George Kelly

When the Nordstrom at Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store&#8217;s spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

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When the Nordstrom at Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store's spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

When the Nordstrom at Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store&#8217;s spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

On Sunday, just a few dozen shoppers trickled in from Market Street at noon as the store opened its doors for the last time.

On Sunday, just a few dozen shoppers trickled in from Market Street at noon as the store opened its doors for the last time.

Dina Richardson bought lotion at Nordstrom at Westfield San Francisco Centre in San Francisco, Sunday, August 27, 2023. Nordstrom opened its doors to customers for the last time on Sunday ahead of its closing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NordstromLastDay08242023_-0250-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-195562"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dina Richardson poses with her bag from Nordstrom at the San Francisco Centre mall on Sunday. Nordstrom opened its doors to customers for the last time on Sunday.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NordstromLastDay08242023_-0250-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-195562"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dina Richardson poses with her bag from Nordstrom at the San Francisco Centre mall on Sunday. Nordstrom opened its doors to customers for the last time on Sunday.</figcaption></figure>

Longtime San Francisco resident Dina Richardson said she had promised a store employee that she would show up &#8220;to buy something to remember the store by,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I told her&nbsp;I&nbsp;felt like&nbsp;crying.&#8221;

Longtime San Francisco resident Dina Richardson said she had promised a store employee that she would show up "to buy something to remember the store by," she said. "I told her&nbsp;I&nbsp;felt like&nbsp;crying."

Longtime San Francisco resident Dina Richardson said she had promised a store employee that she would show up &#8220;to buy something to remember the store by,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I told her&nbsp;I&nbsp;felt like&nbsp;crying.&#8221;

She was carrying her final purchase: a $20 bottle of Kiehl&#8217;s lotion.

She was carrying her final purchase: a $20 bottle of Kiehl's lotion.

She was carrying her final purchase: a $20 bottle of Kiehl&#8217;s lotion.

Richardson said she still had fond memories of coming to the neighborhood to shop with her mother at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emporium_(San_Francisco)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Emporium</a>, a beloved department store that closed its doors in 1996 after serving the city for a century.

Richardson said she still had fond memories of coming to the neighborhood to shop with her mother at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emporium_(San_Francisco)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Emporium</a>, a beloved department store that closed its doors in 1996 after serving the city for a century.

&#8220;This has always been a shopping area, and to see a beautiful store close, even though I don&#8217;t come here that often—it&#8217;s just sad,&#8221; Richardson said.

"This has always been a shopping area, and to see a beautiful store close, even though I don't come here that often—it's just sad," Richardson said.

&#8220;This has always been a shopping area, and to see a beautiful store close, even though I don&#8217;t come here that often—it&#8217;s just sad,&#8221; Richardson said.

Bare manikins at Nordstrom at Westfield San Francisco Centre in San Francisco, Sunday, August 27, 2023. Nordstrom opened its doors to customers for the last time on Sunday ahead of its closing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NordstromLastDay08242023_-0150-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-195563"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bare mannequins are gathered in Nordstrom at San Francisco Centre on Sunday, the last day the department store will be open to the public.</figcaption></figure>

The Seattle-based retailer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">announced</a> back in May that it would close the Downtown Nordstrom along with a nearby Nordstrom Rack, which shut its doors last month. The closure of the last San Francisco store marks the end of amenities such as the store&#8217;s vaunted customer-service tradition as well as Downtown&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/nordstrom-wasnt-just-a-retail-anchor-it-also-boasted-the-best-restroom-in-town/">best bathroom.</a>

Nordstrom to shutter both downtown San Francisco stores, citing difficult conditions

Nordstrom wasn&#8217;t just a retail anchor—it also boasted the best restroom in SF

The Seattle-based retailer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">announced</a> back in May that it would close the Downtown Nordstrom along with a nearby Nordstrom Rack, which shut its doors last month. The closure of the last San Francisco store marks the end of amenities such as the store's vaunted customer-service tradition as well as Downtown's <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/nordstrom-wasnt-just-a-retail-anchor-it-also-boasted-the-best-restroom-in-town/">best bathroom.</a>

The Seattle-based retailer <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">announced</a> back in May that it would close the Downtown Nordstrom along with a nearby Nordstrom Rack, which shut its doors last month. The closure of the last San Francisco store marks the end of amenities such as the store&#8217;s vaunted customer-service tradition as well as Downtown&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/nordstrom-wasnt-just-a-retail-anchor-it-also-boasted-the-best-restroom-in-town/">best bathroom.</a>

<a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-10-07-fi-3464-story.html">When it opened</a> 35 years ago, the Westfield mall was noted for its unique architectural features, as well as its central Downtown location and collection of high-end retailers, with Nordstrom as its anchor. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">The 336,000 square-foot store was heralded</a> as a new attraction that would hopefully revive a section of Market Street that even then, was struggling with many of the same urban realities that plague local retailers today.

