NORFOLK, Va (WVEC) – Newly released numbers show a continuing trend of declining sales at a popular department store in Hampton Roads.
Nordstrom at MacArthur Center is the only one of its kind in the Tidewater market and one of two anchor stores. Now, all eyes are on if the retail giant will renew its lease next year.
"We sure hope Nordstrom would decide to stay,” said James Wofford, MacArthur Center General Manager.
Wofford said negotiations are underway right now. While deciding on the future of the store, declining sales numbers will be considered.
"We're always concerned about the numbers,” said Wofford. “We want everyone to maximize their full potential when it comes to sales."
Last year, data from city staff shows gross sales total was $11.2 million. That’s down almost $4 million from 2016.
And that decline seems to be a trend, according to mall officials. For example, in 2007 total gross sales was $32.8 million.
Wofford attributes that to growing online sales.
He told 13News Now a good sign the store might stay is having Nordstrom Rack recently moving to Virginia Beach.
"We hope that their credit card holders are increased in the market,” He said. “And we hope that because of that they see the fact that to pull a Nordstrom out of this market probably isn't the greatest idea in the world."
Wofford also points to the possibility of a MacArthur expansion with the building of a multi-use development with apartments and restaurants.
Even if the Nordstrom store closes, Wofford said the mall’s future is “extremely bright”.
"There's opportunity there to take that space that would probably even enhance the overall critical mass of retail downtown,” he said.
13News Now will update you on any developments as the City of Norfolk negotiates a lease with Nordstrom.