Louisiana Stores Safe After Target Shutters Other US Locations Due to Theft

Target announced it will close stores in several markets due to high rates of theft, but at this time, no Louisiana stores are affected. In recent years, the only Louisiana store known to close (without relocation) was one in Slidell, and the reason is still unknown.

This week’s closures announced yesterday affect nine locations, including one in New York City, three in San Francisco, one in Portland, Oregon, and two in Seattle. Workers are being offered jobs at other stores that are open and the company said the decision was a difficult one.

The company points to something they call “organized retail crime” as a major factor. This is where stores are targeted and those goods are sold to a third party. Target is known for having strong loss prevention policies, but it doesn’t seem like it was enough in this case. Target operates more than 1900 stores across the country and says it would be maintaining locations in areas with a few other stores.

Target 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.”

Earlier this year, several Louisiana Target stores were on the receiving end of the bomb threats following a Pride month backlash. The retailer got a lot of pushback for Pride-themed merchandise placed in prominent parts of the store.

In Lafayette, both Target stores had bomb threats that were cleared by Lafayette Police. No bombs were found at either location.