Next week will mark the 4 year anniversary of Nordstrom closing their very popular Downtown Vancouver location.
Nordstrom’s flagship store in Downtown Vancouver was a significant addition to the city’s retail landscape when it opened on September 18, 2015. The store, located at 799 Robson Street, took over the former Sears Canada location in the Pacific Centre. Nordstrom’s arrival was highly anticipated, bringing a touch of luxury and a wide range of high-end brands to the heart of Vancouver.
The store featured multiple floors of fashion, beauty, and accessories, alongside an array of dining options that elevated the shopping experience. Nordstrom’s commitment to exceptional customer service and a curated selection of products quickly made it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.
However, despite its initial success, Nordstrom announced its decision to close the Vancouver store on June 13, 2020. The closure was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and address the evolving retail landscape, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic impact of the pandemic significantly affected brick-and-mortar retail, leading to a shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping.
The closure of Nordstrom in Downtown Vancouver marked the end of an era, leaving a notable gap in the city’s retail scene. The space that once housed the iconic store now awaits a new tenant, ready to bring fresh energy to the bustling area.
Predecessors of the location included Eaton’s and Sears.
Eaton’s, a Canadian department store chain, originally opened its doors in this prime location in 1973. The store was part of the Pacific Centre, a major shopping complex in the heart of Vancouver. Eaton’s was a significant retail anchor for the Pacific Centre, offering a wide range of products from fashion to home goods. It played a crucial role in shaping the shopping experience for Vancouverites and contributed to the vibrancy of Downtown Vancouver. However, facing financial difficulties, Eaton’s declared bankruptcy in 1999 and subsequently closed its doors.
Following Eaton’s closure, Sears Canada took over the location in 2002. Sears maintained the space, continuing the tradition of a department store presence in the Pacific Centre. Over the years, Sears faced its own set of challenges with declining sales and increasing competition from other retailers and e-commerce platforms. Despite efforts to revitalize the store, Sears announced its closure in 2012 as part of a broader effort to downsize and restructure the company.
In 2015, Nordstrom opened in the vacated Sears location, bringing a fresh, upscale shopping experience to Downtown Vancouver. The arrival of Nordstrom was met with great enthusiasm, as it promised a blend of high-end brands and excellent customer service. Despite its success, Nordstrom eventually closed in 2020, marking the end of an era for the historic retail space at 799 Robson Street.
Each of these tenants—Eaton’s, Sears, and Nordstrom—has left an indelible mark on the retail landscape of Downtown Vancouver, reflecting the evolving nature of consumer preferences and the retail industry.
