https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:11:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2327477 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 20:21:03 +0000 ClaraT 2327477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sad but not surprised. Last time I was at that Nordstrom (5 months ago?) someone was using the sidewalk by the door as a restroom. I have compassion, and I also feel very uncomfortable with this (the poor employees who had to deal with this daily!)<br /> Hayes Valley has some great shops, as does Fillmore, and the Corte Madera mall (in sunny Marin) has a Nordstroms + the usual (Madewell, J Crew). </p> <p>End of an era, or the beginning of another, for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2327007 Sat, 17 Jun 2023 15:52:24 +0000 cat2 2327007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Judy, great point about the housing. All California cities are under a state mandate to add their proportional share of affordable housing, and SF has completed a survey of which vacant office buildings can be converted into housing. They are also trying to streamline building approvals, which currently take ages to process. So hopefully moving forward we will see a good mix of housing stock coming online. But like anything in the public sector it will take time to move the needle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2326668 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:59:48 +0000 sarah 2326668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is sad news. When I was a grad student across the Bay, I used to make special BART trips over to that Nordstrom when I was in search of wedding and interview attire. It was always an enjoyable excursion and escape from my grad school existence. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2326630 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 05:39:42 +0000 Sal 2326630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting comment Judy.&nbsp; I think I agree with you.&nbsp; Corporates are mostly acting in their own interest not the interest of the community or the city - if there is no demand in one city they close there and expand elsewhere.&nbsp; Some corporates are good global or environmental citizens and treat their staff and communities well - but not all.</p> <p>Same with property developers... and look probably the same with small business as well.</p> <p>When cities become empty of people it does attract trouble.&nbsp; Over time prices will drop, usage will change and things will evolve.&nbsp; But there is heartbreak in between. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2326627 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 03:29:39 +0000 judy 2326627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw a headline today in the NYT about a mall closing in downtown San Francisco and I thought of this thread.&nbsp; It's made me recall the days when US cities had completely different department stores, remember that?&nbsp; Before it got corporate.&nbsp; Now it seems it's mostly the same stores on every corner.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The presence of these big nationwide retailers...and even international ones...pushed the economy in a direction that many smaller department stores and residents too,&nbsp; couldn't keep pace with.&nbsp; Did cities get too greedy with growth and prime real estate?&nbsp; Did these cities fail to do enough to protect their residents of all incomes and their city's unique profile?&nbsp; Is what we are seeing the natural outcome of their poor decisions?&nbsp; Maybe some of the empty buildings and malls can be used for housing people who desperately need it.&nbsp; Ironically, the very people they ousted to make their malls and big theaters and stores.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>When I first lived in Seattle in the early 2000's there was a little man who stood outside of Barney's, almost a permanent fixture on the corner. He was there every time I went downtown.&nbsp; His cardboard sign he held was full of very small writing and he yelled all day long about how upset he was.&nbsp; I wasn't sure what the issue was until The Stranger newspaper published a story about him being evicted from his apartment to make way for urban development.&nbsp; I still think about him! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2322940 Mon, 15 May 2023 11:54:09 +0000 Kathie 2322940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no! I have a conference every year a few blocks away and have been to that store so many times. One year I flew in a bit early and even planned to have a bra-fitting, since their selection was better than my local Nordie's. Definitely sad news. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2322703 Sat, 13 May 2023 15:40:17 +0000 DonnaF 2322703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sigh. SF has lost its vibrant city core. But at least now you can take the Central Subway to Chinatown! Not sure the cost; we tried it in the opening weeks when it was still free. But it makes Chinatown a bit more convenient for some of us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2322702 Sat, 13 May 2023 15:01:23 +0000 Suz 2322702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I will get to see the SF Nordstrom's in its faded glory, just like the Vancouver one. Maybe there will be some good sales. Though like many here, I find the pickings in B&amp;M stores slim these days, on the whole. It can be hard to find my size. Having said that, I still love B&amp;M shopping -- you get to see and touch the fabrics, and even if they don't have your size, you can often figure out what that size would be by a quick eyeball or try on of the merchandise they do have.&nbsp;</p> <p>Online shopping definitely requires different skills and a certain level of persistence. Then again, B&amp;M shopping also requires skills and persistence. Just exercised in a slightly different way.