Nordstrom&#8217;s exit from San Francisco calls downtown mall&#8217;s future into question

<a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-10-07-fi-3464-story.html">When it opened</a> 35 years ago, the Westfield mall was noted for its unique architectural features, as well as its central Downtown location and collection of high-end retailers, with Nordstrom as its anchor. <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">The 336,000 square-foot store was heralded</a> as a new attraction that would hopefully revive a section of Market Street that even then, was struggling with many of the same urban realities that plague local retailers today.

Desi Tafoya, another city resident who was shopping at Nordstrom on its final day, noted that he&#8217;d just seen an unhoused person dragging a comforter outside the Bloomingdale&#8217;s next door. &#8220;There is an issue with homelessness, drug addiction and things like that,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That&#8217;s the biggest concern, trying to figure out that part of it in order for people to feel safe coming out and shopping.&#8221;

Desi Tafoya, another city resident who was shopping at Nordstrom on its final day, noted that he'd just seen an unhoused person dragging a comforter outside the Bloomingdale's next door. "There is an issue with homelessness, drug addiction and things like that," he said. "That's the biggest concern, trying to figure out that part of it in order for people to feel safe coming out and shopping."

Desi Tafoya, another city resident who was shopping at Nordstrom on its final day, noted that he&#8217;d just seen an unhoused person dragging a comforter outside the Bloomingdale&#8217;s next door. &#8220;There is an issue with homelessness, drug addiction and things like that,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That&#8217;s the biggest concern, trying to figure out that part of it in order for people to feel safe coming out and shopping.&#8221;

A customer shops at Nordstrom at Westfield San Francisco Centre in San Francisco, Sunday, August 27, 2023. Nordstrom opened its doors to customers for the last time on Sunday ahead of its closing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NordstromLastDay08242023_-0159-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-195567"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A customer shops at Nordstrom at San Francisco Centre on Sunday before the store closed for good.</figcaption></figure>

His friend, James Siegel, noted that the neighborhood was in better shape just six or seven years ago, when stores were &#8220;just bustling.&#8221; While the area around Market Street has long been a center for drugs and panhandlers, the rise of remote work since the pandemic <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">decimated foot traffic</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco’s downtown core. That, combined with a rise in theft and other petty crimes, has killed stores in the area.

His friend, James Siegel, noted that the neighborhood was in better shape just six or seven years ago, when stores were "just bustling." While the area around Market Street has long been a center for drugs and panhandlers, the rise of remote work since the pandemic <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">decimated foot traffic</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco’s downtown core. That, combined with a rise in theft and other petty crimes, has killed stores in the area.

His friend, James Siegel, noted that the neighborhood was in better shape just six or seven years ago, when stores were &#8220;just bustling.&#8221; While the area around Market Street has long been a center for drugs and panhandlers, the rise of remote work since the pandemic <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">decimated foot traffic</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco’s downtown core. That, combined with a rise in theft and other petty crimes, has killed stores in the area.

&#8220;It&#8217;s changed so quickly,&#8221; said Siegel.

"It's changed so quickly," said Siegel.

&#8220;It&#8217;s changed so quickly,&#8221; said Siegel.

Law enforcement dispatch data shows police regularly patrolled the San Francisco Centre mall. Officers logged almost 560 “passing calls”—when officers patrol an area to demonstrate a police presence—at the shopping center during the yearlong period ending May 1, 2023.

Law enforcement dispatch data shows police regularly patrolled the San Francisco Centre mall. Officers logged almost 560 “passing calls”—when officers patrol an area to demonstrate a police presence—at the shopping center during the yearlong period ending May 1, 2023.

A San Francisco Police Dept (SFPD) officer  outside Westfield San Francisco Centre in San Francisco, Sunday, August 27, 2023. Nordstrom opened its doors to customers for the last time on Sunday ahead of its closing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NordstromLastDay08242023_-0306.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-195524"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SFPD monitor the situation outside San Francisco Centre on Sunday. Theft and other petty crimes have plagued retail stores in Downtown.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco’s emergency dispatchers received reports of hundreds of potential crimes at the mall during the same period. The data shows reports of 118 petty theft incidents, 64 fights, 41 grand thefts and 24 burglaries.

San Francisco’s emergency dispatchers received reports of hundreds of potential crimes at the mall during the same period. The data shows reports of 118 petty theft incidents, 64 fights, 41 grand thefts and 24 burglaries.

Nonetheless, Nordstrom shoppers waxed nostalgic about the days when people visited department stores packed with clothing, accessories and cosmetics.

Nonetheless, Nordstrom shoppers waxed nostalgic about the days when people visited department stores packed with clothing, accessories and cosmetics.

