Find a way to keep Target stores open on the South Side
I am concerned and disheartened by the news about the closure of the Target stores in Chatham and Morgan Park, two communities located on the South Side of Chicago. This decision is disappointing and regrettable.
The closure of two stores — anchor retailers in their communities — will have a devastating impact on the people that work and shop there, as well as the community at large. We all lose when a large business closes its doors.
These closures, located in areas of Chicago that already have limited options, mean residents will have fewer choices of places to shop for groceries and goods crucial for health and wellbeing. You can go to the pharmacy at Target. You can buy affordable, fresh food at Target. Target’s exit likely worsens the existing food deserts in our communities.
What will the domino effect of this decision be? Will Target’s exit lead to similar closings from other stores nearby? Will the employees who work at the shuttering stores lose their jobs, or be transferred to work sites that do not work for their commutes or schedules?
Many large chain stores use national sales models and may not fully understand the sales footprint needed within each community. National chains need local input to help them be sustainable.
I urge Target to work with the community, property owners, and city and county officials to explore how to keep these locations open and viable.
As president of the Cook County Board, I stand ready to work with city officials, residents and Target leaders to help reach a compromise beneficial to all. I am hopeful that by taking a second look at this decision, a new conclusion may be reached.
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