Santa Monica, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Nordstrom has announced the closure of its Santa Monica Place store, which has been operational since 2010. This move is part of a broader strategy to restructure its network in response to changing consumer behaviors and safety concerns in the area. Along with the Santa Monica location, Nordstrom will also close its store at the Saint Louis Galleria. Despite these closures, the company is expanding in California with a new Nordstrom Rack set to open in Encinitas. Employees affected by the closures will receive support to transition to other roles within the company.
California—Nordstrom has announced that its Santa Monica Place store will close on August 26, 2024, marking nearly 15 years of operation since its opening in 2010. The store is located in a prominent outdoor mall adjacent to the beach, which features high-end retail brands such as Coach and Hugo Boss. This closure is part of a broader effort by Nordstrom to restructure its store network, mainly in response to the surge in online shopping.
The decision to close the Santa Monica location intends to enhance customer service by funneling consumers towards other nearby stores and digital shopping platforms. This move occurs against a backdrop of increasing safety concerns in downtown Santa Monica, where recent incidents of gun violence and attacks on police have raised alarms among residents and businesses. As a consequence, many retailers have been reassessing their operational strategies in the area.
To assist employees affected by the closure, Nordstrom plans to provide support to help them transition to other roles within the company. Alongside the Santa Monica store, Nordstrom will also shut its location at the Saint Louis Galleria in St. Louis, Missouri, which is set to close on August 24, 2024. Following this, a new store named Dick’s House of Sports will take its place in the St. Louis space.
Despite these closures, Nordstrom is also expanding its presence in California, with plans for a new 24,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack to open in Encinitas in spring 2026. Currently, as of July 29, 2024, Nordstrom operates 26 full-line stores and 68 Nordstrom Rack locations in California. The company has launched several new stores throughout the state over the past year.
In terms of financial performance, Nordstrom reported a 4.7% increase in comparable sales for fiscal year 2024, compared to the previous year. This comes as the retailer transitioned to privately owned status after a $6.25 billion acquisition by the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool in May 2025.
Nordstrom is not alone in the retail sector; other major companies such as Macy’s and Walmart are also streamlining their operations, closing various locations nationwide in light of changing consumer behaviors and economic pressures. This trend has persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading numerous retailers to adapt by reducing their storefront presence across the United States.
Key Facts About Nordstrom’s Santa Monica Closure
- Closure date: August 26, 2024
- Store opened: 2010
- Location: Santa Monica Place
- Nearby retailers: Coach, Hugo Boss
- Employee support: Transition assistance offered
- Expansion: New Nordstrom Rack in Encinitas, spring 2026
- Current California locations: 26 Nordstroms, 68 Nordstrom Racks
- Fiscal year 2024 sales increase: 4.7%
- Privately owned since: May 2025
Background Context
The decision to close the Santa Monica store reflects a significant shift within the retail landscape, as many consumers now favor shopping online over traditional in-store experiences. Increasing safety concerns in Santa Monica may have exacerbated the situation, leading to this proactive approach by Nordstrom to reevaluate and restructure its business model. Retailers are adjusting to a post-pandemic economy and changing priorities among shoppers.
FAQ Section
What is the closure date for Nordstrom’s Santa Monica store?
The Santa Monica store will close on August 26, 2024.
When did the Nordstrom Santa Monica store open?
The store opened in 2010.
What reasons led to the closure of the Santa Monica store?
The closure is part of Nordstrom’s strategy to adapt to the increasing trend of online shopping and to address safety concerns in downtown Santa Monica.
What support will be provided to employees affected by the closure?
Nordstrom intends to help employees transition to other roles within the company.
Is Nordstrom closing any other locations?
Yes, Nordstrom is also closing its store at the Saint Louis Galleria in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 24, 2024.
Is Nordstrom expanding anywhere?
Yes, Nordstrom plans to open a new 24,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack in Encinitas in spring 2026.
Nordstrom Store Features Comparison
| Store Location | Closure Date | Opened | Support for Employees | Expansion Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica Place | August 26, 2024 | 2010 | Transition assistance provided | New store in Encinitas in spring 2026 |
| Saint Louis Galleria | August 24, 2024 | N/A | N/A | New store planned |
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Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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