Nordstrom in its heyday had a mirrored room where customers could request custom blends of cosmetics and fragrances. Shoppers could take a break and have a martini or french fries at the store&#8217;s English-style pub, decorated with furnishings imported all the way from England. The champagne and caviar bar sold more than 100 selections of bubbly, some at $35 a glass.

Nordstrom in its heyday had a mirrored room where customers could request custom blends of cosmetics and fragrances. Shoppers could take a break and have a martini or french fries at the store's English-style pub, decorated with furnishings imported all the way from England. The champagne and caviar bar sold more than 100 selections of bubbly, some at $35 a glass.

Nordstrom in its heyday had a mirrored room where customers could request custom blends of cosmetics and fragrances. Shoppers could take a break and have a martini or french fries at the store&#8217;s English-style pub, decorated with furnishings imported all the way from England. The champagne and caviar bar sold more than 100 selections of bubbly, some at $35 a glass.

Maila and Jacob share a kiss at Westfield San Francisco Centre in San Francisco, Sunday, August 27, 2023. Nordstrom opened its doors to customers for the last time on Sunday ahead of its closing.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NordstromLastDay08242023_-0106-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-195564"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Maila and Jacob share a kiss at San Francisco Centre on Sunday.</figcaption></figure>

Even now, some remain loyal to the spirit of brick-and-mortar retail.

Even now, some remain loyal to the spirit of brick-and-mortar retail.

&#8220;I like coming to the store and trying stuff on,&#8221; said a shopper who gave only his first name, Jacob. The San Francisco resident said he still paid routine monthly visits to the San Francisco Centre to visit a clothing store, shop for Christmas gifts or enjoy a burger from Shake Shack.

"I like coming to the store and trying stuff on," said a shopper who gave only his first name, Jacob. The San Francisco resident said he still paid routine monthly visits to the San Francisco Centre to visit a clothing store, shop for Christmas gifts or enjoy a burger from Shake Shack.

&#8220;I like coming to the store and trying stuff on,&#8221; said a shopper who gave only his first name, Jacob. The San Francisco resident said he still paid routine monthly visits to the San Francisco Centre to visit a clothing store, shop for Christmas gifts or enjoy a burger from Shake Shack.

Inside the downtown San Francisco Nordstrom on its last day

Joel Umanzor

The iconic sign above the former Nordstrom store at the San Francisco Centre mall was removed by workers on Friday afternoon.

The iconic sign above the former Nordstrom store at the San Francisco Centre mall was removed by workers on Friday afternoon.

Nordstrom closed its behemoth store in the former <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/27/san-francisco-nordstrom-shoppers-say-goodbye/">Westfield mall on Aug. 27</a>, almost <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">four months after it would shutter</a> both its Downtown San Francisco locations.

Nordstrom closed its behemoth store in the former <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/27/san-francisco-nordstrom-shoppers-say-goodbye/">Westfield mall on Aug. 27</a>, almost <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">four months after it would shutter</a> both its Downtown San Francisco locations.

The gold lettering was in the process of being removed by workers on Friday afternoon when The Standard visited.

The gold lettering was in the process of being removed by workers on Friday afternoon when The Standard visited.

French real estate company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, which co-owns the building with Brookfield Properties, announced in June it&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">would give up control of the mall</a>&nbsp;and planned to default on a multimillion-dollar loan for the space. The mall has since been renamed San Francisco Centre.

Westfield gives up downtown San Francisco mall

French real estate company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, which co-owns the building with Brookfield Properties, announced in June it&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">would give up control of the mall</a>&nbsp;and planned to default on a multimillion-dollar loan for the space. The mall has since been renamed San Francisco Centre.

The iconic Nordstrom sign was removed from the San Francisco Centre mall on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_4138.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-203906"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The iconic Nordstrom sign was removed from the San Francisco Centre mall on Friday. </figcaption></figure>

Mayor London Breed has floated the idea of demolishing the mall and turning the space into a&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/downtown-san-francisco-soccer-stadium-plans-for-former-westfield-mall-revealed/">soccer stadium</a>.

Downtown San Francisco soccer stadium plans for former Westfield mall revealed

Mayor London Breed has floated the idea of demolishing the mall and turning the space into a&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/downtown-san-francisco-soccer-stadium-plans-for-former-westfield-mall-revealed/">soccer stadium</a>.

San Francisco architect Mark Hogan also recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/legoland-to-downtown-san-franciscos-rescue-architect-has-bold-plan-to-fill-vacant-mall/">floated the left-field idea of turning the mall&#8217;s vacant department-store floors into a Legoland</a>.

Legoland to downtown San Francisco’s rescue? Architect has bold plan to fill vacant mall

San Francisco architect Mark Hogan also recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/legoland-to-downtown-san-franciscos-rescue-architect-has-bold-plan-to-fill-vacant-mall/">floated the left-field idea of turning the mall's vacant department-store floors into a Legoland</a>.

