TARGET is set to follow in the footsteps of major chains such as Nike and Walmart that have closed down stores in Portland.

Chiefs at the popular retailer have announced that three outlets in the Oregon city are to close in just weeks as the chain battles the scourge of shoplifting.

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Three of the city’s 15 Target stores are to close on October 21, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Bosses have said that staffers impacted by the closures can move to other stores.

Execs revealed earlier this week that three other stores in the San Francisco area, two in Seattle, and one in New York will also be closing down.

The company described the decision to close down the stores as “difficult” and said: “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.”

Brian Cornell, the retailer’s CEO, previously warned: “Unfortunately, safety incidents associated with theft are moving in the wrong direction.”

In May, execs warned that retail theft could cost around $500million in losses this year.

Cornell said: “The problem affects all of us, limiting product availability, creating a less convenient shopping experience, and putting our team and guests in harm’s way.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said she is “sorry” to see the Target stores close.

Ted Wheeler has branded the upcoming shutdowns “disheartening,” as reported by The Oregonian.

The stores that are closing are less than 50,000 square feet – smaller than the size of a standard Target store.

Target’s announcement comes just weeks after Nike bosses revealed that its Factory Store in the city has now closed for good.

The sportswear shop had been a constant in the city since 1984 but had been temporarily closed in recent months.

There were more than 270 reports of shoplifting at the store last year, according to Portland Police Bureau data that was cited by Willamette Week.

Earlier this year, Walmart closed its two remaining stores in Portland after bosses admitted the outlets were underperforming.

A spokesperson told the Fox affiliate KPTV: “The decision to close these stores was made after a careful review of their overall performance.

“We consider many factors,’ the spokesperson would then add, pointing to ‘current and projected financial performance, location, population, customer needs, and the proximity of other nearby stores’ when making the ‘difficult’ decision.”

News of the Walmart closures at the time prompted politicians to link the shutdowns to crime.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “This is what happens when cities refuse to enforce the rule of law. It allows the mob to take over.”

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