Nordstrom to Close Santa Monica Store Amid Restructuring

Santa Monica, August 22, 2025

News Summary

Nordstrom has announced the closure of its Santa Monica Place store on August 26, 2024, as part of a strategic initiative to adapt to the rise of online shopping and recent safety concerns in the area. The store, which has been in operation since 2010, is located in a busy outdoor mall. The decision reflects broader trends in retail, as Nordstrom continues to adjust its operations to better serve customers through digital channels and nearby locations while supporting affected employees.

California – Nordstrom has announced that its Santa Monica Place store will cease operations on August 26, 2024, as part of a strategic initiative to restructure its store network amid the rise of online shopping. The Santa Monica location, which has served customers for nearly 15 years since its opening in 2010, is positioned in an outdoor mall near the beach, adjacent to upscale retailers such as Coach and Hugo Boss.

The closure is believed to be influenced by recent safety concerns in downtown Santa Monica, which include a noted increase in crime and homelessness. Incidents of gun violence and attacks on police officers near the Santa Monica Place mall have raised alarms among shoppers and retailers alike. As part of this transition, Nordstrom plans to support employees affected by the store’s closing by providing assistance in finding other roles within the company.

This move aligns with Nordstrom’s broader plan to adapt to changing retail dynamics, which include a growing shift towards digital shopping channels. A spokesperson indicated that the decision was made to better serve customers through nearby stores and enhanced online experiences. Alongside the Santa Monica closure, Nordstrom will also shutter its location at the Saint Louis Galleria in Missouri on August 24, 2024, with Dick’s House of Sports slated to take over that space.

Despite these closures, Nordstrom is actively expanding its presence in California. Plans are underway for a 24,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack store in Encinitas, which is scheduled to open in spring 2026. As of late July 2024, there are 26 Nordstrom and 68 Nordstrom Rack locations across the state, with several new openings having occurred in the past year.

In terms of financial performance, Nordstrom reported a 4.7% increase in comparable sales for the fiscal year 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating a slight rebound amid ongoing challenges in the retail sector. The company has increasingly adapted by shifting to privately owned status following a $6.25 billion acquisition led by the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool in May 2025.

This closure at Santa Monica Place is not an isolated case; it reflects a larger trend in the retail industry, where other major retailers like Macy’s and Walmart are also closing stores. Such adjustments are occurring in response to changing shopping habits and economic pressures that have intensified during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retail Landscape Changes

Nordstrom’s adjustment is part of a broader industry shift as many retailers respond to a steep increase in online shopping. The closure not only impacts the retail staff in Santa Monica but also signifies a changing dynamic in customer preferences, where convenience and digital platforms increasingly dominate over traditional shopping experiences.

Key Figures

• Store Closure: Santa Monica Place location
• Closing Date: August 26, 2024
• Current Store Age: Nearly 15 years, opened in 2010
• Planned Opening: 24,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack in Encinitas in Spring 2026
• Financial Growth: 4.7% increase in comparable sales for fiscal year 2024

Conclusion

The decision to close the Santa Monica location highlights Nordstrom’s strategic focus on enhancing customer experiences through nearby stores and its digital platform, while also reflecting broader retail trends amidst evolving consumer behavior. As Nordstrom continues to navigate the complexities of the retail landscape, it faces the challenge of meeting customer needs while addressing safety concerns in store locations.

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Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO

The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, 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 the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.