Seattle-based Nordstrom is permanently closing 16 stores

In March, Nordstrom announced the temporary closure of all of its stores, including full-scale department stores, Nordstrom Rack, Trunk Club clubhouses, and Jeffrey.

On Tuesday, the Seattle-based luxury retailer announced the permanent closure of 16 of these stores.

“We’ve been investing in our digital and physical capabilities to keep pace with rapidly changing customer expectations. The impact of COVID-19 is only accelerating the importance of these capabilities in serving customers,” said Erik Nordstrom, chief executive officer of Nordstrom, Inc. in a press release.

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“More than ever, we need to work with flexibility and speed. 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.”

To meet these changes, the company is planning to close 16 full-line stores and is restructuring its regions, support roles, and corporate organization to maximize speed and flexibility, as well as save approximately $150 million.

They have not yet disclosed which stores will be closing.

Nordstrom has also announced plans of reopening in a “phased, market-by-market approach where allowed by local authorities and with the health and safety of employees, customers and communities as a priority.”