Friday, Nickolai Borba had set up his shaved ice cart in front of Nordstrom on Main Street, saying it was a prime location that will now stay prime.

Other businesses said Nordstrom's 280 employees, who also shop downtown, were happy the company is staying.

"I'm all for it. Their employees over there are some of our best customers," said Mike Pagel, manager of Rite Aid on Main Street.

The employees were similarly excited. At a public hearing last year they begged the City Council to let Nordstrom move to The Gateway. They said Nordstrom employees give back to the community through charity and that Nordstrom often gives down-on-their-luck youngsters a second chance at life through employment.

When the council voted against the move, many walked into the hall and began crying.

Many were crying again Friday — this time tears of joy.

"The first thing (many employees) did was they called their families and customers and told them the news," employee Dani Taverna said. "It was a big deal."

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E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com