Nordstrom says Chandler Fashion Center location closing permanently

PHOENIX – Upscale department store chain Nordstrom said Friday one of its metro Phoenix locations closed because of the coronavirus pandemic will be permanently shuttered.

“To respond to the impacts of COVID-19 and ensure we’re able to continue serving customers well into the future, we will be closing 16 of our fleet of full-line stores, including Nordstrom Chandler Fashion Center,” the company told KTAR News 92.3 FM in an email.

The company said the decision on which stores to closed was based on needs of the markets as well as business and real estate agreements in place.

The email said the selected stores, which have been shut since March 17, won’t reopen to the public again and will be fully closed by August.

“These types of decisions are never easy because we realize what this means for our employees,” the email said. “We’re committed to taking care of them as best we can, including providing support and resources through this transition.”

Nordstrom announced the number of planned closures Tuesday but did not reveal the locations at the time.

The company also said it was restructuring its regions, support roles and corporate organization.

“More than ever, we need to work with flexibility and speed,” CEO Erik Nordstrom said in a press release.

“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.”

The company also revealed plans for how it would eventually reopen stores when restrictions are lifted.

The closure will leave the Valley with one regular Nordstrom at the Scottsdale Fashion Square and six Nordstrom Rack clearance outlets across metro Phoenix.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Kinnerup contributed to this report.

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