San Francisco architect Mark Hogan also recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/19/legoland-to-downtown-san-franciscos-rescue-architect-has-bold-plan-to-fill-vacant-mall/">floated the left-field idea of turning the mall&#8217;s vacant department-store floors into a Legoland</a>.

A rendering of how the Legoland in the San Francisco Centre might look. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Legoland-San-Francisco-1.png?w=1344" alt="" class="wp-image-199116"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rendering depicts how the Legoland in the San Francisco Centre might look. </figcaption></figure>

“I feel terrible about it,” Michael Tsang said as he walked down Fifth Street, “seeing it leave because of all of the drugs and crime around here.”

“I feel terrible about it,” Michael Tsang said as he walked down Fifth Street, “seeing it leave because of all of the drugs and crime around here.”

Vito Ferrara, who has been living in San Francisco for nine years, said any business moving into the former location should be concerned about the environment surrounding the mall.

Vito Ferrara, who has been living in San Francisco for nine years, said any business moving into the former location should be concerned about the environment surrounding the mall.

“I’ve seen people support themselves based on what they’ve been able to steal from this mall,” Ferrara said. “Anyone who moves into this spot will have to deal with that reality.”

“I’ve seen people support themselves based on what they’ve been able to steal from this mall,” Ferrara said. “Anyone who moves into this spot will have to deal with that reality.”

Ferrara said crime at the location should be worrisome for anyone moving their business into the Nordstrom location.

Ferrara said crime at the location should be worrisome for anyone moving their business into the Nordstrom location.

When the Nordstrom at the former Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store&#8217;s spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

When the Nordstrom at the former Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store's spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

When the Nordstrom at the former Westfield San Francisco Centre mall opened in the fall of 1988, thousands lined up to see the department store&#8217;s spiral escalators and retractable skylight, the champagne and caviar bar, the five-star spa and the live pianist.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield did not respond to a request for comment.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield did not respond to a request for comment.

Iconic San Francisco Nordstrom sign removed from old Westfield mall

Kevin V. Nguyen

The new management team charged with leading a turnaround at the struggling former Westfield mall is desperately searching for an anchor tenant to replace the shuttered Nordstrom.

The new management team charged with leading a turnaround at the struggling former Westfield mall is desperately searching for an anchor tenant to replace the shuttered Nordstrom.

But as opposed to a Macy’s, Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue, the new entrant downtown is unlikely to be a well-known name to American shoppers.&nbsp;

But as opposed to a Macy’s, Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue, the new entrant downtown is unlikely to be a well-known name to American shoppers.&nbsp;

Two longtime San Francisco retail brokers and multiple mall tenants familiar with the plans have confirmed that real estate firms JLL and Trident Pacific are attempting to fill the five vacant floors Nordstrom left behind with a foreign—potentially European—operator.&nbsp;

Two longtime San Francisco retail brokers and multiple mall tenants familiar with the plans have confirmed that real estate firms JLL and Trident Pacific are attempting to fill the five vacant floors Nordstrom left behind with a foreign—potentially European—operator.&nbsp;

Mall tenants were told the information verbally in response to questions about the future of the San Francisco Centre, and brokers were made aware of the plans through conversations with colleagues in the industry.

Mall tenants were told the information verbally in response to questions about the future of the San Francisco Centre, and brokers were made aware of the plans through conversations with colleagues in the industry.

A spokesperson for JLL and Trident Pacific did not respond to a request for comment, and the Standard could not confirm which retailers may have been approached by the ownership group.

A spokesperson for JLL and Trident Pacific did not respond to a request for comment, and the Standard could not confirm which retailers may have been approached by the ownership group.

Dead mall walking: Inside the reeling San Francisco Centre, store owners pray for a turnaround

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Many of the businesses in the San Francisco Centre mark the August departure of Nordstrom, which left a gaping vacancy of more than 300,000 square feet, as a tipping point in the mall’s rapid downturn.  As part of its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-centre-mall-receiver-new-commitment/">commitment to keeping the San Francisco Centre open</a> in the aftermath of its previous owners&#8217; abandonment, the downtown mall’s management team has been hinting openly that it is circling a new major retailer to replace Nordstrom.

New management of downtown San Francisco mall vows to keep it open, make improvements

Many of the businesses in the San Francisco Centre mark the August departure of Nordstrom, which left a gaping vacancy of more than 300,000 square feet, as a tipping point in the mall’s rapid downturn.  As part of its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-centre-mall-receiver-new-commitment/">commitment to keeping the San Francisco Centre open</a> in the aftermath of its previous owners' abandonment, the downtown mall’s management team has been hinting openly that it is circling a new major retailer to replace Nordstrom.

