business model, it is not alone in this approach. Other retail chains, including Macy’s and Walmart, have also shuttered locations as part of efforts to restructure in light of changing consumer behaviors and economic challenges. This trend of reducing storefronts has been prevalent across the United States, particularly following the shifting dynamics observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background on Retail Trends
The retail industry has seen significant changes in recent years, primarily due to the acceleration of online shopping, which has reshaped consumer habits. Retailers are now reevaluating their physical store strategies as e-commerce continues to grow. The COVID-19 pandemic has hastened these trends, with many traditional brick-and-mortar stores facing challenges in sustaining their operations.
Nordstrom’s Current Position in the Market
Despite the challenges, Nordstrom appears to be navigating these changes effectively, with ongoing expansions in certain areas. The company aims to enhance its customer experience, both online and in-store, by concentrating its efforts on locations that are expected to perform well and thereby increase profitability.
Conclusion
The closure of the Santa Monica store marks a significant move in Nordstrom’s evolution as it adapts to the realities of modern retail. As the industry continues to evolve, Nordstrom’s commitment to its workforce and customers will likely play a crucial role in shaping its future operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is Nordstrom closing its Santa Monica store?
- The closure is part of a broader restructuring strategy in response to the growing trend of online shopping and underlying safety concerns in downtown Santa Monica.
- When will the store close?
- The Santa Monica location is set to close on August 26, 2024.
- What support will be provided to affected employees?
- Nordstrom plans to assist affected employees in transitioning to other roles within the company.
- Is Nordstrom expanding elsewhere?
- Yes, Nordstrom is opening a new Nordstrom Rack store in Encinitas in the spring of 2026.
- What other locations are closing?
- Nordstrom is also closing its location at the Saint Louis Galleria in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 24, 2024.
- How is Nordstrom performing financially?
- For fiscal year 2024, Nordstrom reported a 4.7% increase in comparable sales from the previous year.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Store Closure Date | August 26, 2024 |
| Location | Santa Monica Place, California |
| Original Opening Date | 2010 |
| Safety Concerns | Increasing crime, gun violence incidents |
| Other Closures | Saint Louis Galleria, Missouri (August 24, 2024) |
| New Openings | Nordstrom Rack Encinitas, Spring 2026 |
| Fiscal Performance | 4.7% increase in comparable sales for FY 2024 |
| Company Status | Privately owned since May 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- USA Today: Nordstrom Locations Closing
- Desert Sun: Nordstrom Closing Santa Monica
- Fox 2 Now: Nordstrom Closes St. Louis Galleria
- Wikipedia: Nordstrom
- Google Search: Nordstrom Store Closures
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
