We can never have anything nice in Pittsburg.
These are words I constantly remind myself of when I see wooden planks replacing the broken windows of a restaurant or a shattered drive-in kiosk screen. I have lived in Pittsburg all my life and have seen nothing but this small town. I’ve seen it all before the nice Dunkin’ Donuts at Century Boulevard, as well as all the ups and downs, the growths and the trends.
About three days ago, I heard that the popular market Target was going to be shut down in all Bay Area locations. Those words replayed in my mind as I shook my head. “Can never have anything nice in Pittsburg.” The main reason for the closings is theft and crime rates in these locations, which is sad to hear.
But, as I drove by Target the other day, the proof was right there in front of me. The security guard was armed to the teeth, with guns and vests. I’ve never seen anything like it in a long time, especially not at Target.
But Pittsburg is a small town. The closing of the stores could mean a greater impact on the community, not just in Pittsburg, but the other locations as well — Oakland and San Francisco. As per an official statement from Target regarding the situation, “We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”
Pittsburg is considered a low-income city, and when they chose to close up shop, the industry had kept this in mind. They claimed that it was a tough decision to make, and that was one of the reasons.
Because Pittsburg is a low-income city, the need, or the need to steal to survive goes up. Pittsburg has its share of homeless, and it increases by the day.
So, during this crisis, Target claims to have done the best that it could to manage and up the security of the stores to limit theft. In the end, we all know that it proved futile. Their losses in profit became too much to bear, thus leading to a decision.
AP retail writer Anne D’Innocenzio reported on KCRA.com: “Target said in May that theft was cutting into its bottom line and it expected related losses could be $500 million more than last year, when losses from theft were estimated to be anywhere from $700 million to $800 million. So that means losses could top $1.2 billion this fiscal year.”
According to the same report, Target has also been receiving backlash and hate toward merchandise geared toward the LGBTQ+ community. People have tipped over displays or were hostile to workers due to the Pride Month merchandise.
There are not many other options in Pittsburg for a reliable and affordable market. Members of the community will find themselves forced to turn to other chains when the closure of Target is finally made official, and they are no longer in the lot. There are Winco and Costco, and considering the subscription requirement tied with Costco, I predict much more demand and pressure on Winco.
So, if that goes down, what next? What other businesses are subject to shutdown? What will replace Target? What is the next course of action for authorities and security in Pittsburg? More, or less? One thing is for sure. The loss of Target will surely be felt.
I wonder, maybe in time, if we can actually have something nice in Pittsburg.