Many of the businesses in the San Francisco Centre mark the August departure of Nordstrom, which left a gaping vacancy of more than 300,000 square feet, as a tipping point in the mall’s rapid downturn.  As part of its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-centre-mall-receiver-new-commitment/">commitment to keeping the San Francisco Centre open</a> in the aftermath of its previous owners&#8217; abandonment, the downtown mall’s management team has been hinting openly that it is circling a new major retailer to replace Nordstrom.

Brad Blake, managing partner of real estate firm Blake Griggs Properties, said JLL and Trident Pacific’s job is to create the best situation for creditors to be repaid for the $558 million loan that former owners Westfield and Brookfield Properties <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">bailed on last summer</a>.&nbsp;

Brad Blake, managing partner of real estate firm Blake Griggs Properties, said JLL and Trident Pacific’s job is to create the best situation for creditors to be repaid for the $558 million loan that former owners Westfield and Brookfield Properties <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">bailed on last summer</a>.&nbsp;

Negotiating a blockbuster lease would make sense, said Blake, who has served in a management role on other retail properties but is not involved with the downtown San Francisco mall. He noted that at the foreclosed Sunnyvale Town Center mall development, the temporary management team marketed the site to Whole Foods and AMC Theaters—which both signed long-term leases in two years after new owners swooped in. 

Negotiating a blockbuster lease would make sense, said Blake, who has served in a management role on other retail properties but is not involved with the downtown San Francisco mall. He noted that at the foreclosed Sunnyvale Town Center mall development, the temporary management team marketed the site to Whole Foods and AMC Theaters—which both signed long-term leases in two years after new owners swooped in.

Bloomingdale's is seen in the distance at The San Francisco Centre, previously called the Westfield mall, attracts little to no shoppers in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined08_20231130marketstreet.jpg?w=2500" alt="An empty mall with Bloomingdale's in the background." class="wp-image-227725"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new management group responsible for preserving as much of San Francisco Centre&#8217;s value for creditors is looking for another anchor tenant to join Bloomingdale&#8217;s. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined08_20231130marketstreet.jpg?w=2500" alt="An empty mall with Bloomingdale's in the background." class="wp-image-227725"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new management group responsible for preserving as much of San Francisco Centre's value for creditors is looking for another anchor tenant to join Bloomingdale's. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined08_20231130marketstreet.jpg?w=2500" alt="An empty mall with Bloomingdale's in the background." class="wp-image-227725"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new management group responsible for preserving as much of San Francisco Centre&#8217;s value for creditors is looking for another anchor tenant to join Bloomingdale&#8217;s. </figcaption></figure>

European and Asian retailers now hold a lot of leverage over landlords eager to fill vacancies, according to Michael Berne, president of MJB Consulting, a Berkeley- and New York-based retail planning and real estate consultancy.

European and Asian retailers now hold a lot of leverage over landlords eager to fill vacancies, according to Michael Berne, president of MJB Consulting, a Berkeley- and New York-based retail planning and real estate consultancy.

“They may be capable of seeing this market more objectively than American [retailers] right now,” Berne said. “They’re not as impacted by the political football and can instead focus on how this might be a golden opportunity to gain entry to a market they had perhaps long coveted but were unable to access in the past.”

“They may be capable of seeing this market more objectively than American [retailers] right now,” Berne said. “They’re not as impacted by the political football and can instead focus on how this might be a golden opportunity to gain entry to a market they had perhaps long coveted but were unable to access in the past.”

While Berne said it was hard to envision a single retailer taking up the entirety of the vacant Nordstrom space, he and other retail experts put forward a few viable retail brands that might be in the sights of the building’s new managers.&nbsp;

While Berne said it was hard to envision a single retailer taking up the entirety of the vacant Nordstrom space, he and other retail experts put forward a few viable retail brands that might be in the sights of the building’s new managers.&nbsp;

The Standard reached out to each of the following retailers for comment but did not receive any responses.&nbsp;

The Standard reached out to each of the following retailers for comment but did not receive any responses.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primark">Primark</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primark">Primark</h2>

The why: The intention is there. Ireland&#8217;s answer to the trendy fast-fashion of H&amp;M, Shein and Zara, Primark already has 24 stores across the U.S., and last October, it <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/primark-continues-us-expansion-with-entry-into-north-carolina---closing-2023-with-24-stores-across-8-states-301952285.html#:~:text=About%20Primark&amp;text=As%20of%20this%20year%2C%20Primark,in%20the%20US%20visit%20here.">announced plans to grow</a> that number to over 60 locations by 2026. The retailer—which earned more than $11 billion in revenue last year—was first established in Dublin a half-century ago and, for most of its history, was a regional department store chain.

