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Keith McCord ReportingIn about three weeks the Salt Lake City Council will decide on Nordstrom's future in Salt Lake. Nordstrom's position of wanting to leave Crossroads and move to The Gateway has made headlines for the last couple of years.
There have been many meetings, proposals, and plans; and all sorts of opinions tossed back and forth between the city and the company officials. But we've never heard from the store employees who have been in a state of limbo the whole time.
"We go to work every day, and try to please the customers. And right now that's all we can do."
"There's just uncertainty everywhere."
"I've had customers call me at home that have been with me my entire career, and they're worried, yeah."
As the saga of "Will Nordstrom Stay or Go" has played out, most of the sound bites and interviews have featured the politicians and the company president.
Nordstrom employees usually aren't allowed to talk to reporters, but a few days ago we sat down with a group from the Crossroads Store. Extremely loyal, they have a combined 80 years of service with the company.
Maureen Andrews, 21-Year Employee: "One thing is it's an uncertainty for the employees. They want to stay with the company, they love the company and they love Salt Lake City. "
And though they've been walking on eggshells all this time, these employees commend company management for keeping them informed. They admit some nervousness, but maintain a positive attitude.
Jennifer Solarez, 10-year Employee: "It's a worry for everybody. But myself, I've felt really confident with the efforts that have been put forth on our behalf to stay here."
Despite the uncertain future, these men and women continue to focus on their customers--in some cases, 20-year customers!
"They're like family. And they're very very dear friends to us. It's devastating for them. They don't want to see us lose our jobs.”
Last week several outside consultants encouraged the city council to allow Nordstrom to move to The Gateway. That was welcome news to this group.
Kurt Spence, 18-year Employee: "I can't see that the city can just walk away from it. I mean, it's just three blocks down."
Sally Epperson, 3-year Employee: “I think it’s going to work out.”
Rich McDonald, Former Employee, 7-years: "There's no other retail that gives people a career like Nordstrom does. It's not just a job, it's a career, and they're working really hard. It would be a tragedy to lose their jobs because of a zoning issue."
The vote on the zoning issue takes place October 14th. No matter the outcome --yes or no-- this group says it'll be business as usual on the 15th!
Scott Poll, 21-year Employee: "Just be like any other day on the floor. Hopefully it's celebration in the back room."
The public will have one more chance to weigh-in on the matter; a public hearing is scheduled for October 7th.
