‘Hire more workers’ angers target shopper as customers crowd aisles due to anti-theft measure – store promises to help

A frustrated Target shopper criticized the retail store for keeping customers locked up waiting for merchandise.

The retailer is taking new steps to crack down on organized retail theft, which it says is a growing problem.

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The shopper posted on X, formerly Twitter, and a virtual representative apologized for the inconvenience and asked the customer for information to alert local Target leadership about the problem.

Launched in 2011, the AskTarget Twitter forum currently has over 400,000 posts and claims to help shoppers seven days a week.

After seeing an increase in retail theft and organized crime, Target is taking matters into its own hands.

In addition to the new checkout policies, the retail store is locking down even everyday essentials like vitamins, deodorants and underwear.

In September, nine Target locations were forced to close after multiple theft incidents.

“We cannot continue to operate these stores because retail theft and organized crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” Target said in a press release at the time.

But as these new policies reach stores across the country, consumers are having a hard time adapting. Some frustrated customers are even considering shopping elsewhere.

Another user X said he used to enjoy browsing the aisles at Target, but no longer does.

“Many people saw Target as a way to relax and discover new products,” they posted. “You would buy deodorant, but you would leave with 10 other products that you didn’t need. But now it feels like I’m BEGGING them to spend MY money. to have.”

More than 25% of consumers interviewed by Coresight Search said they would only consider shopping online if local stores continued to block their items.

One TikToker claimed that her Target shopping trips now take over an hour and are no longer “enjoyable.”

Despite an outcry from Target customers over frustrating anti-theft policies, Target CEO Brian Cornell said shoppers are grateful to see their essentials in stock.

“In fact, what we hear from guests is a huge thank you because we stock the brands they need when they shop in our stores,” Cornell said. CNBC.

Although Target has tried to implement other security precautions, such as adding more security and using third-party guard services, these efforts have not been enough to deter thieves.

Other major retailers, such as Walmart, are also beginning to lock up merchandise in response to increasingly frequent checkout thefts.

While big-ticket items like TVs and video games are generally considered “acceptable” items to keep under lock and key, shoppers feel that everyday essentials should remain available.

In 2021, Walgreens also closed some stores, citing an increase in robbery and organized theft.

With retailers taking increasing measures to prevent theft, shoppers are being threatened with closing their wallets.

“It’s so annoying! I’ve gotten to the point where I just don’t care anymore. I just order online,” one angry shopper posted on X.

“Between the locked merchandise and being followed by security around the store, it was impossible to shop at a CVS, Target and especially DR/Walgreens.”