Target Banned Teens in 2 Stores: 18 or Older Soon in Michigan?

For teenagers, every party needs a pooper, and it looks like the party may be over soon for Michigan Target stores. At least two stores, on opposite sides of the country, have begun requiring people under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult.

Related: Here Are the 10 Most Commonly Stolen Items From Michigan Walmarts

Both a Bronx, New York and a Bakersfield, California Target location have instituted the policy and it's been met with both shock and understanding. Target has seen a whopping 120% increase in retail theft in just the first five months of 2023. While organized crime plays a part in the theft, make-up and other cosmetics represent a large chunk of those losses.

Why Michigan Target Stores May Require Supervision for Shoppers Younger than 18

Target has done its homework and determined that about 25% of shoplifters are underage. So, the solution is to kick out unsupervised legions of teenagers who wander aisles and sip Starbucks, at least, for 2 of the mega-retailer locations.

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It should be noted that while teenagers represent a big portion of the shoplifting pie, most of the thieves, 60%, are 30 years of age or older. I can't imagine having to be 30 or older to shop anywhere, but stranger things have happened.

Target isn't alone. Walmart, Kroger, and Best Buy are all taking a deep look at how to handle 'shrink', the retail term for shoplifting-related profit losses. Tactics include limiting self-checkout (just get rid of it) and locking up the most pocketed items, like those irresistible cosmetics.

Related: Jacobson's Department Stores: When Michigan Shopping Was an Event

While no stores in Michigan have to institute the policy, it may not be long before teenagers in Target will either be outside or followed closely by mom or dad.