Adam Lashinsky

Two years ago, when Nordstrom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/29/heres-when-downtown-san-franciscos-nordstrom-will-close-its-doors/">shuttered its once-gleaming flagship store</a> in Westfield San Francisco Centre, the city convulsed with anxiety over the demise of local shopping and overall business vitality.

Here&#8217;s when downtown San Francisco&#8217;s Nordstrom will close its doors

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Two years ago, when Nordstrom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/29/heres-when-downtown-san-franciscos-nordstrom-will-close-its-doors/">shuttered its once-gleaming flagship store</a> in Westfield San Francisco Centre, the city convulsed with anxiety over the demise of local shopping and overall business vitality.

Given that continued state of existential angst, you’d think news of Nordstrom proposing a new store in San Francisco would be warmly greeted. But you’d be wrong — at least in the case of a group of residents loudly opposing the company’s desire to move into their neighborhood.

Given that continued state of existential angst, you’d think news of Nordstrom proposing a new store in San Francisco would be warmly greeted. But you’d be wrong — at least in the case of a group of residents loudly opposing the company’s desire to move into their neighborhood.

The kerfuffle is playing out at the San Francisco Planning Commission, where the Seattle retailer is requesting approval to put a concept store called Nordstrom Local into a vacant storefront at 1919 Fillmore St. The commission on June 5 plans to consider Nordstrom’s request for “conditional-use” authorization. That Nordstrom needs permission at all to fill a retail space that has been without a long-term tenant since before the pandemic is a perfect illustration of the city’s outdated and restrictive approach to “formula retail,” or what normal people call chain stores. 

The kerfuffle is playing out at the San Francisco Planning Commission, where the Seattle retailer is requesting approval to put a concept store called Nordstrom Local into a vacant storefront at 1919 Fillmore St. The commission on June 5 plans to consider Nordstrom’s request for “conditional-use” authorization. That Nordstrom needs permission at all to fill a retail space that has been without a long-term tenant since before the pandemic is a perfect illustration of the city’s outdated and restrictive approach to “formula retail,” or what normal people call chain stores.

Frustratingly, it’s yet another example of how San Francisco’s kvetchocracy all too often reigns over a commonsense approach to governing and doing business.&nbsp;

Frustratingly, it’s yet another example of how San Francisco’s kvetchocracy all too often reigns over a commonsense approach to governing and doing business.&nbsp;

For years, the city has made it increasingly difficult for brands owned by big corporations to set up shop in town, invoking the vaunted “San Francisco values” of promoting and protecting local merchants. But given the current reality on our streets and neighborhoods, with too many boarded-up storefronts and empty sidewalks, it’s time to walk back that tired approach. After all, it isn’t exactly consistent with San Francisco values to encourage locals to shop in the suburbs because the stores in their neighborhoods are shuttered.&nbsp;

For years, the city has made it increasingly difficult for brands owned by big corporations to set up shop in town, invoking the vaunted “San Francisco values” of promoting and protecting local merchants. But given the current reality on our streets and neighborhoods, with too many boarded-up storefronts and empty sidewalks, it’s time to walk back that tired approach. After all, it isn’t exactly consistent with San Francisco values to encourage locals to shop in the suburbs because the stores in their neighborhoods are shuttered.&nbsp;

In the case of Nordstrom, approval of the new store should be a no-brainer. The 1,648-square-foot location would be a showroom, tailoring service, and pickup-and-return center for Nordstrom.com, rather than a full-blown shopping emporium. It’s a clever approach for Nordstrom, which knows that many consumers prefer shopping online, but like having a physical location for returns and alterations. It would be only the seventh <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/services/nordstrom-local?breadcrumb=Home%2FServices%2FNordstrom%20Local">Nordstrom Local</a> location, the others being in Southern California and New York. In other words, the shop should be a feather in San Francisco’s retailing cap.&nbsp;

In the case of Nordstrom, approval of the new store should be a no-brainer. The 1,648-square-foot location would be a showroom, tailoring service, and pickup-and-return center for Nordstrom.com, rather than a full-blown shopping emporium. It’s a clever approach for Nordstrom, which knows that many consumers prefer shopping online, but like having a physical location for returns and alterations. It would be only the seventh <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/services/nordstrom-local?breadcrumb=Home%2FServices%2FNordstrom%20Local">Nordstrom Local</a> location, the others being in Southern California and New York. In other words, the shop should be a feather in San Francisco’s retailing cap.&nbsp;

