In a recent announcement, Target has revealed its decision to close nine stores across four states, effective October 21. This move comes as the retail giant faces escalating challenges related to theft and organized retail crime, posing threats to the safety of its team members and guests, as well as contributing to unsustainable business performance.
The retailer says that despite investments in strategies to prevent and combat theft and organized retail crime, the company continues to encounter fundamental challenges in maintaining safe and successful store operations.
To address these challenges, Target implemented various measures, including increasing security team members, utilizing third-party guard services, and deploying theft-deterrent tools across its business. Despite these efforts, the safety and success of the affected stores remained compromised.
The company expressed gratitude for the hard work of its team members at these locations, highlighting their contributions to creating a positive working and shopping experience.
Target emphasizes its ongoing commitment to combating theft and organized retail crime through significant investments and initiatives, including:
In Stores:
- Payroll investments in additional security team members.
- Use of third-party guard services.
- Implementation of theft-deterrent tools.
- Limited use of locking cases for theft-prone merchandise categories.
- Training store leaders and security team members in de-escalating potential safety issues associated with organized retail crime incidents.
In Technology:
- Investments in cyber defense to combat retail theft, fraud, and abuse.
- Collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division.
- Development of custom tools to prevent and detect criminal activity.
- Expansion of data alerts and analysis to capture fraudulent activity from organized crime groups.
However, Target acknowledges that solving this issue requires a collaborative approach involving communities, government agencies, and industry partners. Their efforts extend beyond their stores to include:
In Communities:
- The Outreach Coordinator team connects guests experiencing hardship to community resources.
- Since 2021, the Outreach Coordinator Program has engaged in over 5,700 meaningful guest interactions, delivered nearly 100 trainings, and hosted/partnered on more than 135 events.
In Coordination with Government and Industry:
- Support for the INFORM Consumers Act, addressing the sale of stolen goods.
- Advocacy for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act in Congress.
- Creation of Organized Retail Crime Task Forces at the state and local levels.
- Hosting store walks to educate officials, law enforcement, and community partners.
Partnering with Industry:
- Participation in National Store Walk Month in partnership with industry associations.
- Collaboration with national and local retail industry associations to fund advocacy and educational efforts.
Here is the current list of Oregon stores that will be closed not later than October 31, 2023:
- Portland Galleria: 939 SW Morrison St
- Portland Powell: 3031 SE Powell Blvd
- Portland Hollywood: 4030 NE Halsey St
Source: Target