&nbsp;</p> <p>But there is nothing like a vibrant city core -- the buzz, the creativity, the people-watching.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing/page/2#post-2322540 Fri, 12 May 2023 17:50:39 +0000 annagybe 2322540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dang! &amp; I remember all the nice shopping around Union Square. Seattle has a fancy vertical mall in downtown that started renovating before the pandemic &amp; a lot of retailers left it. Now it’s a sad &amp; empty except for the movie theater on top.<br /> I’m wondering if the Birkenstock change is because LVMH bought them in 2021. I didn’t know it happened until last month when I was searching for different styles. Also explains the $2000 hand embroidered ones for Dior (LVMH also owns them). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2322254 Wed, 10 May 2023 21:06:44 +0000 Sal 2322254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have such mixed emotions about this topic. I love shopping and in particular the buzz of a downtown or CBD area. Malls are necessary for climatic reasons in so many places even though I mostly avoid them.</p> <p>It’s circular - the poorer the selection the more people shop online. I don’t love online shopping but have bought four things online - two new - two second hand - in 2023 which is 1/3 of my shopping. </p> <p>There are winners and losers - but big changes for our cities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2322252 Wed, 10 May 2023 20:59:24 +0000 LJP 2322252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The same thing is happening here in my part of Canada . The downtown Bay has now disappeared , and even their remaining 2 large mall anchors have terrible stock and brand selections , poor merchandising , old and outdated sales floors and no sign of anything changing . As to the Birkenstock issue , I think I heard this from a store owner last summer when I was trying to locate a specific style . Stock goes first to the big wholesale buyers . Kind of takes away from the specialness of the brand - or that train left the station a long time ago …. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2322075 Wed, 10 May 2023 01:08:58 +0000 elpgal 2322075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree with Christina F. As someone who wears petites, retail shopping was never very fulfilling but after the pandemic, it became worse. I live very close to a bustling Nordstrom and it is slim pickings in most departments. The cafe is empty, lingerie offerings are pared down. The only department that looked full was the shoe section. I was surprised to see the Macys next door looking more full. I wonder if ours is also on the way out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2322039 Tue, 09 May 2023 22:26:15 +0000 sabimct 2322039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The message for me here is that I am just going to have to get better at online shopping.</p> <p>I am inspired by Angie, who has great success in online shopping.</p> <p>I think there is some tricks and skill involved in this way of purchasing clothes ... time to up my game! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2322016 Tue, 09 May 2023 19:26:12 +0000 Jules 2322016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow runcarla, that would be quite the slap in the face to all the small local stores that carried Birks for all the decades that they were not trendy... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321874 Tue, 09 May 2023 01:38:55 +0000 em 2321874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Janet: I was in Towson over the weekend and Nordies was not carrying the brands it used to. The makeup counters were jammed, not enough people were working, and it was filthy. The whole mall was abysmal.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321856 Mon, 08 May 2023 23:32:30 +0000 Jessikams 2321856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s a bummer. I grew up in the Bay Area in the 70s/80s and it makes me really sad to visit now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321840 Mon, 08 May 2023 22:00:29 +0000 Carla 2321840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Along the same lines I learned that Birkenstock is no longer working with small/independent shoe stores! &nbsp;Our local indy shoe shop specializes in comfort footwear with a nod to trendy (they carry Sorel platform sneakers for example). &nbsp;Birks has declined to send them further stock! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321802 Mon, 08 May 2023 16:22:32 +0000 MsMaven 2321802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When we lived closer to SF I often drove to the SF Nordstrom for a fun shopping day. I had my hair cut nearby. Now we live 20 miles farther away. I was surprised and sad to read the store is closing. Lately I see little appealing in my nearby stores, so I mostly shop online for Nordstrom items. So many of my favorite brands have disappeared, but, life is always changing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321801 Mon, 08 May 2023 16:09:00 +0000 Christina F. 2321801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>This is unfortunate. That said, I find B&amp;M stores almost worse than useless now, even where they do exist, unless one is not searching for something in particular. They are more like showrooms now.</div><div><br /></div><div>I took my MIL to Nordy's looking for jeans yesterday, and there was just NOTHING in her size that was a short enough inseam and not super trendy, which she doesn't want. She hates shopping and has no appetite for ordering and returning stuff endlessly, either.She may have to order the jeans she got the last time we did this back in 2018 or 2019, and hope that this year's model fits her the same way.