AI, Tech, and What Your Peers are Planning Next

Retail leaders aren’t just dipping their toes into AI—they’re diving in. From predictive analytics to AI-powered personalization and automation, companies are actively integrating machine learning to sharpen customer experiences and trim inefficiencies. The report reveals that peers across the industry are already planning aggressive next steps. Those who hesitate risk falling behind in a tech arms race that’s reshaping the retail landscape.

Retail Touchpoints

UNFI expects cyberattack to cost it at least $350 million in sales

UNFI, a major grocery distributor for companies like Whole Foods, suffered a cyberattack on June 5 that disrupted ordering systems and led to a $350–$400 million drop in Q2 sales. The company was forced to shift to manual operations, causing delays and inventory issues. Systems were largely restored by mid-July, and UNFI expects cyber-insurance to help cover the losses. The incident exposes how vulnerable critical supply chains remain to cyber threats.

CyberSecurity Dive

Insider threat cargo theft cases rose in Q2, expert says

Insider-driven cargo theft rose sharply in Q2, with criminals increasingly targeting employees and logistics personnel through bribery, collusion, and cyber manipulation. Urban areas like Miami and Los Angeles have become key hotspots, where stolen credentials and phishing tactics are being used to exploit shipment data. Thieves are often stealing smaller loads over time to avoid detection, making these crimes harder to spot. Experts warn that the growing digitalization of logistics has amplified insider risk, demanding tighter vetting and stronger cybersecurity protocols.

Freight Waves

DA in hot seat after retail theft surges in major American cities

Retail theft is spiraling in major U.S. cities, and the political blame game is in full swing. Critics are pointing fingers at progressive district attorneys, accusing them of enabling crime through lenient policies. As stores lock up merchandise and foot traffic declines, communities and law enforcement alike are demanding action. The debate is less about party lines and more about public safety.

FOX News

Walmart Eliminates Hundreds of Store-Support, Training Jobs

Walmart is streamlining operations and the cost is steep—hundreds of jobs are on the chopping block. The company says the move is part of a broader shift to modernize supply chains and adopt more automation. While efficiency is the goal, the human toll is significant, especially as workers brace for uncertain futures. It’s another reminder that in the race for retail innovation, people can become collateral damage.
Transport Topics

If you didn’t get a chance to read Tuesday’s “Against the Grain,” take a minute - it’s the one people keep talking about. “Skeleton Keys” struck a nerve in all the right ways. It’s raw, real, and putting words to things most of us only whisper about.

Cook County State's Attorney's office take part in nationwide crackdown on organized retail theft

CBS News

16 facing charges for $2.6M money order scam at Walmart stores in Ohio

16 people are facing charges for a $2.6 million money order scam at several Walmart stores across Ohio, according to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley.

The individuals were recently indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on several charges, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

WHIO News

Searching for a Video Surveillance System? Here are the Questions You Need to Ask

Brought to you by March Networks

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Shipment Management
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Johnston woman, Brockton man accused in $46K retail scheme

A Johnston woman and man from Brockton were arrested in connection with repeated retail thefts in Chelmsford.

Police said in early June, officers noticed a pattern of fraudulent returns being made at TJ Maxx on Chelmsford Street.

Officials said two people were repeatedly making transactions at the store using fraudulent receipts.

Police said the pair, later identified as 54-year-old John Grogan, and 44-year-old Dara Iantuono, received over $46,000 in returns.

NBC10 News

Chargebacks persist as court voids FTC rule

The death of a federal “click-to-canel” rule by a court ruling this month means consumers peeved about recurring charges will have one less defense, say some industry experts who see parts of the payments refund process as woefully outdated.

Merchants, meanwhile, contend with billions of dollars in disputed payments each year as customers submit chargeback requests.

The FTC rule mandating that merchants ease their cancellation processes might have reduced some chargebacks, some experts said.

Payments Dive

Expel research finds “strategy gap” in enterprise cyber hiring—not a talent shortage

Expel unveiled new research today that challenges the long-held belief of a cybersecurity “talent gap,” revealing instead a significant “strategy gap” in how enterprises approach hiring and retention.

The inaugural 2025 Enterprise Cybersecurity Talent Index, released today, highlights critical misalignments between enterprise hiring practices and candidate expectations, inadvertently hindering organizations’ ability to attract top security professionals.

SIW

Amid push to deregulate OSHA and cut budgets, lawmakers debate compliance assistance

Efforts to expand OSHA’s compliance assistance programs clashed with the administration’s push to cut federal safety agency staffing, budgets and regulations during a July 16 House Workforce Protections hearing.

Safe Workplaces, Stronger Partnerships: The Future of OSHA Compliance featured subcommittee members and witnesses discussing various avenues for improving worker health and safety – particularly OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs.

Safety+Health

Duo on pretrial release allegedly lead police on high-speed chase after retail theft

Two Chicago women allegedly led police on a high-speed chase after stealing clothes from a retail store while on pretrial release for theft-related charges, according to authorities.

The DuPage County States Attorney’s Office said 38-year-old Shawanda Outlaw and 27-year-old Destiny Jackson have been charged with single counts of burglary and retail theft, as well as two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer.

FOX News

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