Target Closing 9 Stores, Citing Organized Retail Crime and Safety

A Target store in San Francisco on Sept. 27, 2023. It’s one of nine in the United States that will be closing due to theft and safety issues. (Jason Blair/The Epoch Times)

Target announced it will close nine stores, citing theft and safety issues.

Three are in the San Francisco Bay Area, three in Portland, two in Seattle, and one in New York City.

“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 retail giant said in a press release published on Sept. 26.

The company stated that it has tried various means to improve the situation before resorting to closing stores. It increased security teams, used third-party guard services, and tried other theft-deterrent tools, according to the press release.

Even after these efforts, they “continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully.”

Retail theft in California has been in the spotlight for the past few years. In June, California District Attorney Rob Bonta announced a collaborative effort with law enforcement and businesses to combat the problem.

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In San Francisco, one Walgreens resorted to putting chains on its freezers to deter theft.

All nine closures are effective Oct. 21 this year.