SHOPPERS have shared their outrage over a controversial policy being implemented at one Target store.
Minors are no longer allowed to visit the store unless accompanied by an adult.
The Target store situated at the DC USA Mall in Washington DC is enforcing the mall’s latest policy on unattended minors.
Under the rule, which was introduced last December, under 18s are not allowed to shop unless accompanied by an adult.
This applies across all stores at the mall, not just Target.
Other retailers situated at DC USA include Best Buy, Marshalls, and DSW.
Meanwhile, the policy also applies to the Ulta Beauty shop situated inside the Target.
Target shoppers have shared their shock at the policy on social media.
“Imagine being carded at Target,” wrote one on Reddit.
Another said: “Pretty pathetic that it has come to this.”
“That place needs to be cleaned up it’s such a sketchy area,” wrote a third.
Others speculated that the store might be at risk of closure.
MORE TARGET CHANGES
The U.S. Sun has contacted Target for comment.
However, it is not the first time recently that the retailer has made a big change.
Last month, Target introduced a limit of 10 items at the self-checkout registers of many stores.
The aim is to make the checkout process twice as fast for customers.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
Meanwhile, Target has unveiled a new subscription service – Circle 360.
For $99 a year, currently discounted to $49, members get access to perks like free delivery on orders over $35.
Target has also confirmed it will cease selling DVDs at its stores.
Fans of the discs, which have been replaced largely by streaming services, will be available online only.
See why some Target shoppers are unhappy about the new self-checkout rule.
And why customers might be eligible for a $5,000 payment under a new settlement.