Target announced this week that it is planning to close several stores, citing retail theft and organized retail crime as major problems. It’s raising concerns and questions about whether retail theft is worsening and what can be done about it.

For a transcript of this story, click here.

News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are some of the major retailers that have reported issues with theft?
2. What are the reasons behind Target's decision to close several stores?
3. When did these retailers start closing stores?
4. Where have smash-and-grab robberies been reportedly on the rise according to retailers?
5. Why did Congress pass the INFORM Act?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What do you think will be the consequences of these store closures? What do you think will happen to the property they use to occupy?

Media Literacy: How can you find out more about shoplifting?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

FOR MORE

What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — what challenges do retailers face in accurately measuring and addressing the issue of retail theft?

Also, check out this lesson in which student journalists reported on disparities in grocery store food prices:

Link to lesson:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/daily-news-lessons/2023/09/student-research-project-draws-attention-to-price-disparities-in-low-income-neighborhoods

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