Santa Monica, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Nordstrom has announced the closure of its Santa Monica Place store effective August 26, 2024, as part of a restructuring strategy to adapt to the growing trend of online shopping. The closure is influenced by changing consumer preferences and safety concerns in the downtown Santa Monica area. Along with this closure, the retailer will also shut down its location in Saint Louis, Missouri, while continuing to expand elsewhere in California. Nordstrom plans to assist affected employees with transitions to other roles within the company.
California – Nordstrom has announced that it will close its Santa Monica Place store on August 26, 2024, as part of a broader restructuring strategy addressing the significant shift towards online shopping. The Santa Monica location has been a fixture in the upscale outdoor mall since its opening in 2010, and it has provided customers with a shopping experience alongside high-end retailers like Coach and Hugo Boss.
This decision to close the Santa Monica store stems from the company’s need to realign its retail presence with evolving consumer preferences. A company spokesperson indicated that the closure aims to enhance service delivery to customers through nearby physical stores and digital platforms. The decision follows a troubling trend concerning safety in downtown Santa Monica, characterized by an uptick in crime and homelessness, which has raised concerns among shoppers.
Recent incidents near the Santa Monica Place mall, including gun violence and attacks on law enforcement officers, have exacerbated worries about public safety. In light of these factors, Nordstrom is taking steps to better position its store services, even as it works to maintain a strong workforce. The retailer plans to facilitate transitions for employees affected by the closing, assisting them in finding new roles within the company.
Alongside the Santa Monica closure, Nordstrom is also shuttering its location at the Saint Louis Galleria in St. Louis, Missouri, that will close two days earlier on August 24, 2024. That space will be filled by a new Dick’s House of Sports store. On the flip side, Nordstrom is actively expanding its footprint in California, with intentions to open a 24,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack in Encinitas in spring 2026. Currently, as of late July 2024, Nordstrom operates 26 full-price locations and 68 Nordstrom Rack stores in California, with several new locations having launched across the state in the past year.
In the recent fiscal year ending 2024, Nordstrom reported a 4.7% increase in comparable sales when compared to the previous year, indicative of the company’s ability to grow despite the challenging retail environment. Compounding the recent strategic shifts, the retailer transitioned to private ownership following a $6.25 billion acquisition by the Nordstrom family paired with El Puerto de Liverpool in May 2025. This change may pave the way for further adjustments within the business model aimed at tackling modern retail challenges.
The moves made by Nordstrom reflect a larger trend seen among retailers across the country. Companies like Macy’s and Walmart are also closing locations as a part of similar restructuring measures to cope with changing shopping habits and economic pressures. Many retailers are scaling back their brick-and-mortar presence in the wake of shifts witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a significant alteration in consumer shopping behavior that may have lasting impacts on the future of the retail landscape.
FAQ
Why is Nordstrom closing its Santa Monica location?
The closure is part of Nordstrom’s larger strategy to restructure its store network due to changes in consumer shopping habits, focusing more on online shopping while ensuring better customer service through nearby stores and digital channels.
What other locations is Nordstrom closing?
Nordstrom is also closing its store at the Saint Louis Galleria in St. Louis, Missouri on August 24, 2024, just before the Santa Monica closure.
How long has the Santa Monica location been open?
The Santa Monica Place store has been operational since 2010, making it nearly 15 years old.
What is Nordstrom doing to help employees affected by the closure?
Nordstrom plans to assist affected employees in transitioning to other roles within the company as part of its closure strategy.
Are there any new Nordstrom locations opening soon?
Yes, Nordstrom is expanding in California with a new 24,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack location set to open in Encinitas in spring 2026.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | August 26, 2024 |
| Operational Since | 2010 |
| Nearby Stores | Coach, Hugo Boss |
| Other Closures | Saint Louis Galleria location on August 24, 2024 |
| Employee Support | Transition assistance to other roles within the company |
| New Openings | Nordstrom Rack in Encinitas, Spring 2026 |
| Current Locations in California | 26 Nordstrom and 68 Nordstrom Rack |
| Recent Sales Growth | 4.7% increase in comparable sales for FY 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- USA Today: Nordstrom Locations Closing
- Desert Sun: Nordstrom Closing Santa Monica
- Los Angeles Times: Nordstrom Santa Monica
- Wikipedia: Nordstrom
- Google Search: Nordstrom Store Closures
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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