A Nordstrom Local location on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nordstrom-local-ues_3.jpg" alt="A sleek store interior with white walls features areas for online pickups, Nordstrom Local services, tailoring, and gift wrapping. Shelves display bags and boxes." class="wp-image-401374"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Nordstrom Local location on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nordstrom-local-ues_3.jpg" alt="A sleek store interior with white walls features areas for online pickups, Nordstrom Local services, tailoring, and gift wrapping. Shelves display bags and boxes." class="wp-image-401374"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Nordstrom Local location on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.</figcaption></figure>

But that’s not how some in the neighborhood see it. Residents have come out in force to suggest that Nordstrom Local isn’t the right fit for Fillmore Street. “This street has historically been home to local retailers such as Mio, Mudpie, Sue Fisher King, and Cielo, and many more beloved shops that serve and reflect the Upper Fillmore community,” wrote Ditka Reiner, a Clay Street resident, in a letter filed with the Planning Commission in opposition to Nordstrom’s application.&nbsp;

But that’s not how some in the neighborhood see it. Residents have come out in force to suggest that Nordstrom Local isn’t the right fit for Fillmore Street. “This street has historically been home to local retailers such as Mio, Mudpie, Sue Fisher King, and Cielo, and many more beloved shops that serve and reflect the Upper Fillmore community,” wrote Ditka Reiner, a Clay Street resident, in a letter filed with the Planning Commission in opposition to Nordstrom’s application.&nbsp;

Paul Wermer of California Street offered a helpful note: “We have suggested that Laurel Village is a much better location,” given its parking lot. Wermer and others fear that Nordstrom Local customers will double-park on busy Fillmore Street.

Paul Wermer of California Street offered a helpful note: “We have suggested that Laurel Village is a much better location,” given its parking lot. Wermer and others fear that Nordstrom Local customers will double-park on busy Fillmore Street.

You’d think the neighbors would be less concerned about double-parking — though I hate it too and wish the cops would write more tickets — than the vibrancy of their local shopping strip. It’s also rich that some think they know better than Nordstrom, which obviously has its reasons for choosing Fillmore, about where its store should go.

You’d think the neighbors would be less concerned about double-parking — though I hate it too and wish the cops would write more tickets — than the vibrancy of their local shopping strip. It’s also rich that some think they know better than Nordstrom, which obviously has its reasons for choosing Fillmore, about where its store should go.

Opinion: What would it look like for Aaron Peskin to be mayor? Ask Bob’s Donuts

sf-standard/related-post

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Nordstrom can’t receive a routine permit to operate in this location because of the city’s long hostility toward formula retail. A 2006 ballot initiative <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/prop-g-chain-stores-to-be-restricted/article_88ebe282-d03c-5f95-a011-c6c9ae250935.html">enthusiastically promoted</a> by then-Supervisor Aaron Peskin — a champion of keeping San Francisco as it is for eternity — required that any brand with at least 11 locations nationwide get conditional-use permission to open in multiple commercial districts. A later ordinance by another supervisor, Eric Mar, plunged the knife further by changing the definition to any operator with 11 stores worldwide.&nbsp;

Nordstrom can’t receive a routine permit to operate in this location because of the city’s long hostility toward formula retail. A 2006 ballot initiative <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/prop-g-chain-stores-to-be-restricted/article_88ebe282-d03c-5f95-a011-c6c9ae250935.html">enthusiastically promoted</a> by then-Supervisor Aaron Peskin — a champion of keeping San Francisco as it is for eternity — required that any brand with at least 11 locations nationwide get conditional-use permission to open in multiple commercial districts. A later ordinance by another supervisor, Eric Mar, plunged the knife further by changing the definition to any operator with 11 stores worldwide.&nbsp;

The result is a commercial environment that is the opposite of what Mayor Daniel “Open for Business” Lurie has said he wants — and what San Franciscans clearly voted for in November. A new study by real estate brokerage Maven Commercial found that while the majority of big brands that apply for conditional-use authorization eventually get it, the wait time for approval is more than seven months, and applicants pay at least $25,000 in expediting and legal fees.&nbsp;

The result is a commercial environment that is the opposite of what Mayor Daniel “Open for Business” Lurie has said he wants — and what San Franciscans clearly voted for in November. A new study by real estate brokerage Maven Commercial found that while the majority of big brands that apply for conditional-use authorization eventually get it, the wait time for approval is more than seven months, and applicants pay at least $25,000 in expediting and legal fees.&nbsp;

This is great news for land-use attorneys, but its terrible news for landlords, who lose out on rent; city coffers, which go without much-needed tax revenue; and unemployed San Franciscans who have to wait months to land jobs. Instead of bogging down the process, wondered Maven partner Pamela Mendelsohn, “why isn’t the city … speeding things up?”&nbsp;

