Amid an alarming increase in theft and organized retail crime, Target has announced the closure of nine of its stores across four states. Despite implementing a range of security measures, such as hiring more security personnel, utilizing advanced theft-deterrent tools, and even employing third-party guards, the challenges have persisted.
Impact on Affected Areas
Here are the areas that will be impacted by these closures, along with the implications for remaining locations and employees:
New York City:
- Harlem: 517 E 117th St. (96 stores remaining, with over 20,000 team members)
Seattle:
- University Way: 4535 University Way NE
- Ballard: 1448 NW Market St., Ste. 100 (22 stores remaining, with nearly 4,000 team members)
San Francisco/Oakland:
- SF Folsom: 1690 Folsom St.
- Oakland Broadway: 2650 Broadway
- Pittsburg: 4301 Century Blvd. (32 stores remaining, with over 6,400 team members)
Portland:
- Galleria: 939 SW Morrison St.
- Powell: 3031 SE Powell Blvd.
- Hollywood: 4030 NE Halsey St. (15 stores remaining, with more than 2,500 team members)
While the closures undoubtedly present challenges, it is important to note that more than 150 Target stores will still continue operation in these regions. Target remains committed to enhancing its security by implementing additional strategies, including locking cases for high-value items and collaborating with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations division.
In an official statement, Target emphasized their ongoing investment in store security and acknowledged that combatting these issues requires a collaborative approach. They stressed the significance of fostering cooperation between retailers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to effectively address the prevalent problem of theft and organized retail crime.
