The retailer mentioned it invested “closely” in methods to attempt to cease the shoplifting earlier than deciding to shut the shops.
Goal is shuttering shops in 4 crime-riddled U.S. cities on account of ongoing, extreme theft and violence.
The low cost retailer introduced the 9 shops will shut for good on Oct. 21.
“We can’t proceed working these shops as a result of theft and arranged retail crime are threatening the security of our staff and visitors, and contributing to unsustainable enterprise efficiency,” the big-box chain mentioned in a press release.
“We all know that our shops serve an necessary function of their communities, however we are able to solely achieve success if the working and buying surroundings is protected for all.”
The shops closing are the East Harlem location in New York Metropolis, two places in Seattle, three places in Portland and three places in San Francisco Bay Space – all cities the place shoplifters get off simple regardless of the rise in brazen retail thefts.
The retailer mentioned it invested “closely” in methods to attempt to cease the shoplifting – together with including extra safety and implementing “theft-deterrent instruments” – earlier than deciding to shut the shops.
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“Regardless of our efforts, sadly, we proceed to face elementary challenges to working these shops safely and efficiently,” the corporate mentioned.
In Could, Goal’s chief government Brian Cornell blamed the declining monetary outcomes on crime, saying the corporate can be intently monitoring the “security” of workers whereas evaluating their choices, the New York Put up reported.
Three months later, Cornell instructed analysts that “violence and threats of violence” surged 120% through the first 5 months of 2023.
“Our staff continues to face an unacceptable quantity of retail theft and arranged retail crime,” Cornell mentioned on the time. “Sadly, security incidents related to theft are transferring within the unsuitable route.”
Goal beforehand mentioned it was anticipating to lose $500 million this 12 months on account of rising theft.
Whereas the shop closings account for only a fraction of the 1,900 shops Goal operates within the U.S., the transfer underscores the challenges retailers face in lowering theft in shops, defending their staff and clients and sustaining places in areas that may have few buying alternate options.
Workers on the 9 shops could have the chance to switch to different places.
