Target Closing Bay Area Stores Over Crime

SAN FRANCISCO — Target will close nine stores across four states next month because of overwhelming theft and crime at those locations, the Minneapolis-based retail giant said Tuesday. Three Bay Area stores are targeted in the closure:

• San Francisco: 1690 Folsom St
• Oakland: 2650 Broadway
• Pittsburg: 4301 Century Blvd

That will leave 32 stores open in the Bay Area employing more than 6,400 workers. Displaced employees will be offered positions at other stores.

"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," the company said in a statement.

"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."

In addition to the Bay Area, the stores that are closing are located in New York City, Seattle and Portland. All nine locations will be shuttered on Oct. 21.

Before making the "difficult decision," Target officials said they invested heavily in strategies to prevent and stop theft and organized retail crime in stores, such as:

• Adding more security team members
• Using third-party guard services
• Implementing theft-deterrent tools across the business

"Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully," the company said.

Target said it remains committed to serving customers in its over 150 other locations and will partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to combat retail theft.