Nordstrom needs new options

Nordstrom can't go to The Gateway. Now what?

Nordstrom officials suggest they may be open to other options. As spokeswoman Brooke White told the Deseret Morning News following the Salt Lake City Council vote Tuesday, which denied a zoning change to permit Nordstrom to relocate to The Gateway, "We've never stopped taking phone calls."

That suggests there is at least a glimmer of hope of keeping the stalwart retailer in Salt Lake City. The onus is on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, new owner of Crossroads Plaza, to present Nordstrom with some new options. The church, which also owns this newspaper, plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on an exciting Main Street development and a nearby college campus complex. Nordstrom could be a central figure in those plans if the church can appropriately address the issues that have vexed the upscale retailer at its current location for many years.

White's comments suggest that Nordstrom will, at least, consider new ideas. But the store has long held that it would leave Salt Lake City altogether if it was not permitted to relocate to The Gateway, which has a mix of retail clients that Nordstrom believes would complement its offerings. While Nordstrom officials say they will likely stick to their previously stated position, the new owners of Crossroads Plaza must continue dialogue with the retailer and discern if some middle ground can be achieved.

What Nordstrom appears to be saying is it needs to hear something new to pique its interest in remaining downtown. Although the planned redevelopment of the downtown malls should significantly bolster downtown Salt Lake City, the church now needs to share more specific details with Nordstrom and other prospective clients about their prospective places in the massive undertaking. This issue has never been about kicking Nordstrom out of Salt Lake City. It has been about keeping Main Street viable and attractive.

Now that the City Council has spoken, it's time that downtown developers help Nordstrom officials see the possibilities of a revived Main Street with fresh eyes. We encourage Nordstrom to take a serious look at the potential of this massive revitalization effort.