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🌆 San Francisco / Oakland, California
Target — San Francisco (Folsom and 13th Street)
Target — Pittsburg, CA (Century Boulevard)
Target noted similar safety and theft pressures in these Bay Area stores, as part of broader challenges operating urban locations.
🌲 Portland, Oregon
Target — Portland Galleria, 939 SW Morrison Street
Target — Portland Powell, 3031 SE Powell Blvd
Target — Portland Hollywood, 4030 NE Halsey Street
These Portland closures rounded out the nine‑store list, all shuttered amid concerns over retail crime and related operational issues.
What’s Behind the Closures?
Target’s official announcement explained that the closures came after extensive efforts to improve safety and reduce theft in these stores. These efforts included adding security personnel, third‑party guards, new theft prevention systems, restricting high‑theft merchandise, and training teams to handle incidents. Unfortunately, the company concluded that these measures were not enough to make certain locations sustainable.
It’s worth noting that retail theft and organized criminal activity have been significant issues for many major retailers, not just Target. Losses from retail shrink—that’s the industry term for theft and fraud—have been rising, and Target executives have said that these factors can meaningfully affect profitability and team member morale.
For employees at the closed locations, Target committed to offering transfer opportunities to other nearby stores wherever possible. While closures are disruptive, this career continuity offer is a sign that the company aims to support its workforce through transitions.
For customers, closures mean that shopping patterns will shift—some communities may now be farther from a physical Target store, while others may turn increasingly to Target.com, curbside pickup, and delivery options. The retailer continues to focus on digital experiences and store enhancements elsewhere.
Are Temporary Closures the Same as Permanent Closures?
There has also been some confusion about Target temporarily closing stores nationwide on certain holidays. For example, reports have noted that nearly all of Target’s ~1,978 U.S. stores closed for a full day on Easter Sunday to allow employees time with family. This is a temporary closure for a holiday, not a permanent shutdown of physical locations.
So when you see headlines about Target stores “closing,” it’s important to understand the context: some closures are temporary hours changes for holidays, while others are permanent market exits due to safety or performance challenges.
Target’s Broader Retail Strategy Amid Closures
While the nine specific store closures are a recent example of physical location changes, Target continues to evolve its overall retail strategy. The company is investing in new store formats, technologies for better stock and operations, and expanded fulfillment options to meet digital demand—part of a broader effort to drive growth and stay competitive with major retailers and e‑commerce players.
How to Find Out If Your Local Target Is Closing
If you want to know whether a specific Target near you is at risk of closure:
Visit Target’s Store Locator online – this will show open locations and any status updates.
Check local news sources – permanent closures are usually covered by local outlets when announced.
Ask in‑store – team members may be able to share general status if changes are planned.
Follow official communications from Target – the company issues press releases when closures are confirmed.
What the Future Holds
Even though a small number of stores are closing, Target still operates a vast retail footprint that reaches most of the U.S. population. These closures reflect specific operational decisions based on safety, performance, and community conditions—not a wholesale retreat from brick‑and‑mortar retail. Many communities will continue to have a Target within convenient distance, and digital shopping options mean the brand remains accessible to those who can’t easily access a nearby store.
As the retail landscape evolves—driven by consumer habits, economic conditions, and competitive pressures—Target will likely continue adjusting where and how it does business. For now, the list above represents the most recent and verified store closures that Target has confirmed.
Final Thoughts
Retail closures are always bittersweet. For communities, they mean changes in shopping habits and local jobs; for employees, transitions and challenges; and for customers, adapting to new ways of accessing everyday essentials. Target’s list of closures highlights how even major retailers must balance physical locations with overall safety, performance, and long‑term strategic growth.
By knowing which stores are closing and why, shoppers and residents can prepare, adapt, and stay informed—whether that means finding a new favorite nearby location, planning for online orders, or simply understanding how the retail landscape is shifting right now.
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