You Could Be Banned From Target Forever for Doing This

I’ve got a love-hate thing going on with Target right now. I love shopping there, but those red “pick up only” parking spots drive me crazy—they’re great parking spots and almost always empty! And Target's self-checkout? It used to be smooth and fast, but now I always end up waiting in line.

The Minneapolis-based retailer announced several policy changes last year, including new rules for self-checkout that frustrated customers, a decision to stop accepting checks, and updates to its return policy. Their latest change could be the strictest yet, with violators facing a lifetime ban.

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Target's Minnesota Connection

The first Target store opened in Roseville, Minnesota, in 1962 as an experiment focused on offering quality, a great customer experience, and good prices. The concept worked, and now there are over 2,000 Target stores across the country.

Despite being the brand's birthplace, Minnesota isn't home to the most Target locations. In 2024, there are 60 stores in the state, mostly in the Twin Cities area, while California, with its larger population, has the most with 208 stores.

And depending on which location you visit, you’ve probably noticed some products are locked up while you shop. It’s frustrating, but I get why they have to do it to prevent theft. See the most shoplifted items at Target below.

Violating This Policy Could Result in a Lifetime Ban at Target

Target is actually one of the strictest retail chains when it comes to cracking down on shoplifters.

According to Pop Crush, they have a 'top-rated forensic labs' team that investigates "organized retail crimes committed at Target stores through video and image analysis, latent fingerprint and computer forensics."

Target has updated its shoplifting policy. Now, an accused shoplifter can be banned from the store for life. And if that person tries to enter any Target store again, they can be arrested and charged with trespassing.