Target remains one of America’s most recognized retail brands, but like many large retailers, it’s making strategic changes to its physical footprint. Instead of expanding everywhere, the company has announced that a small number of stores across the U.S. will permanently shut their doors—primarily due to safety concerns and economic pressures. (Forbes
Here’s what shoppers should know.
1. Nine Stores Closing Due to Retail Crime Issues
Target confirmed it will permanently close nine locations across four states after citing organized retail crime and safety concerns as the main reasons for the shutdowns. Retail theft—especially in urban areas—has increased operating costs and safety risks for staff and customers.
Confirmed closures include:
- East Harlem, New York
- Seattle, Washington (2 locations)
- Portland, Oregon (3 locations)
- San Francisco & Oakland, California (3 locations)
These closings took effect in late 2023, and Target said it would offer employee transfers to other nearby locations when possible. (Forbes)
Why These Closures Are Happening
Target says the targeted locations were particularly affected by:
- Frequent organized retail crime and shoplifting
- Threats to employee and customer safety
- Unsustainable financial performance due to repeated losses
In a statement from the company, officials explained that continued crime activity made operations at these stores untenable despite efforts to boost security. (Forbes)
What Isn’t Happening: Large-Scale Store Cuts
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It’s important to note that Target is not shutting down hundreds or thousands of stores nationwide. According to recent retail industry forecasts, Target is projected to close only a small number of existing stores while planning new openings in other markets. (rs-api.retailstat.com)
In fact, the company has plans for more than 40 new store openings in 2026, suggesting its overall footprint is shifting but growing in many regions. (the-sun.com)
Retail Trends Behind the Closures
Target’s closures come amid broader retail pressures:
- Rising retail theft and losses industry-wide
- Higher operating costs for in-store security
- Changing shopping patterns with more digital purchases
Across all retail sectors in 2025, thousands of stores from major brands have shut or announced plans to close as part of restructuring efforts. (Business Insider)
What This Means for Shoppers
If your local Target is not on the closure list above, it’s very likely to remain open—as the company is focusing closures on specific high-risk locations. Target continues to be widely accessible, with almost all of its ~1,900 U.S. stores still serving customers daily. (rs-api.retailstat.com)
What You Can Do
- Check local news outlets for store-specific closure dates.
- Visit Target’s official website or app for up-to-date store information.
- Contact customer service if you’re unsure whether your store is impacted.
