ANGRY customers have been left sweating hard at Target after witnessing the retailer’s numerous anti-theft measures that are also affecting loyal customers.
According to the National Retail Federation, retail theft costs more than $100 billion annually.
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The large retail chains are therefore introducing new measures to secure profits. However, many of the changes have left customers unhappy.
Target customers have recently criticized the retailer for changes in its stores that are negatively affecting innocent shoppers.
Earlier this year, Target introduced a new self-checkout policy designed to increase efficiency.
However, a side effect of the “10 items or less” rule at self-checkouts is that customers with larger purchases are forced to go to manned kiosks, which is expected to reduce theft.
Additionally, the retailer has implemented one of the more controversial anti-theft methods by keeping its items under lock and key.
This means that customers who require a locked item must tell a member of staff, who will retrieve the item and often accompany the shopper to the checkout to ensure they pay.
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These two store changes have resulted in customers leaving the retailer, claiming it’s “over.”
“@target, what’s going on with your store in Jersey City?” asked a customer on X.
“Queens all the way to the back of the store just to get to the checkout line, and no self-checkout? When I saw that, I walked out immediately.”
“The goal has been achieved,” explained another.
“Everything is locked. It takes 20 minutes just to take something off the shelf.”
“No self-service checkouts and not enough cashiers. The queues at the checkouts are absurd.”
For another shopper, the elimination of a popular Target Circle rewards program in April was the last straw.
“They also eliminated their free cashback rewards program. That’s over,” they added in the comments.
The program, which allowed rewards users to earn 1% cash back on their spending to lock in future discounts, was discontinued on April 7 so the retailer could focus on other perks.
Target’s anti-theft measures
Target has implemented numerous anti-theft measures to combat crime in the store.
The retail giant has placed some items behind locked display cases, prompting a backlash from customers.
In April 2024, reports emerged that the company plans to equip its self-checkout lanes with TruScan cameras.
As a further step to combat theft, Target has also equipped its self-checkout lanes with weight sensors.
“We will be eliminating the 1% reward. As we continue to evolve the Target Circle experience, we are reprioritizing and focusing on access to automatic offers, personalized bonuses and more,” the retailer said on its website.
Meanwhile, in response to the first complaint about X, Target apologized to the shopper for his negative experience in the store.
“Thank you for reaching out and bringing this to our attention,” the retailer said.
“This is not the type of shopping experience we strive to provide and we apologize. Your feedback is important and will be passed on to store management at the Jersey City location regarding line issues.”
The US Sun has asked Target for comment.
After other shoppers reported that they too had abandoned their full shopping carts when faced with a “line of 25 people” and locked away items, an expert has issued a warning to retailers.
The CEO of an anti-theft technology company warned that such measures have “backfired” for major retailers and that locking away goods could lead to sales losses of up to 25 percent.
In addition to Target, well-known retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and Dollar Tree have also introduced the problematic theft protection measures.
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