Encinitas is getting a new addition to its shopping scene — and for some locals, a dose of nostalgia.

Seattle-based retailer Nordstrom Rack will open a 24,000-square-foot store at El Camino Promenade in spring 2026. The off-price branch of Nordstrom is known for its mix of designer labels, everyday basics, and discounts that can run up to 70% off. Beyond the bargain hunt, the Encinitas store will also offer conveniences like online order pickup and easy returns for purchases made on Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com.

The Location

El Camino Promenade sits just off El Camino Real and Via Molena, with neighbors including TJ Maxx, Bevo, Five Below, and Dollar Tree. But the spot Nordstrom Rack is moving into has a different kind of legacy — it was once home to the AMC 8 movie theater, a go-to for North County movie nights before closing years ago. The center itself opened in 1982 as Weigand Plaza II before eventually becoming El Camino Promenade under Kimco Realty’s ownership.

Why This Store Matters for North County

For many North County residents, the closest Nordstrom Rack has been in Oceanside or San Marcos. The Encinitas location will save some drive time and add another option for one-stop errands in a center already anchored by discount and specialty shops.

Nordstrom Rack’s arrival also ties into the brand’s larger “Closer to You” strategy, which focuses on making online and in-person shopping more seamless. And while the Rack’s big draw is its treasure-hunt style shopping, the company has also been active in community partnerships, including donating more than $2 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters over the past four years.

This will be Nordstrom Rack’s sixth San Diego County location, part of its 68-store footprint in California. While 2026 feels far away, it’s safe to say the new store will make El Camino Promenade an even busier retail hub — just with more shoes and sweaters than popcorn and soda.