Target said it would close nine stores across four US states, including California, citing that theft and organised retail crime was threatening the security of the retailer’s employees and customers.
One store in New York City, two in Seattle, three sites throughout the San Francisco and Oakland areas, and three in Portland will close as a result of the change, which will take effect on 21st October.
The company still faces ‘fundamental challenges’ to operating the stores safely despite significant security efforts, the retailer said. It runs close to 2,000 stores across the country.
“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,” Target said in a statement.
According to a statement released by Target, “We cannot continue running these shops because theft and organised retail crime are endangering the safety of our staff and guests and leading to unsustainable business performance.
Target announced that it would work with all qualified staff members at the impacted stores to provide possibilities for transfer to other Target locations.
