Is there a retail exodus in San Francisco? Some say Union Square is 'beating strong'

Is Union Square in downtown San Francisco really dying?

Nordstrom is shutting down its two stores in the area. Saks Off 5th is leaving. T-Mobile already closed its two-level flagship store.

So why are these retailers in Union Square or near it saying goodbye to a well-known tourist destination and the heart of the city's shopping core? The exodus of these business has concerned some business leaders and economists alike.

Reductions in consumer spending, disruptions in the supply chain, high operation costs and public safety have led the overall retail vacancy rate in San Francisco to rise to 6% in the first