Target Closes Stores in Major Cities as Theft, Loss of Customers, and Labor Shortages Take Toll

Target is closing stores in major cities due to organized retail crime/theft and unsustainable business conditions. Other retailers face similar pressures.

The pandemic triggered an exodus of high-earning residents from big cities, reducing demand for downtown retailers.

E-commerce sales have grown steadily since 2020, capturing market share from brick-and-mortar stores.

Overall retail sales growth is slowing after a 2021 pandemic rebound.

Persistent worker shortages in retail, especially in the markets where Target is closing stores, have compounded businesses' challenges.