The why: The intention is there. Ireland's answer to the trendy fast-fashion of H&amp;M, Shein and Zara, Primark already has 24 stores across the U.S., and last October, it <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/primark-continues-us-expansion-with-entry-into-north-carolina---closing-2023-with-24-stores-across-8-states-301952285.html#:~:text=About%20Primark&amp;text=As%20of%20this%20year%2C%20Primark,in%20the%20US%20visit%20here.">announced plans to grow</a> that number to over 60 locations by 2026. The retailer—which earned more than $11 billion in revenue last year—was first established in Dublin a half-century ago and, for most of its history, was a regional department store chain.

The why: The intention is there. Ireland&#8217;s answer to the trendy fast-fashion of H&amp;M, Shein and Zara, Primark already has 24 stores across the U.S., and last October, it <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/primark-continues-us-expansion-with-entry-into-north-carolina---closing-2023-with-24-stores-across-8-states-301952285.html#:~:text=About%20Primark&amp;text=As%20of%20this%20year%2C%20Primark,in%20the%20US%20visit%20here.">announced plans to grow</a> that number to over 60 locations by 2026. The retailer—which earned more than $11 billion in revenue last year—was first established in Dublin a half-century ago and, for most of its history, was a regional department store chain.

But after jumping to mainland Europe in 2006, the company is in the midst of an accelerated worldwide expansion. Since arriving stateside in 2015, Primark has released popular collections featuring the likes of Rita Ora, Disney and the National Basketball Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But after jumping to mainland Europe in 2006, the company is in the midst of an accelerated worldwide expansion. Since arriving stateside in 2015, Primark has released popular collections featuring the likes of Rita Ora, Disney and the National Basketball Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Irish fast fashion retailer Primark has steadily increased its presence in the U.S. since opening its first location in Boston in 2015. The company's store in Madrid spans more than 130,000 square feet over five floors 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-1204671566.jpg?w=2500" alt="Big interior of department store" class="wp-image-251304"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Irish fast-fashion retailer Primark&#8217;s store in Madrid spans more than 130,000 square feet over five floors.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-1204671566.jpg?w=2500" alt="Big interior of department store" class="wp-image-251304"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Irish fast-fashion retailer Primark's store in Madrid spans more than 130,000 square feet over five floors.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-1204671566.jpg?w=2500" alt="Big interior of department store" class="wp-image-251304"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Irish fast-fashion retailer Primark&#8217;s store in Madrid spans more than 130,000 square feet over five floors.</figcaption></figure>

The why not: While the company is growing its presence in the U.S., it has yet to venture further west than Chicago. Also, although its bargain-based concept would represent a pivot from the mall’s previous reputation as a luxury destination, it may be in line with the mall’s new lowered valuation. Additionally, Primark has never opened a store as large as the vacancy left behind by Nordstrom in San Francisco. The company’s largest location in Birmingham, U.K. spans 160,000 square feet, only around half of the vacated Nordstrom space.&nbsp;

The why not: While the company is growing its presence in the U.S., it has yet to venture further west than Chicago. Also, although its bargain-based concept would represent a pivot from the mall’s previous reputation as a luxury destination, it may be in line with the mall’s new lowered valuation. Additionally, Primark has never opened a store as large as the vacancy left behind by Nordstrom in San Francisco. The company’s largest location in Birmingham, U.K. spans 160,000 square feet, only around half of the vacated Nordstrom space.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-printemps">Printemps</h2>

The why: Similar old-school cachet. Should JLL and Trident want to keep the space high-end, they could simply plug in another pedigreed retail brand like Printemps, the historic French department store chain, which was founded in 1865 and purchased by Qatari investors in 2013. The company’s expansion plans are all focused outside of France, including its first foray into the United States in New York. Its largest location, in Doha, Qatar, is the biggest department store in the Middle East, spanning 430,000 square feet.

The why: Similar old-school cachet. Should JLL and Trident want to keep the space high-end, they could simply plug in another pedigreed retail brand like Printemps, the historic French department store chain, which was founded in 1865 and purchased by Qatari investors in 2013. The company’s expansion plans are all focused outside of France, including its first foray into the United States in New York. Its largest location, in Doha, Qatar, is the biggest department store in the Middle East, spanning 430,000 square feet.

French department store brand Printemps has a massive flagship location in Paris and plans to open its first U.S. location later this year in New York City.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-1784356530.jpg?w=2500" alt="Massive department stores with flowing windows and traffic around" class="wp-image-251287"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">French department store Printemps has a massive flagship in Paris and plans to open its first U.S. location later this year in New York City.</figcaption></figure>

The why not: Printemps’ new U.S. flagship in Lower Manhattan is not slated to open until this fall. Moreover, it only leased 54,365 square feet at the historical Financial District building, located at One Wall Street—about one-sixth of the available space at the San Francisco Centre.&nbsp;

The why not: Printemps’ new U.S. flagship in Lower Manhattan is not slated to open until this fall. Moreover, it only leased 54,365 square feet at the historical Financial District building, located at One Wall Street—about one-sixth of the available space at the San Francisco Centre.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eataly</h2>

