Target Closes Stores, Shortens Hours, Over George Floyd Unrest

A handful of Target stores are closed until further notice because of the looting that has broken out in some of the George Floyd protests, the company said Sunday, and about 200 may have shortened hours because of violence attached to the protests over the death of George Floyd.

The American retailer went from listing more than 100 temporary store closures in dozens of U.S. cities Sunday morning to just six temporary closures in its most recent update — then announced adjusted hours to deal with the protests.

In an interview Sunday with The New York Times, Joshua Thomas, a Target spokesman, said the number of stores with either shortened hours or temporary closures was at about 200 but changing frequently, and he did not provide a breakdown of locations or the new hours.

The company's website does not mention shortened hours, making it unclear whether Target had changed its message again about closings and hours since talking to the Times. The company did not immediately respond to a message from Patch.

"The safety of our team and guests is our top priority," a statement on the Target website said. "At this time, we are making the decision to adjust store hours or close stores temporarily. We recognize the important role we play in helping our communities shop for food, medicine and other essentials they need."

Target employees that are impacted by the temporary store closures will be paid for up to 14 days of scheduled hours, including the COVID-19 premium pay. Staff members can also choose to work at other nearby Target locations that are open.

The Minneapolis Lake Street store, located near the epicenter of the initial protest in Minnesota on Wednesday, was one of multiple area businesses looted by protesters. Volunteers wearing masks and gloves were seen cleaning outside the store on Thursday morning.

Here are the Target stores now listed as closed until further notice:

• Broadway Oakland, California
• Buckhead South Atlanta, Georgia
• South Loop, Illinois
• Lake Street Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Uptown Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Washington Square W Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Check the Target website for updates.