Is This Hello or Goodbye?
New developments in the roller coaster ride of Neiman Marcus' Downtown Dallas Store
The roller coaster just blew past the loading platform and the passengers are trapped onboard as three significant events transpired in the last 24 hours. I’m making popcorn and waiting for tomorrow’s melodrama!
Early this morning our first event occurred as Catherine Marcus Rose, a member of the Marcus family, shared her reflections on this transition, emphasizing the importance of embracing change while cherishing the legacy of Neiman Marcus. Her sentiments resonate with many who see this closure as both an end and a new beginning for the brand and the city.
I’m sure she is a very lovely person, but I happen to disagree with her on this matter. This is our history, and we need to fight to preserve it. If we forget our past, we are dooming that building to demolition!
Dallas too often bulldozes its past and as a result there are very few buildings from our past. The very reason I started this publication was to rally to the causes of our collective history. Look, I’m not even the Neiman’s customer. I grew up poor and even today as I see the price tags, I shudder a little. But I recognize its importance to the history of Dallas and to shortsightedly close this store because of a rent dispute is just plain wrong!
The current Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store was a gift to the retailer after a devastating fire in 1913 destroyed the original store. The new building, located at 1618 Main Street, was constructed with the help of generous contributions from the Dallas community. This act of support not only helped Neiman Marcus recover but also solidified its place as a cornerstone of Dallas' retail and cultural identity. The store has since become an iconic landmark, representing resilience and the strong ties between the retailer and the city.
Our second event today came as the deed for the building and property was transferred to the City of Dallas in hopes of rescuing the store from becoming a boarded-up storefront. The only use the city has for this would be to convert it to affordable living. In a way that would be fitting since Neiman’s only paid $400/month over the last 99-years in rent. But it should send a shiver down the spine of any devout customer to see it transformed from Chanel #5 to a soup kitchen.
The donation of the property to the City of Dallas stands potential to help save this landmark. It is yet another gift to the retailer from the descendants of the very people who helped put the building there in the first place. Conversely, it is also a moment of saving face after these same people cancelled Neiman’s lease just over a month ago. I’m not sure how I feel about this, but it might prove to be too little too late.
Despite efforts by city leaders and the Slaughter family, who generously donated their parcel of land under the store to the city, Saks Global has reaffirmed its plans to close the location.
Our third event of the day just came through a few hours ago when city officials announced a meeting tomorrow with executives from Neiman’s parent company Saks Global.
City officials, including Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, have expressed their commitment to preserving the vibrancy of Downtown Dallas. The acquisition of the land deed was a significant step, showcasing the city's dedication to keeping the flagship store operational.
I can only surmise that either the store was no longer profitable, or that Saks Global intends to hold the city over a barrel until they can extract additional incentives. I know that is how business is done, but it smacks of robber barons.
I did not see an announced location for this meeting, but I can imagine a mob in their Louboutins, riding a Llama named Llinda Llee!
Sources:
Dallas News: Catherine Marcus Rose: Saying goodbye to downtown Neiman’s, hello to the future
MSN: Dallas City Hall gets deed to disputed land at Neiman Marcus
MSN: Dallas leaders to meet with Neiman Marcus' parent company on Downtown Dallas store
Statler Hilton: https://thestatlerdallas.com/history