Seattle-based department store Nordstrom announced Thursday (March 2) that it had made the decision to "discontinue support for Nordstrom Canada's business operations." Consequently, all of the stores in Canada, including the one at the corner of Granville and Georgia in Downtown Vancouver, will be closing.
The Nordstrom.ca e-commerce site ceased operation today according to a document acquired by V.I.A., however, information regarding the upcoming liquidation sale, and other important bulletins will be available on the website during what the company is calling "the wind-down period."
Nordstrom is wasting no time terminating its Canadian business and in a recent press release suggests that all stores will be closed by late June 2023.
"Nordstrom Canada intends to wind down its Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores across Canada, with the help of a third-party liquidator," reads the press release. The liquidation sale is subject to approval by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act and the hearing is scheduled for March 20.
'Despite our best efforts, we do not see a realistic path to profitability for the Canadian business': Nordstrom CEO
"We entered Canada in 2014 with a plan to build and sustain a long-term business there," says CEO Erik Nordstrom. "Despite our best efforts, we do not see a realistic path to profitability for the Canadian business. We want to thank our team for their performance and dedication in serving customers in Canada. This decision will simplify our structure, intensify focus on our growth and profitability goals and position us to create greater value for our shareholders."
The estimated Canadian workforce losing their jobs is 2,500 across six Nordstrom stores and seven Nordstrom Racks.
The closest Nordstrom Rack to Vancouver is located in Langley.
The 230,000-square-foot Pacific Centre Nordstrom opened in 2015 and has been a busy shopping destination for Vancouverites ever since.
What to expect at Nordstrom's Vancouver store as of now
Anyone who has returns or exchanges to make can do so in-store until March 17. Afterwards, all sales are final and returns and exchanges will no longer be permitted. In addition, all Nordy Club points that haven't been converted to Nordy Notes will expire as of today.
Alterations services for new fittings will not be provided after today, all existing alterations orders will be completed and must be picked up by March 17 or they will be considered a “return” and the product will be sold during the liquidation sale.
The store is no longer accepting stylist appointments or offering curbside pick-up and all food services and restaurant locations, including the newly opened Milk Bar will be closed by March 15.
