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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Theft, Safety Issues Cause Seattle To Bid Farewell To Two Target Stores

Seattle to bid farewell to two Target stores. The retail giant has been an integral part of the local community’s landscape. Target announced the closure of two of its stores; one on University Way and the other in Ballard. Those Target stores will be closed on Oct. 21. The big box stores will close due to theft and organized retail crime. The locations are also unsafe for workers and shoppers. 

Seattle has 22 Target stores that will remain open in Seattle. About 4,000 people are employed at the various Target locations throughout Seattle. The closing of the two stores will take away around 90 jobs. The news of their closure resonates deeply with the people who frequented these stores, signaling the end of a familiar and comforting presence in their lives.

The University District Partnership released a statement about the closure that read, in part: 

“Target’s departure will be a loss for the U District and points to a much larger issue facing our city. Theft and organized retail crime continue to thrive, unchecked in Seattle–facilitated by loosely regulated online marketplaces and fueled by the insatiable demand of the current fentanyl crisis. Our local leaders must continue to act with great urgency to stem the impacts of this ecosystem on our city.”

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In Bellevue alone, retail theft ring suspects were accused of stealing over $76,000 in merchandise. Target said theft was a huge issue and caused major hits into its bottom. Losses could be $500 million more than last year, when losses from theft were estimated to be anywhere from $700 million to $800 million. Total losses could be at $1.2 billion this fiscal year.

Beyond the impact on shoppers, the closure of the Target stores has affected the dedicated employees who worked there. These closures mean job displacements, creating uncertainty for the individuals and families who relied on these positions for their livelihood. Efforts are being made to support these employees during this transition, but the emotional toll of losing a job and a familiar work environment cannot be overlooked.

The decision to close these stores also reflects the ever-changing landscape of retail. With the rise of online shopping and shifting consumer preferences, brick-and-mortar stores are facing new challenges. Despite the convenience of digital platforms, the closure of physical stores leaves an impact on the communities they served, disrupting the traditional retail experience that many still value.

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