Target's New Age Check Policy Sparks Outrage Among Mall Shoppers

Shoppers are upset over a new policy at a Target store that bans minors from entering unless they are with an adult.

Target Enforces Adult Accompaniment for Minors

A Target store in Washington, D.C., now insists that shoppers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult during their visits. DC USA, the mall housing this Target location in Columbia Heights, implemented this new rule.

DC USA has also placed signs around its multi-story complex reinforcing its age policy. The complex also hosts other major retailers, such as Best Buy, Burlington Coat Factory, and Old Navy.

This Target store, notable for being the first in the District of Columbia, covers two floors and stretches 180,000 square feet.

According to Retail Drive, DC USA, a major retail complex in the District of Columbia, did not answer questions about its new policy restricting shoppers under 18. Based on its website, the mall, the largest retail development in the area, serves over 36,000 people within a ten-minute walk.

The policy also extends to the Ulta Beauty shop within the Target store, where access has been limited to a single entry and exit point. Many beauty items are kept in locked cabinets, especially in the Ulta section.

Ulta has mentioned that locking up fragrances at its stores has led to better sales.

At this Target, other items such as toothpaste, certain skincare products, and even a section of men's underwear and socks are also secured and require assistance from a store employee to access.

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Target's New Policies Stir Online Debate

Target shoppers have expressed dismay over the store's new policy on social media. "Imagine being carded at Target," one user posted on Reddit.

Another commented, "Pretty pathetic that it has come to this." A third shopper described the area as "sketchy," suggesting it needs a clean-up. Some even speculated that the store could be facing closure.

However, this isn't the first significant change at Target recently. Last month, the retailer limited customers to 10 items at self-checkout registers in many stores to double the speed of the checkout process.

Retail crime, including theft and violence, has sharply increased recently. Incidents like smash-and-grab robberies have risen in cities where some stores have relaxed their policies on shoplifting.

In response to staffing challenges, many stores have shifted towards using more automated technology, such as self-checkout kiosks, which allow customers to complete their purchases faster.

However, the increase in self-checkouts has led to more inventory shrinkage-a term used in the industry to describe product loss. This often happens when customers do not scan items correctly, either accidentally or intentionally, and security systems do not detect them.

Additionally, Target has rolled out a new subscription service called Circle 360. Priced at $99 annually, with an introductory offer of $49, members can enjoy free delivery on orders over $35.

Target has also announced it will stop selling DVDs in its stores and shift their availability to online only, as streaming services have largely taken over the market.

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