During a public meeting on Monday, Mayor Wilson said he recently spoke with Nordstrom CEO Erik B. Nordstrom, who allegedly expressed doubts about the company's long-term presence in the city. Wilson claimed the CEO told him that he was unsure how much longer Nordstrom could continue operating in Portland, according to reporting from The Oregonian.
The remarks have sparked concern among local shoppers and business leaders alike, particularly as the city continues grappling with broader downtown recovery efforts.
Company Says No Closure Planned (For Now)
Despite the mayor’s comments, Nordstrom has clarified its stance in a statement provided to KOIN 6 News. A company spokesperson said:
The reassurance comes at a time when Portlanders are still adjusting to the loss of several national retailers and changes in the downtown landscape.
Only One Nordstrom Location Remains
The only Nordstrom store still operating in Portland is the flagship downtown location at 701 SW Broadway. The company previously closed its location at the Lloyd Center, which was demolished last month to make room for a new live music venue backed by Monqui Presents.
The downtown store has long been a staple of Portland’s retail scene, serving shoppers for decades in the heart of the city. Its potential departure would be yet another blow to local retail and foot traffic.
A Sign of Broader Trends?
Portland has seen a number of prominent retailers reevaluate their footprint in the city, often citing challenges related to downtown recovery, safety, and shifting consumer behavior.
While Nordstrom has not confirmed any plans to close its Portland location, Mayor Wilson’s remarks suggest those discussions may already be happening behind the scenes.
For now, shoppers can still visit the SW Broadway store as usual. But with uncertainty looming, many are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
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