Nordstrom announced May 5 it would close 16 full-line stores as it begins a phased reopening of locations closed due to coronavirus.
The retailer didn’t specify which stores would close.
Nordstrom opened a full-line department store in 2014 in St. Johns Town Center. Mall management could not be reached for comment.
“We’ve been investing in our digital and physical capabilities to keep pace with rapidly changing customer expectations. The impact of COVID-19 is only accelerating the importance of these capabilities in serving customers,” said Erik Nordstrom, CEO of Nordstrom Inc., in a statement.
“More than ever, we need to work with flexibility and speed. Our market strategy helps with both, bringing inventory closer to where customers live and work, allowing us to use our stores as fulfillment centers to get products to customers faster, and connecting digital and physical experiences with services like curbside pickup and returns.”
More than half the stores’ sales are done online, the release said.
Nordstrom stores closed March 17 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The release said the company plans a “phased, market-by-market approach where allowed by local authorities.”
As those stores reopen, Nordstrom will have safety precautions in place. It will screen employees and provide face coverings for them. The number of customers in the stores will be limited, fitting rooms will be modified and cleaning and sanitizing will increase.
The stores will continue to offer contactless curbside pickup.
In addition to store closures, Nordstrom announced a restructuring of its regions, support roles and corporate organization, which is expected to create a $150 million saving, the release said.
Seattle-based Nordstrom opened a two-level, 124,000-square-foot department store in October 2014 as the anchor of the third phase of St. Johns Town Center.
It also operates a Nordstrom Rack off-price store at The Markets at Town Center.