The why: The “eat, shop and learn” destination offers visitors a plethora of experiences in the three stories it occupies at Westfield’s Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, including cooking classes, restaurants and an expansive Italian grocery. The company’s success in the South Bay embodies the “experiential” mixed-use retail that is becoming increasingly sought after by consumers—and by landlords.&nbsp;

The why: The “eat, shop and learn” destination offers visitors a plethora of experiences in the three stories it occupies at Westfield’s Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, including cooking classes, restaurants and an expansive Italian grocery. The company’s success in the South Bay embodies the “experiential” mixed-use retail that is becoming increasingly sought after by consumers—and by landlords.&nbsp;

Italian retailer Eataly opened its first Bay Area location in San Jose's Valley Fair mall in 2022.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-1924867370.jpg?w=2500" alt="people inside a shopping marketplace" class="wp-image-251502"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Italian retailer Eataly opened its first Bay Area location in San Jose&#8217;s Valley Fair mall in 2022.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-1924867370.jpg?w=2500" alt="people inside a shopping marketplace" class="wp-image-251502"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Italian retailer Eataly opened its first Bay Area location in San Jose's Valley Fair mall in 2022.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-1924867370.jpg?w=2500" alt="people inside a shopping marketplace" class="wp-image-251502"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Italian retailer Eataly opened its first Bay Area location in San Jose&#8217;s Valley Fair mall in 2022.</figcaption></figure>

The why not: Outside of its multiple locations in New York, the Torino-based company only has two locations in California, in Los Angeles and in San Jose. Notably, it opted to open in thriving Westfield shopping centers and not one that the company decided to abandon.&nbsp;

The why not: Outside of its multiple locations in New York, the Torino-based company only has two locations in California, in Los Angeles and in San Jose. Notably, it opted to open in thriving Westfield shopping centers and not one that the company decided to abandon.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-round1-nbsp">Round1&nbsp;</h2>

The why: Round1, a Japanese bowling and arcade concept, is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/06/japanese-bowling-center-and-arcade-is-coming-to-san-francisco-mall/">already replacing the former Nordstrom</a> at Stonestown Galleria. While it might be a stretch for the Osaka-based company to double down on San Francisco so soon, it might find the five floors of available space irresistible for its “eat-and-play” entertainment concept. The brand could divvy up the space for different uses—like bowling on one floor, karaoke on another, or golf driving range simulators where shoppers used to browse intimates.&nbsp;

Japanese bowling center and arcade is coming to San Francisco mall

The why: Round1, a Japanese bowling and arcade concept, is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/06/japanese-bowling-center-and-arcade-is-coming-to-san-francisco-mall/">already replacing the former Nordstrom</a> at Stonestown Galleria. While it might be a stretch for the Osaka-based company to double down on San Francisco so soon, it might find the five floors of available space irresistible for its “eat-and-play” entertainment concept. The brand could divvy up the space for different uses—like bowling on one floor, karaoke on another, or golf driving range simulators where shoppers used to browse intimates.&nbsp;

Rows of bowling balls are lined up in a ball return.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GettyImages-1196260291.jpg?w=2500" alt="Colorful bowling balls lined up on a rack, with a bowling lane visible in the background." class="wp-image-198278"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At Stonestown Galleria, Japanese company Round1 is filling in the space Nordstrom left behind in 2019. </figcaption></figure>

The why not: A five-level entertainment destination would be the first of its kind in downtown San Francisco, and the buildout would cost a pretty penny. Moreover, companies like Round1 and its boozy American cousin Dave &amp; Buster’s seem more intent on investing in suburban markets (see: Serramonte).&nbsp;

The why not: A five-level entertainment destination would be the first of its kind in downtown San Francisco, and the buildout would cost a pretty penny. Moreover, companies like Round1 and its boozy American cousin Dave &amp; Buster’s seem more intent on investing in suburban markets (see: Serramonte).&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-u-niqlo">Uniqlo</h2>

The why: Buoyed by a strong year in sales, the Japanese casual clothing powerhouse committed to <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uniqlo-to-double-north-american-expansion-with-over-20-new-stores-in-us-and-canada-in-2024-302011496.html">opening 20 more stores</a> in North America in the coming months. Uniqlo opted to ditch its three-story flagship store, totaling 29,000 square feet, in Union Square in 2021. That closure happened in the aftermath of the stringent pandemic lockdowns. Now, three years removed, a bigger space that previously wasn’t on the market is now available, and the landlord has significantly less leverage.

