New York CNN —Target is closing nine stores across four states, claiming theft and organized retail crime are creating an unsustainable business environment. “We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” Target said in a release. The retailer said it had added more security and implemented other anti-theft tools before deciding to close the stores. Affected employees will be able to transfer to other Target locations. Battle against theftTarget’s announcement comes on the same day that the National Retail Federation released new figures on the state of retail theft.

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Persons: ” Target Organizations: New, New York CNN, Oakland, National Retail Federation Locations: New York, Harlem, New York City, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, East Harlem, Manhattan