This is great news for land-use attorneys, but its terrible news for landlords, who lose out on rent; city coffers, which go without much-needed tax revenue; and unemployed San Franciscans who have to wait months to land jobs. Instead of bogging down the process, wondered Maven partner Pamela Mendelsohn, “why isn’t the city … speeding things up?”&nbsp;

Some in City Hall are asking the same question. Newbie Supervisor Stephen Sherrill recently passed legislation, which Mayor Lurie signed, to remove conditional-use requirements for businesses on a stretch of long-suffering Van Ness Avenue. The reason he was able to do so relatively easily is that the affected section of Van Ness is what’s known as a “residential-commercial” zone and therefore not covered by the 2006 ballot initiative. Huge swaths of the city, by contrast, have been designated “Neighborhood Commercial Districts,” where easing approval for big brands would require asking voters to undo what they did two decades ago.

Some in City Hall are asking the same question. Newbie Supervisor Stephen Sherrill recently passed legislation, which Mayor Lurie signed, to remove conditional-use requirements for businesses on a stretch of long-suffering Van Ness Avenue. The reason he was able to do so relatively easily is that the affected section of Van Ness is what’s known as a “residential-commercial” zone and therefore not covered by the 2006 ballot initiative. Huge swaths of the city, by contrast, have been designated “Neighborhood Commercial Districts,” where easing approval for big brands would require asking voters to undo what they did two decades ago.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar, a former president of the Planning Commission, is mulling another swipe at the formula-retail blockade. She told me last week she is drafting legislation that would make it easier for big-name brands to slot into a space vacated by another chain store. “It would be ‘same for same,’” she said, noting that in the last five years, a stretch of Ocean Avenue in her district has seen a Target, a CVS, and two Walgreens close down.&nbsp;

Supervisor Myrna Melgar, a former president of the Planning Commission, is mulling another swipe at the formula-retail blockade. She told me last week she is drafting legislation that would make it easier for big-name brands to slot into a space vacated by another chain store. “It would be ‘same for same,’” she said, noting that in the last five years, a stretch of Ocean Avenue in her district has seen a Target, a CVS, and two Walgreens close down.&nbsp;

She said the chain-store restrictions are “hurting the people we precisely want to help” by making it difficult for merchants to move in. Big brands, which often occupy spaces mom-and-pop stores can’t, act as anchors for the neighborhood. “You go to pick up a prescription, and you stay to buy apples,” Melgar said.

She said the chain-store restrictions are “hurting the people we precisely want to help” by making it difficult for merchants to move in. Big brands, which often occupy spaces mom-and-pop stores can’t, act as anchors for the neighborhood. “You go to pick up a prescription, and you stay to buy apples,” Melgar said.

The mayor’s office hasn’t commented on the Nordstrom Local proposal specifically or formula retail generally. But it’s reasonable to assume Lurie’s economic development team plans to focus on loosening the rules. Melgar is meeting this week with Sarah Dennis Phillips, executive director of the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, to discuss what could go into a ballot initiative next year.&nbsp;

The mayor’s office hasn’t commented on the Nordstrom Local proposal specifically or formula retail generally. But it’s reasonable to assume Lurie’s economic development team plans to focus on loosening the rules. Melgar is meeting this week with Sarah Dennis Phillips, executive director of the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, to discuss what could go into a ballot initiative next year.&nbsp;

Knocking down formula-retail restrictions would be consistent with the effort Lurie announced in February <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/02/21/daniel-lurie-sly-mayor-moves/">to revamp permitting processes citywide.</a> The mayor gave the people running the PermitSF initiative a year to “develop and recommend amendments to [the] City Charter” for how permitting works. Such tinkering easily could include addressing restrictions on formula retail.&nbsp;

Damn, Daniel: Lurie is getting the hang of being mayor, one sly move at a time

Knocking down formula-retail restrictions would be consistent with the effort Lurie announced in February <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2025/02/21/daniel-lurie-sly-mayor-moves/">to revamp permitting processes citywide.</a> The mayor gave the people running the PermitSF initiative a year to “develop and recommend amendments to [the] City Charter” for how permitting works. Such tinkering easily could include addressing restrictions on formula retail.&nbsp;

The outcome of such efforts will help determine how rapidly San Francisco&nbsp;can get the wind back into its sails. Those are the values — not quibbles about double-parking — we should be concerned about right now.

The outcome of such efforts will help determine how rapidly San Francisco&nbsp;can get the wind back into its sails. Those are the values — not quibbles about double-parking — we should be concerned about right now.

An earlier version of this story stated that 1919 Fillmore St. had been &#8220;empty since before the pandemic.&#8221; A retail tenant occupied the space for several months in 2024.

