‘Unsafe conditions for customers, retailers, and employees’
By Erinn Broadus
Nordstrom, a major clothing retailer, is closing two of its San Francisco locations, citing a “deteriorating situation” downtown, a reference to heightened crime and vagrancy in the area, according to the San Francisco Standard.
Nordstrom announced it will not be renewing its lease at the location in Westfield Mall and a nearby Nordstrom Rack. Collectively, these locations represent about 357,500 square feet, reported the San Francisco Standard.
“The planned closure of Nordstrom underscores the deteriorating situation in downtown San Francisco,” said a spokesperson for the mall,” said a spokesperson for the mall. “A growing number of retailers and businesses are leaving the area due to the unsafe conditions for customers, retailers, and employees, coupled with the fact that these significant issues are preventing an economic recovery of the area,” they said.
BREAKING: Nordstrom is planning to close both of its Downtown San Francisco stores, choosing not to renew its lease obligations at its location in the Westfield Mall. It will also close a second nearby Downtown Nordstrom Rack.
More information below. ⬇️ https://t.co/U747YjobxY
— The San Francisco Standard (@sfstandard) May 2, 2023
San Francisco has been experiencing heightened crime, homelessness, and public vagrancy, causing many businesses to retreat, according to the California Globe. The rise in crime spurred the city to bump police pay by 10%, with the hope of retaining and recruiting officers, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Nordstrom and San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s Office did not immediately respond to Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
