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Santa Monica, a scenic beachfront city known for its iconic pier and upscale shopping, has seen a dramatic uptick in homelessness. The area is overrun with individuals who are often on drugs or suffering from mental health issues, leading to erratic and sometimes violent behavior. The homeless crisis has overtaken neighborhoods, with police reports detailing assaults, shootings, and public safety threats within shopping districts.
This pervasive homelessness has rendered the shopping environment unsafe and unappealing. Notably, the Santa Monica Place mall, where Nordstrom is located, currently faces an estimated 70% vacancy rate. The decline in foot traffic, owing partly to safety concerns, has contributed to the mall’s financial struggles.