Target Announces Closure of Nine Stores Across Four States Due to Rising Organized Retail Crime

Target to Close Nine Stores in Four States as Organized Retail Crime Surges

Retail giant Target has announced the difficult decision to close nine stores across four states, citing an alarming increase in theft and organized retail crime. Despite the company’s significant efforts to improve store security, Target determined that shutting down these locations was the best course of action to protect its team members and customers.

According to Target’s official statement, the closures will take place effective October 21, 2023. The company emphasized that theft and organized retail crime have made it increasingly challenging to operate certain stores safely and profitably. Even after boosting security efforts—such as adding more in-store security personnel, hiring third-party guard services, and installing theft-deterrent technologies—the problem persisted at these locations.

Which Stores Are Closing?

The following stores will permanently close their doors:

1. New York City (Harlem):

   • Address: 517 E 117th St., New York, NY
   • Remaining in the region: 96 stores
   • Local employment: More than 20,000 Target team members

2. Seattle (University Way):

   • Address: 4535 University Way NE, Seattle, WA

3. Seattle (Ballard):

   • Address: 1448 NW Market St., Ste. 100
   • Remaining in the region: 22 stores
   • Local employment: Approximately 4,000 team members

4. San Francisco (Folsom Street):

   • Address: 1690 Folsom St., San Francisco, CA

5. Oakland (Broadway):

   • Address: 2650 Broadway, Oakland, CA

6. Pittsburg (Century Boulevard):

   • Address: 4301 Century Blvd., Pittsburg, CA
   • Remaining in the region: 32 stores
   • Local employment: Over 6,400 team members

7. Portland (Hollywood):

   • Address: 4030 NE Halsey St., Portland, OR

8. Portland (Galleria):

   • Address: 939 SW Morrison St., Portland, OR

9. Portland (Powell):

   • Address: 3031 SE Powell Blvd., Portland, OR
   • Remaining in the region: 15 stores
   • Local employment: Around 2,500 team members

In these regions combined, Target still operates over 150 stores. However, the closures are a reflection of the company’s ongoing struggle to balance the safety of its teams and customers with operational viability.

Target’s Statement on the Closures

In a statement released by Target, the company expressed regret over the impact these closures will have on local communities. “We know that our stores play a vital role in these communities, providing jobs and convenient shopping options. We did not make this decision lightly,” the company explained.

Despite their ongoing efforts to counter theft, the company stated that certain stores have remained vulnerable to repeated criminal activity. Target clarified that while they have made “significant investments” in additional security measures, they “cannot solve this issue on [their] own.”

What Has Target Done to Address the Issue?

Over the past year, Target has made several changes aimed at reducing retail crime across its locations. Some of these efforts include:

• Hiring More Security Personnel:
  Target has increased the number of security team members in high-risk stores, providing a stronger presence to deter criminal behavior.

• Bringing in Third-Party Security Services:
  Outside security guards were added to further enhance protection at many locations.

• Installing Theft-Deterrent Technology:
  Target implemented tools such as locked cases for certain high-theft items, surveillance enhancements, and theft-prevention signage.

Additionally, Target has been working closely with law enforcement agencies. They’ve partnered with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This collaboration aims to crack down on organized retail crime rings that often target large retailers like Target.

Why Is Organized Retail Crime Increasing?

Retail theft has become a growing problem for many major retailers, not just Target. Organized retail crime often involves professional groups stealing large quantities of merchandise for resale on the black market or through online platforms. These groups are sophisticated, using coordinated tactics that make it difficult for store security teams to keep up.

In Target’s case, the company cited both safety concerns and financial losses as reasons for closing these nine locations. “Our priority remains on maintaining a safe environment for our team members and guests,” Target said. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen an unacceptable level of theft and organized retail crime that’s made operating these stores unsustainable.”

What’s Next for Affected Employees?

Target has committed to offering transfer opportunities to employees impacted by the closures. Team members from these stores will be encouraged to apply for open roles at nearby Target locations. The company also mentioned that eligible employees who choose not to transfer will receive severance packages and additional support during their transition.

Target’s Commitment Moving Forward

Even as they close some stores, Target remains committed to supporting the communities it serves. The retailer still operates thousands of stores nationwide and plans to continue expanding in regions where they can maintain safe and sustainable operations.

In its closing remarks, the company reaffirmed its stance on safety. “We will continue to invest in strategies that enhance the safety of our stores,” Target stated. “But addressing retail crime requires a concerted effort from law enforcement, legislators, and the community.”

For now, Target customers in the affected areas will need to visit alternate locations or shop online. The company promises to keep customers informed about any future changes and their ongoing efforts to create safer shopping experiences.