Target to close 9 stores due to ‘theft and organized retail crime’

Nine Targets across four states will close permanently on Oct. 21, 2023, according to a statement from the retailer. In the announcement, Target officials said that ensuring the safety of all customers and staff is the company’s priority.

“In this case, we cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” the statement read. “We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”

Now, stores will close in New York City, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon. The company said it tried to implement strategies to thwart theft and organized retail crime, like hiring third-party security, adding more to its own security team, and installing more anti-theft tools. However, the company said the additional measures didn’t solve the problem.

“Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully,” the statement read.

While nine stores are closing, the retailer still has dozens of stores in each of the four markets. Target is offering eligible employees affected by the closures an opportunity to transfer to another store in their market.

The news of Target closures comes as other retail stores nationwide deal with a rise in looting.

The same day that Target announced it was closing nine stores, Philadelphia retailers were hit by a group of teenage looters. According to police, 15 to 20 people have been arrested in connection to the looting.

Following a peaceful protest in memory of Eddie Irizarry, 27, who was shot and killed by Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial through a rolled-up window, the teenagers ransacked stores including Foot Locker, Apple and Lululemon.

Protesters hit the streets after a judge dismissed the charges against Dial, agreeing with the defense that Dial could have feared for his life because he thought Irizarry had a gun.

At a press conference, Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said the looters were not involved with the protest, adding that the group was “a bunch of criminal opportunists.”