Portland's REI Store to Close Citing Rise in Break-ins, Thefts | Suburban Minneapolis WalMart Closing After 6000 Police Calls in Five Years

These northern cities have a problem.

First up, from Portland's KGW-8 Television, April 17:

Portland's only REI store to close early next year, citing rise in break-ins, thefts
In a letter to members, REI said its Pearl District location saw its highest number of break-ins and thefts in two decades last year, despite adding security.

The REI store in Portland's Pearl District will close at the end of February 2024, the company announced on Monday.

In a letter to REI members, the company cited concerns over safety and an increase in crime over the last few years as reasons for the closure.

"The safety of our employees, members and customers is always our number one priority. In recent years, Portland has been dealing with increased crime in our neighborhood and beyond. Last year, REI Portland had its highest number of break-ins and thefts in two decades, despite actions to provide extra security," REI said in its letter.

REI also added that they have "outgrown" their store near Northwest Johnson Street and Northwest 14th Avenue and "are not able to provide the level of customer and employee experience we strive for at REI." The company said their lease is up at the end of February next year, which is when the location will close.

In November 2022, someone used a car to break the front door of the store and steal clothing before leaving the scene...

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And from KSTP-5 Television, Minneapolis, March 22: 

Brooklyn Center police responded to over 6,000 calls at Shingle Creek Walmart in last 5 years

Police say Brooklyn Center Walmart off Shingle Creek Crossing has seen thousands of police responses within the last five years. The big box store announced it is planning to shut its doors on April 21.

RELATED: Brooklyn Center Walmart permanently closing April 21

In a statement to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, the company said the move was due to failures to reach “financial expectations.”

Since the Brooklyn Center Walmart opened in 2012, it’s been a hot spot for crime. Customers say due to increasing crime, they are not surprised by the closure.

“Every other day we run in here and grab something and there’s a fight outside or you see someone running out with merchandise,” said Lauren Cole....

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