Target, the discount chain retailer, has announced that it will be closing nine stores across the United States due to rampant theft and violence. The decision comes as crime rates, particularly organized retail crime, have been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. The East Harlem location in Manhattan, which opened in 2010 to revitalize the neighborhood, is among the stores that will be shuttered on October 21. The other stores to be closed are located in San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland, cities with progressive prosecutors who have been accused of not pursuing shoplifters.

Shoplifting complaints at the East River Plaza retail complex, which includes Target, Costco, and Marshalls, have increased by over 40% since the pandemic began, according to NYPD complaint data analyzed by The Post. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office, led by Alvin Bragg, has faced criticism for its handling of shoplifting cases. However, the office claims that there has been a 14% drop in shoplifting complaints in the borough this year. A spokesperson for the office stated that they are working with law enforcement to target repeat shoplifters.

Target has made efforts to combat crime at its stores, including the implementation of theft deterrent tools and the hiring of more security guards. The company has also trained its employees and security teams on how to de-escalate safety issues and has partnered with the US Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, Target has advocated for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act in Congress. Despite these efforts, the company has struggled to operate its stores safely and successfully.

The closure of the East Harlem Target has sparked disappointment and concern among local officials and residents. Former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito expressed disappointment over the closure, stating that Target was a staple in the neighborhood and provided important products at an affordable price point. Diana Ayala, deputy speaker of the City Council, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact the closure will have on the community.

Target has not disclosed how many workers will be laid off as a result of the closures, but the company has stated that it employs over 20,000 people in the greater New York City market. Target will continue to operate other locations in Manhattan, including Times Square, Union Square, Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, and Washington Heights. The company is also planning to open a new store in Harlem, though details about this development have not been provided.

The closure of Target stores comes as other retailers, such as Rite Aid, are also facing closures due to financial struggles exacerbated by theft. Target's CEO, Brian Cornell, has been vocal about the impact of theft on the company's financial results. He stated that incidents of violence and threats related to theft have increased by 120% in the first five months of the year. The National Retail Federation's annual survey found that the average rate of shrink, including theft and inventory tracking mistakes, increased to 1.6% of sales in 2022. Some retailers have expressed concern about the rise in theft, with two-thirds of respondents reporting an increase in violence and aggression related to organized retail crime.

The issue of shrink, or retail theft, has been a growing concern for retailers. Executives from various companies have highlighted the impact of shrink on their bottom lines and pricing. Some critics argue that executives may be using shrink as an excuse to justify poor performance or store closures. However, the rise in retail shrink has been noted by the National Retail Federation, which reported $94.5 billion in losses due to shrink in 2021.

Overall, the closure of Target stores in crime-ridden cities reflects the challenges retailers face in combating organized retail crime and ensuring the safety of their employees and customers. As theft continues to impact businesses, retailers are exploring strategies to reduce shrink and protect their assets.