What stores did Target close? Complete list of locations shut down in October 2023
Target, citing shoplifting and violence, decided to close nine of its stores in major cities in the United States. Here is the full list.
Retailers have been warning about theft at their stores, but not just single individuals who seek a five-finger discount, instead organized crime rings that target stores. Organized retail crime cost US retailers almost $70 billion in 2020 according to the Retail Industry Leaders Association.
While recognizing that their stores serve an important role in their community, Target, the Minnesota-based chain, announced in September that it would close nine locations due to theft and organized retail crime. The company posted a press release explaining that it was prioritizing its team members and guests’ safety.
As of July, 2023, Target operated 1,955 stores in the United States, up from 1,948 in January and 19 more than the same time last year.
The nine stores that were closed in October 2023:
Why did Target close these locations?
The company explained in its press release that it was a difficult decision to make, but that the investment in third-party guard services and theft-deterrent tools was too much and not effective enough to stop crime and protect employees and customers.
Target stated that employees worked hard to maintain standards of safety and tried to create a positive shopping experience for the customers, but the threat to the well-being of team members and guests was just too high to justify staying open.
The company has made an effort in the communities where it has stores to work with lawmakers and law enforcement by supporting the recent INFORM Consumers ACT, advocating for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act in Congress, creating Organized Retail Crime Task Forces and hosting store walks with Members of Congress, state legislators, city officeals and law emfprcement, but to no avail.