Target is the latest company to shutter outlets in liberal cities amid rising crime.
The shopping giant will close nine stores in Portland, Ore.; Seattle; New York City; and San Francisco at the end of October.
"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 press release.
The company added that it "can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all."
Three of the stores are in the San Francisco area, which has seen businesses flee amid rising crime and homelessness. The city's office market hit a record 33.9 percent vacancy rate, according to data from the real estate company CBRE reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. Almost 30 million square feet is listed for lease or sublease in the city.
Homicides in San Francisco have increased nearly 40 percent from 2020 to 2022, and deaths from fentanyl have spiked.