The why: Buoyed by a strong year in sales, the Japanese casual clothing powerhouse committed to <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uniqlo-to-double-north-american-expansion-with-over-20-new-stores-in-us-and-canada-in-2024-302011496.html">opening 20 more stores</a> in North America in the coming months. Uniqlo opted to ditch its three-story flagship store, totaling 29,000 square feet, in Union Square in 2021. That closure happened in the aftermath of the stringent pandemic lockdowns. Now, three years removed, a bigger space that previously wasn’t on the market is now available, and the landlord has significantly less leverage.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 4, 2013: A salesman helps customers with their purchases at the Uniqlo Japanese-owned casual wear retail store in San Francisco's Union Square shopping district. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gettyimages-188099240.jpg?w=2500" alt="shoppers wait in line with clothes" class="wp-image-251504"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Japanese-owned casual wear retail store Uniqlo chose downtown San Francisco as the site of its first West Coast outpost before shuttering the location during the pandemic.</figcaption></figure>

The why not: Absent from Uniqlo’s 2024 expansion plans was any mention of new store openings in California, at least to date. On the West Coast, the Tokyo-based company has only committed to opening two new stores in Washington.

The why not: Absent from Uniqlo’s 2024 expansion plans was any mention of new store openings in California, at least to date. On the West Coast, the Tokyo-based company has only committed to opening two new stores in Washington.

Nordstrom left a giant hole in SF’s downtown mall. Could a foreign store soon fill it?

Liz Lindqwister

Nordstrom employees have confirmed when the store will close for good at the Westfield San Francisco Centre. The department store announced its exit from the Downtown complex in May, saying it would leave when its lease ended.

Nordstrom employees have confirmed when the store will close for good at the Westfield San Francisco Centre. The department store announced its exit from the Downtown complex in May, saying it would leave when its lease ended.

The Nordstrom flagship store will close on Sunday, Aug. 27, according to two staffers at the mall. They could not be named as they were not authorized to speak to the press.

The Nordstrom flagship store will close on Sunday, Aug. 27, according to two staffers at the mall. They could not be named as they were not authorized to speak to the press.

The retail store said in May it would not renew its lease obligations at the Westfield San Francisco Centre and announced the closure of the nearby Nordstrom Rack, which has already shuttered. The two planned closures <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2023/05/02/nordstrom-rack-closing-san-francisco-westfield.html?utm_source=st&amp;utm_medium=en&amp;utm_campaign=BN&amp;utm_content=fr&amp;ana=e_fr_BN&amp;j=31353004&amp;senddate=2023-05-02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">represent about 357,500 square feet</a> of retail space, according to the San Francisco Business Times, which first reported Nordstrom&#8217;s plans.

The retail store said in May it would not renew its lease obligations at the Westfield San Francisco Centre and announced the closure of the nearby Nordstrom Rack, which has already shuttered. The two planned closures <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2023/05/02/nordstrom-rack-closing-san-francisco-westfield.html?utm_source=st&amp;utm_medium=en&amp;utm_campaign=BN&amp;utm_content=fr&amp;ana=e_fr_BN&amp;j=31353004&amp;senddate=2023-05-02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">represent about 357,500 square feet</a> of retail space, according to the San Francisco Business Times, which first reported Nordstrom's plans.

The retail store said in May it would not renew its lease obligations at the Westfield San Francisco Centre and announced the closure of the nearby Nordstrom Rack, which has already shuttered. The two planned closures <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2023/05/02/nordstrom-rack-closing-san-francisco-westfield.html?utm_source=st&amp;utm_medium=en&amp;utm_campaign=BN&amp;utm_content=fr&amp;ana=e_fr_BN&amp;j=31353004&amp;senddate=2023-05-02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">represent about 357,500 square feet</a> of retail space, according to the San Francisco Business Times, which first reported Nordstrom&#8217;s plans.

Yet even as Nordstrom plans to pull out of San Francisco, the store announced plans to grow its footprint across California with the opening of <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nordstrom-rack-to-open-five-new-california-stores-in-davis-elk-grove-gilroy-oceanside-and-san-mateo-301796511.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five new Nordstrom Rack locations</a> across the state, including one in San Mateo.

Yet even as Nordstrom plans to pull out of San Francisco, the store announced plans to grow its footprint across California with the opening of <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nordstrom-rack-to-open-five-new-california-stores-in-davis-elk-grove-gilroy-oceanside-and-san-mateo-301796511.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five new Nordstrom Rack locations</a> across the state, including one in San Mateo.

Inside the downtown San Francisco Nordstrom on its last day

Iconic San Francisco Nordstrom sign removed from old Westfield mall

Nordstrom left a giant hole in SF’s downtown mall. Could a foreign store soon fill it?

Here’s when downtown San Francisco’s Nordstrom will close its doors

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Search Results for: nordstrom

Inside the downtown San Francisco Nordstrom on its last day

Iconic San Francisco Nordstrom sign removed from old Westfield mall

Nordstrom left a giant hole in SF’s downtown mall. Could a foreign store soon fill it?

Here’s when downtown San Francisco’s Nordstrom will close its doors

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