Sept. 26 (UPI) — Target announced on Tuesday that it is closing nine stores in four states, citing theft, organized retail crime and worker safety.
The stores will close Oct. 21.
In a press release, the company said the “difficult decision” was made to protect workers and customers.
“We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all,” company officials said in the statement.
The company said it previously had invested “heavily” in crime-prevention strategies at the affected stores, such as adding more security team employees, using third-party guard services, and putting into place theft-deterrent efforts.
“Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully,” the company said.
Target said it is working with eligible employees to transfer them to other Target locations.
The company praised the employees at affected stores, saying they have “worked hard to maintain our high standards.”
The stores that will close include:A New York City store in Harlem.Two stores in Seattle.Three stores in the San Francisco and Oakland area.Three stores in Portland, Ore.
Target said it is taking steps to increase safety at its remaining stores. The company said it is investing in more security workers and temporarily locking away merchandise that is more readily stolen. The company said it is investing in more training for store leaders, too.
Target said it also is partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations division to counter retail theft at stores.
Shares of Target Corp. were down 2.48% at the close of markets Tuesday.
