Nordstrom permanently closing 16 full-line stores due to pandemic

Nordstrom is preparing to close 16 of its 116 full-line stores nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has dramatically impacted retail stores and businesses.

The Seattle-based company already moved its big Anniversary Sale later in the year, and has stated that it will be reopening with a phased-in approach. There is no definite timeline from Nordstrom on when stores will reopen as the company plans to follow state and local government guidelines.

“We want to be sure the approach we’re taking to reopen our stores is thoughtful, and that we’re creating a store environment that’s safe for everyone. Our stores won’t open all at once.”

While stores are closed for in-person shopping, Nordstrom has continued to fulfill online orders, though its website warns customers that wait times may be longer than usual due to an increased demand.

It is not yet certain which locations will be closed or what the closures will mean in terms of employee job losses. Nordstrom at Northgate Mall already announced its closure late last year.

“Many of the closures will be in secondary markets where the loss will be felt by mall operators and other tenants,” Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail told Business Insider. “It is a blow for malls already severely bruised by the crisis and slowdown in retail.”

Unfortunately, Nordstrom is not the first store to show signs of trouble. J. Crew declared bankruptcy Monday and experts suspect more retailers may follow.

When Nordstrom stores do reopen, the company has a list of expected updates that will be in place to protect customers and employees, including health screenings for employees, face coverings, social distancing, limiting the number of people in store, increased cleaning, a modified fitting-room experience, and continued curbside pick-up options.

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According to Business Insider, Nordstrom has 378 total locations, including its full-line stores, Nordstrom Rack stores, three Jeffrey boutiques, two clearance stores, five Trunk Club clubhouses, and five Nordstrom Local service hubs.