An earlier version of this story stated that 1919 Fillmore St. had been "empty since before the pandemic." A retail tenant occupied the space for several months in 2024.

An earlier version of this story stated that 1919 Fillmore St. had been &#8220;empty since before the pandemic.&#8221; A retail tenant occupied the space for several months in 2024.

The Nordstrom follies: How bad laws and whiny neighbors are slowing SF’s comeback

Opinion: The Nordstrom follies: How bad laws and whiny neighbors are slowing SF’s comeback

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.

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>

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

Garrett Leahy

Inside the shuttered Nordstrom Rack in downtown San Francisco, the crowd booed and laughed as former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris sparred in their first — and potentially only — debate Tuesday night.

Inside the shuttered Nordstrom Rack in downtown San Francisco, the crowd booed and laughed as former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris sparred in their first — and potentially only — debate Tuesday night.

Surrounded by political posters and full-length mirrors at the department store-turned campaign office, voters and officials were jubilant as Trump launched into a tirade about migrants in Springfield, Ohio, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/baseless-claim-haiti-immigrants-cats-springfield-ohio/">eating peoples’ pets</a>, called Harris a “Marxist,” and grew flustered when the vice president mocked the crowd sizes at his rallies.

Surrounded by political posters and full-length mirrors at the department store-turned campaign office, voters and officials were jubilant as Trump launched into a tirade about migrants in Springfield, Ohio, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/baseless-claim-haiti-immigrants-cats-springfield-ohio/">eating peoples’ pets</a>, called Harris a “Marxist,” and grew flustered when the vice president mocked the crowd sizes at his rallies.

“He’s taking the bait,” San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Nancy Tung said. “She’s crushing him.”

“He’s taking the bait,” San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Nancy Tung said. “She’s crushing him.”

Party organizers said some 300 people showed up to watch the debate.

Party organizers said some 300 people showed up to watch the debate.

People watch the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump at San Francisco Democrat headquarters in San Francisco on September 10, 2024. The newly opened democrat headquarters have taken over the shuttered Nordstrom that previously occupied the location.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/202409009-kamalahqdebatewatchparty_aar_18.jpg?w=2500" alt="A crowd watches a debate on a wall-mounted TV in a large room, featuring two political figures. The audience is diverse, standing and seated, focused on the screen." class="wp-image-310378"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The local Democratic Party recently set up shop in the former Nordstrom Rack downtown.</figcaption></figure>

Standing in front of a “Kamala’s Kantina” bar stocked with cookies and bottled water set up on what was once the store’s checkout counter, Tung said Harris will resonate with Americans more than Trump thanks to her long career in public office.

Standing in front of a “Kamala’s Kantina” bar stocked with cookies and bottled water set up on what was once the store’s checkout counter, Tung said Harris will resonate with Americans more than Trump thanks to her long career in public office.

“Politics is about contrast, and Trump and Harris couldn’t be more different,” Tung said. “He’s served himself his whole life. Harris has served the public her whole life.”

“Politics is about contrast, and Trump and Harris couldn’t be more different,” Tung said. “He’s served himself his whole life. Harris has served the public her whole life.”

The local Democratic Party recently set up shop in the former Nordstrom Rack at the corner of 5th and Market streets to organize volunteers working to elect a former San Francisco district attorney as the next president.

The local Democratic Party recently set up shop in the former Nordstrom Rack at the corner of 5th and Market streets to organize volunteers working to elect a former San Francisco district attorney as the next president.

Campaign volunteer Susan Beckstead stands behind what used to be a checkout counter to give out snacks during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump at San Francisco Democrat headquarters in San Francisco on September 10, 2024. The newly opened democrat headquarters have taken over the shuttered Nordstrom that previously occupied the location.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/202409009-kamalahqdebatewatchparty_aar_34_5cc520.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two women are at a decorated counter with snacks and drinks, including bottled water. One wears a &quot;SF DEMS&quot; shirt, and a sign reads &quot;Kamala's Kantina,&quot; with colorful banners." class="wp-image-310394"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Campaign volunteer Susan Beckstead gives out snacks at “Kamala’s Kantina” during the debate watch party.</figcaption></figure>

Harris&#8217; Tuesday night performance, which was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/10/politics/debate-takeaways-trump-harris/index.html">widely seen</a> <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/10/who-won-harris-trump-presidential-debate/75148815007/">as successful</a>, follows President Joe Biden&#8217;s disastrous showing in a June debate, which prompted him to exit the presidential race.

