Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
East Harlem's 'lifeline' Target set to close, citing theft
By
Charles Lane
Published Sep 27, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Charles Lane/Gothamist
By
Charles Lane
Published Sep 27, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Retail giant Target says it will close its East Harlem location next month along with eight other stores across the country, citing “theft and organized retail crime.” The announcement comes as the latest in a string of complaints from retailers about theft eating into profits.
The company wrote on its website that it faces “fundamental challenges” to operating its stores safely.
Target reported “better-than expected profitability in the face of softer-than-expected sales” last month, but CEO Brian Cornell warned of "safety incidents" in a call with investors.
“During the first five months of this year, our stores saw a 120% increase in theft incidents involving violence or threats of violence,” he said. Using the industry term “shrink” for lost or stolen products, he added that profits “expanded by more than $800 million compared with a year ago. And despite the fact we've experienced more than a percentage point of cumulative profit pressure from higher shrink since 2019.”
Still, the company plans to open another outlet in Harlem at 125th Street and Lenox Avenue — just 1.5 miles from the location it plans to close at the East River Plaza.
A spokesperson for the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The East 117th Street store opened in 2010 to much fanfare from neighbors.
“This store has been a lifeline for many East Harlem residents, providing jobs and stability for their families,” said Deputy City Council Speaker Diana Ayala, whose district encompasses East River Plaza.
Natasha Sam, who has lived in this corner of Manhattan for 25 years, said Target is one of the few places people in the area can go for affordable goods.
“Before, you used to have to go into the city to get some stuff that we don't have in the neighborhood,” she said. “It’s just heartbreaking.”
Sam doubted the company's claim about theft being the reason for closing the store.
“I don't think it's from theft because it has to be too much for a big company like that to close because of theft,” she said.
Early on Wednesday morning, three store employees and an NYPD officer were watching the front door. Employees say they are not allowed to interfere with thefts, which were a daily problem until NYPD posted the officer recently.
“They would just come with a trash bag, fill it up with anything, and just walk out the store,” said Miguel de la Cruz, who delivers Target products for the service Shipt. “That was pretty bad. So it makes sense that they closed it.”
This year the National Retail Federation reported that retail crime accounted for 36% of product loss while employee theft came in at 29% and process errors amounted to 27% of losses.
According to its website, Target also plans to open stores in Chelsea, Astoria and Union Square. The company says employees will be able to transfer to other stores.
Tagged
economy
manhattan
theft
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .