The City of Dallas aims to stop the impending closure of Neiman Marcus’ flagship Downtown location.
City officials want to prevent the closure of the store that has stood at Main and Ervay for well over a hundred years.
“Neiman Marcus was built with Texas money and Texas grit. We all know Texans are fighters. We won our sovereignty. We became part of the great Republic of Texas. Texans are faithful. We’re faithful to a fault,” said Councilman Paul Ridley, per KRLD.
The City’s attempt to save the location follows parent company Saks Global’s decision to close its Dallas-based office. Saks Global, the company’s new name, was formed late last year after Saks finalized the purchase of Neiman Marcus. The company moved to shutter its Dallas operation after reviewing the property’s use and lease.
As recently reported in The Dallas Express, the company has faced challenges attempting to exit the space in CityPlace Tower near Uptown. The building’s owner, NexPoint, is questioning whether the company can just walk away.
The department store chain is also having problems with its Downtown retail location. According to Saks, the company spent the prior decade negotiating with landowners at Main and Ervay. However, Saks says the landlord ordered the company to vacate the property by the end of March.
On Tuesday, business advocates and city leaders gathered at the flagship location, saying they hope the current lease dispute will not result in the closure of the historic location.
“As a premier luxury destination, it has actually helped put Dallas on the international map. We believe it is crucial for Neiman Marcus to remain in this space,” said City Manager Kim Tolbert, per KRLD.
“As the Downtown landscape continues to evolve, we know it’s important we continue to focus on this flagship store,” she continued.
While the fate of the iconic Downtown location remains uncertain, Saks says it plans to invest in a $100 million overhaul of the NorthPark Center Neiman Marcus location. The massive upgrade will, according to Saks, “offer a new level of luxury fashion and service at one of our premier store locations. “