In a recent development, the national outdoor retailer, The North Face, has made the decision to close its downtown Seattle store. This move adds to the growing list of national brands that have chosen to exit the central business district, leaving a void in the downtown shopping scene.
The downtown Seattle store, located at 520 Pike Street, had been operating for nearly five years. However, it is no longer listed on The North Face’s website, indicating its closure. Despite this setback, those visiting the city can still explore other retail options such as the Nordstrom flagship store at Pacific Place or the Handmade Showroom.
The North Face, known for its hiking and camping clothing, has enjoyed popularity in Seattle, particularly with its rain jackets. However, it now finds itself in the company of other major brands like Nike and Lululemon, which have also closed their downtown stores.
The closure of these stores reflects the challenges faced by the downtown retail core in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crime has emerged as a significant concern, contributing to the difficulties experienced by businesses in the area. According to the Downtown Seattle Association, the city had 2.1 million visitors in November of 2022. While there was a slight increase in visitors during Thanksgiving, with over 115,000 people exploring the retail core, the overall trend has been impacted by the pandemic.
Mayor Bruce Harrell unveiled an ambitious plan to rejuvenate downtown Seattle, known as the Downtown Activation Plan. The goal of this plan is to breathe new life into the heart of the city and address the challenges faced by businesses and the community. However, the safety of the downtown area remains a critical issue.
Recent data from the Seattle Police Department (SPD) highlights a mixed picture of crime trends. While the overall crime rate in the city has decreased since 2022, there has been a gradual increase in criminal activity, particularly in downtown Seattle. This poses a significant obstacle to the revitalization efforts outlined in the Downtown Activation Plan.
