Luxury chain cites “difficult decision,” promises support for affected workers. Shoppers at Santa Monica Place have a new date to circle on their calendars: Aug. 26 will mark the last day of business for the mall’s Nordstrom, the company confirmed this week. The closure ends a roughly 15‑year run for the upscale department store inside the 500,000‑square‑foot retail center at the south end of the Third Street Promenade.
Nordstrom did not give a specific reason for shutting the location, but a spokesperson acknowledged the move’s impact on employees, pledging help for anyone seeking another role within the company. The announcement lands just days after a police officer was wounded in the mall while arresting a shooting suspect—an incident that has underscored concerns about visitor traffic and safety in the area.
What the impending Santa Monica Nordstrom closure means for local shoppers and downtown revitalization efforts
The shutdown is another blow to a stretch of Santa Monica that has struggled with rising vacancies since the pandemic. City leaders have already experimented with bold measures—including a May vote allowing open‑container alcohol on the promenade—to lure customers back. Will losing one of the mall’s anchor tenants slow that momentum, or spark fresh ideas to reinvent the space? Key facts you need to know before the August 26 closing date arrives for this flagship store:
- Final day of sales: Monday, Aug. 26
- Years in operation: Approximately 15
- Square footage: Two levels, about 122,000 sq. ft. (company estimate)
- Employee transition: Redeployment opportunities at other Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack locations
Farewell to the iconic luxury retailer at the Santa Monica Mall: it is closing permanently this summer.
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Late June (this week) | Nordstrom announces closure | Launches 60‑day wind‑down period |
| One week earlier | Police officer shot inside mall | Heightens safety spotlight |
| May | City Council okays open alcohol on promenade | Aims to boost foot traffic |
| 2009‑2010 | Santa Monica Place reopens after major renovation | Nordstrom joins as anchor |
Shoppers wondering about clearance opportunities should keep an eye on store signage; historically, Nordstrom schedules progressive markdowns in the final weeks. Employees, meanwhile, can tap the company’s internal hiring portal, a step Nordstrom says “we are committed to supporting.”
How the 122‑year‑old retailer’s pivot reflects broader pressures on brick‑and‑mortar fashion
Founded in 1901 as a Seattle shoe shop, Nordstrom now operates more than 360 full‑line and Rack stores nationwide. Still, the chain—like many peers—is reassessing large‑format locations as online sales climb and regional centers evolve. Could we see more California closures? The company hasn’t hinted either way, but analysts note that retailers are trimming real estate to fund e‑commerce investments.
If Santa Monica is part of your weekend shopping route, plan a last visit before August 26, then watch for redevelopment news at the mall. For employees, reach out early to HR about transfer options. And for city officials, the task remains the same: keep the promenade vibrant, even as one marquee sign switches off.