Harris' Tuesday night performance, which was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/10/politics/debate-takeaways-trump-harris/index.html">widely seen</a> <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/10/who-won-harris-trump-presidential-debate/75148815007/">as successful</a>, follows President Joe Biden's disastrous showing in a June debate, which prompted him to exit the presidential race.

Harris&#8217; Tuesday night performance, which was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/10/politics/debate-takeaways-trump-harris/index.html">widely seen</a> <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/10/who-won-harris-trump-presidential-debate/75148815007/">as successful</a>, follows President Joe Biden&#8217;s disastrous showing in a June debate, which prompted him to exit the presidential race.

“She’s fabulous,” said Albany resident Eleanor Moses. “She drove down on the facts, and she’s representing the people. Trump’s comments are so off the wall.”

“She’s fabulous,” said Albany resident Eleanor Moses. “She drove down on the facts, and she’s representing the people. Trump’s comments are so off the wall.”

State Sen. Scott Wiener put it a little more bluntly, saying Harris “kicked his rear end.” He added, “She called him out for his BS over and over, especially how Trump is the reason Roe v. Wade no longer exists. It was really powerful.”

State Sen. Scott Wiener put it a little more bluntly, saying Harris “kicked his rear end.” He added, “She called him out for his BS over and over, especially how Trump is the reason Roe v. Wade no longer exists. It was really powerful.”

People react to Vice President Kamala Harris during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump at San Francisco Democrat headquarters in San Francisco on September 10, 2024. The newly opened democrat headquarters have taken over the shuttered Nordstrom that previously occupied the location.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/202409009-kamalahqdebatewatchparty_aar_5.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of people sits attentively in a room with large windows. One person wears a &quot;Dems&quot; t-shirt and another sports a purple scarf. Some wear masks, and all are focused." class="wp-image-310359"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“Trump’s comments are so off the wall,” said one debate watcher. </figcaption></figure>

Betsy Burroughs, left, and Monica Krick react to former President Donald Trump during the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump at San Francisco Democrat headquarters in San Francisco on September 10, 2024. The newly opened democrat headquarters have taken over the shuttered Nordstrom that previously occupied the location.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/202409009-kamalahqdebatewatchparty_aar_3.jpg?w=2500" alt="A diverse group of people sits attentively in a spacious, brightly lit room, with some standing in the back. Two women in the foreground appear emotional; one wipes her eye." class="wp-image-310357"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Democratic watch party organizers said some 300 people attended.</figcaption></figure>

When Harris said “Donald Trump should not be telling women what to do with their bodies,” audience members, many of them women, erupted into applause.

When Harris said “Donald Trump should not be telling women what to do with their bodies,” audience members, many of them women, erupted into applause.

Andrea Henderson, 47, who was visiting from Denver for an Airbnb conference, said “It’s just amazing. She’s calling out his BS, his lies.”

Andrea Henderson, 47, who was visiting from Denver for an Airbnb conference, said “It’s just amazing. She’s calling out his BS, his lies.”

Harris-Trump clash: See the results of our post-debate poll

The GOP watch party, or at least the tail end of it, was comparatively tame when The Standard dropped by the back room of Haight Street sports bar Mad Dog in the Fog, where around 50 people sat with their eyes glued to six TVs lining the walls, munching on buffalo wings and french fries.

The GOP watch party, or at least the tail end of it, was comparatively tame when The Standard dropped by the back room of Haight Street sports bar Mad Dog in the Fog, where around 50 people sat with their eyes glued to six TVs lining the walls, munching on buffalo wings and french fries.

Julian Goduci, 60, rebuked criticisms of Trump delivering rambling responses, saying that the former president stayed on message.

Julian Goduci, 60, rebuked criticisms of Trump delivering rambling responses, saying that the former president stayed on message.

“Trump was way better than Kamala,” Goduci said. “He brought up the economy, the border, rising prices, all the issues people care about.”

“Trump was way better than Kamala,” Goduci said. “He brought up the economy, the border, rising prices, all the issues people care about.”

Opinion: The Nordstrom follies: How bad laws and whiny neighbors are slowing SF’s comeback

Inside the downtown San Francisco Nordstrom on its last day

Iconic San Francisco Nordstrom sign removed from old Westfield mall

‘She’s crushing him’: Watching the debate at Kamala Harris’ new SF HQ

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

Search Results for: nordstrom

Opinion: The Nordstrom follies: How bad laws and whiny neighbors are slowing SF’s comeback

Inside the downtown San Francisco Nordstrom on its last day

Iconic San Francisco Nordstrom sign removed from old Westfield mall

‘She’s crushing him’: Watching the debate at Kamala Harris’ new SF HQ

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