After 100+ Years, Iconic Flagship Neiman Marcus Will Close in Downtown Dallas

Few institutions are as woven into the fabric of Dallas as Neiman Marcus. The store’s massive flagship downtown opened in 1907 and stands as a beacon for thousands of memories. From the trend-signaling window displays and posh restroom lounges to the perfume counter that is like a school-day field trip, there's nothing quite like Neiman Marcus.

The store was particularly magical during the holidays with elaborate Santa photo portraits — with elegant themes such as Baccarat crystal — and the Zodiac Rooms' annual Christmas buffet, which was always booked months in advance.

We're literally giving away every good thing in the city.

This week, Neiman Marcus announced it would be shuttering its Dallas headquarters along with the flagship downtown store. No word on what will happen with the Korbel vending machine next to the shoe department, but according to The Dallas Morning News, the company is planning a $100 million investment into the Neiman Marcus store at NorthPark Center.

Rhonda Chambers grew up going to the downtown location, perhaps inspiring her yearslong career as a fashion model and show curator.

"Such a travesty," she says. "My memories as a little girl are crystal clear, mesmerized by the interactive holiday window displays by Ignaz Gorischek. This iconic family name, a canonical kingdom, a historic establishment. A very sad day indeed."

Willie Johnson, owner of modeling agency J3 Productions chimed in.

"I'm devastated that Neiman Marcus downtown is closing," he says. "Neiman Marcus has been a staple in our family for years due to my aunt. She was one of the first African-Americans hired at Neiman Marcus. She was personally mentored by Stanley Marcus himself, so this is definitely a sad situation."

Johnson's aunt, Cheryl Jenkins, worked in sales for the company for 42 years.

Dallas fashion icon Jan Strimple modeled for Neiman Marcus for 25 years, first moving to Dallas in the '80s.

"The shuttering of downtown Neiman's is like burying your Auntie Mame," she says. "They were a part of family tradition and shared memories."

Strimple also added that the news "feels like a funeral to so many people."

Dallas Observer contributor Leah Frazier commented on the broader citywide implications of the decision.

"This is absolutely devastating news," she says. "Today we're losing a part of Dallas history. When people come to visit the city of Dallas it's on their list of places to go because it's iconic and historical, it represents fashion in Dallas. It has to make you wonder why it couldn't be saved in lease negotiations. On top of that, I also wonder what would Stanley Marcus think?"

The 2020s have been a turbulent period for Neiman Marcus and its relationship with Dallas. In May 2020, the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Two years later, the city of Dallas announced a partnership with Neiman Marcus, with Dallas City Council backing a $5.25 million incentive package to keep the company’s headquarters in Dallas.

“Neiman Marcus is synonymous with Dallas,” said Mayor Eric Johnson in 2022. “We are pleased to keep this global brand in the heart of our great city, and we look forward to the new jobs and opportunities that this deal provides for the people of Dallas.”

Two years following that, Saks Fifth Avenue announced the official acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group for $2.65 billion.

It doesn’t make this week’s news any less shocking. The Dallas Morning News acquired an internal memo from Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick insisting that the decision is not based on financial performance or the recent acquisition, but rather a yearslong dispute with a landlord.

We’re inclined to believe that a company the size of Saks, which was able to afford the nearly $3 billion acquisition last year, would be able to work out a leasing dispute, but what do we know?

Some current employees of the flagship store will be offered a transfer to the NorthPark location or a severance package, with the final operating day set for March 31.