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321790 Mon, 08 May 2023 15:07:12 +0000 Kyle 2321790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is unfortunate. I’ve enjoyed shopping there over the years. We have several malls that appear to really be struggling in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, too. The one indoor mall that seems to be doing OK is in the heart of Scottsdale, and that one is shifting its focus to high-end designer offerings like Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Cartier, etc. The mall has now stopped renewing leases for stores like Ann Taylor and others, and Banana Republic and J. Crew left some time ago.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321625 Sun, 07 May 2023 16:19:42 +0000 LaPed 2321625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm over two hours form the nearest Nordstrom (there might be a Rack closer, but I'm not sure), and there are *so many* folks in my area who've relocated here from major urban centers. I think priorities have really shifted over the past few years, and for sure online shopping means that living near a variety of retail options has dropped way down on many people's list of needs/desires.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I did live in metro areas, I have to admit I really didn't take advantage of access to department stores. I think both Las Vegas, NV and Portland, OR had Nordstroms while I lived there, but I can't remember setting foot in either. What I do really miss about city life is the wide variety of thrift and vintage. I still thrift out here in the sticks, but on the whole the selection is not as exciting as it is in more population-dense areas.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321617 Sun, 07 May 2023 15:43:26 +0000 Angie 2321617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Greyscale</b>, there is a version of this everywhere in the US: Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Salt Lake City, New York, Boston ....to name but a few.&nbsp;</p> <p>Very sad. Heartbreaking.</p> <p>I am nodding along with <b>Dee.</b></p> <p><b></b>I also agree with <b>cat2. </b>A<b></b>s the&nbsp;<b></b>tech&nbsp;companies&nbsp;<b></b>make working back at the office compulsory 2 to 4 times a week - we will see these areas "come back". That has definitely been the case for very tech-driven Seattle. The cruise ships are back too, which is helping tremendously. We have a new Major, who has done MIRACULOUS work with helping homeless people find housing and shelter. Slowly but surely, I am hopeful again.<b></b></p> <div><br />As for retail, that is moving online more and more in the US. It was happening before the pandemic, which simply accelerated the shopping behaviour.&nbsp; </p> <p> </div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321607 Sun, 07 May 2023 15:04:56 +0000 cat2 2321607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We still have Bloomingdale’s in the same area as Nordstrom; hopefully they will have additional traffic with the Nordstrom closure and can continue to make a go of it. Maybe you could wander there instead? And we have Macy’s, which isn’t as fun, but is reliable for basics. And the restaurant at Neiman Marcus for the best shopping lunch, under that amazing stained glass ceiling. I think we are still pretty well equipped. And with more tech companies rolling back or limiting WFH, we should start seeing more street traffic. And we have definitely seen an uptick in tourists, with more pandemic travel limitations being lifted. Fingers crossed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321596 Sun, 07 May 2023 14:26:10 +0000 Nadya 2321596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It makes me sad, too. When we lived in San Francisco is the late 80s and early 90s that mall with its circular escalators and that Nordstrom with its champagne bar and other luxuries were very special. I lived close by and it’s where we bought our wedding rings and I bought my wedding dress. Really a shame to see the end of this era.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321579 Sun, 07 May 2023 12:34:27 +0000 Janet 2321579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a bummer. I still miss the one in Annapolis. The next closest one is about 40 minutes away, which is doable, but just not in my regular circuit so I’d need to make a special trip to go there. Malls are seemingly dying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321577 Sun, 07 May 2023 12:24:51 +0000 kkards 2321577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sad. &nbsp;Hoping that the city finds it way again.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321567 Sun, 07 May 2023 10:36:48 +0000 Jenni NZ 2321567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the reply DonnaF, yes I did have it correct in my head!<br /> Sorry for this happening, Greyscale </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321562 Sun, 07 May 2023 07:28:11 +0000 Cee 2321562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks again, Xing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321560 Sun, 07 May 2023 07:20:12 +0000 rachylou 2321560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admit I stopped going downtown years and years ago, long before covid. Even when it comes to Ross, Emeryville across the bay is known as the best one, which is pretty condemning. The 80s were the heyday. But Walnut Creek is dying too. Neiman’s closed aeons ago in Walnut Creek. Nordstrom Walnut Creek carries Madewell, which has a store just a few steps away, which makes no sense. It’s bad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/san-francisco-nordstrom-closing#post-2321554 Sun, 07 May 2023 05:36:40 +0000 DonnaF 2321554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jenni: Downtown SF, or at least the shopping district, is the Union Square area. The Financial District is just east of there (going towards the Bay). </p>