Nordstrom closes stores in response to coronavirus outbreak

Nordstrom announced Tuesday it is temporarily closing all of its stores in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The closures were expected to go into effect immediately.

“On behalf of everyone at Nordstrom, our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19 – this includes not only those diagnosed with the virus, but also their friends and family, those whose jobs and schools have been impacted and so many more,” Erik and Pete Nordstrom, company CEO and president, respectively, said in a prepared statement. “Our focus is, as always, on the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities.”

Nordstrom has stores in River Park Square in downtown Spokane and a Nordstrom Rack at the Spokane Valley Plaza, near the Spokane Valley Mall.

Shoppers can continue to shop online at at Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com, HauteLook.com and TrunkClub.com – including digital styling, online order pickup and curbside services at our full-line stores, as allowed by local regulations.

“We realize the impact a closure can have on our store employees, and this is not a decision we made lightly,” the Nordstroms wrote. “There is no question this is a time of great uncertainty. While we don’t know exactly what the future may hold, we feel confident that by sticking together and supporting each other, we’ll emerge from this stronger than before.”

The Seattle-based retail chain, which operates 380 stores including 116 department stores, is the latest retailer to announce temporary closures. It joins Nike, Everlane, Apple and Abercrombie & Fitch, among others, in closing its doors. Like many of the other chains, Nordstrom says it will be providing pay for its employees during the period.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.