Transforming Retail Security: Rise of AI in Shoplifting Detection

Retailers are harnessing AI-powered surveillance systems to detect suspicious behaviors—like concealing items or loitering near high-value goods—in real-time, enabling swift intervention before thefts occur. These intelligent systems alleviate the burden on human security staff by providing precise alerts and post-incident analytics, enhancing overall store security and operational efficiency. As retail shrinkage escalates globally, AI emerges as a pivotal tool in safeguarding assets and transforming traditional loss prevention strategies

Retail Tech Insights

US retail sales show resilience in April despite tariff concerns

Despite growing concerns over tariffs and economic uncertainty, U.S. shoppers kept spending in April, signaling strong consumer confidence driven by job growth, rising wages, and lower energy prices. While government data showed modest month-over-month gains, independent reports revealed even stronger growth—highlighting just how resilient and adaptable American consumers continue to be. With retail spending trending upward year-over-year, the message is clear: consumers remain the steady engine powering the U.S. economy forward.

Retail Insight Network

Lock it down: How merchants use innovative new tech to prevent fraud

Retailers in 2025 face a nonstop challenge: embracing cutting-edge payment tech while staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics. As e-commerce fraud is set to exceed $343 billion globally by 2027, tools like biometrics, tokenization, and AI are emerging as powerful defenses—offering faster, safer checkouts and robust fraud prevention. But with great tech comes great responsibility, and merchants must balance innovation with privacy and security to protect both their operations and their customers.

Retail Brew

10 trends in retail technology

Retailers and brands today have many options when it comes to making their businesses more productive and efficient—especially when it comes to technology. With many of these new technologies benefiting from advanced artificial intelligence, companies are moving beyond the experimental stage to full-scale deployment. According to a recent report conducted by Coresight Research and sponsored by Intel, the following 10 key technologies are expected to influence the retail market this year.

The SC Exchange

Unmasking the Hidden Threat of Corporate Cyber Espionage

Corporate espionage is no longer cloak-and-dagger—it’s code and data. As attackers evolve from dumpster-diving to deploying AI-enhanced malware and exploiting insider access, the theft of intellectual property has become seamless, stealthy, and far more dangerous. Traditional security tools can’t keep up, making Zero Trust strategies, behavioral analytics, deception technologies, and a “think like a spy” mindset essential to detect and stop digital infiltrators before it’s too late.

Security Info Watch

Moving to the SMART side (not the Dark side)

Join TalkLP host Amber Bradley as she chats with Patrick McEvoy, Senior Enterprise Account Executive – Retail at Motorola Solutions, formerly and LP Executive on the retail side of the industry. They discuss Motorola’s newest body camera and how it was designed with retail enterprise in mind.  What’s Motorola’s take on overall uber popular tech ‘ecosystem?’ 

Patrick also shares about his decision to leave the retail side of things and move to the SMART side of LP and how his days are different….but the same, still fueled by his love of technology and solving problems.  His tech advice in 2025? Grow your use of LPR. Listen now for the details! 

Check out TalkLPnews at NRF PROTECT booth 1716 – we’ll be doing LIVE podcasts! Come by to say hello and see what’s new on the UNSCRIPTED side of LP!

Do you have Industry Buzz? Let us know here.

Prime Time Payback? Amazon Hit with Class Action Over Refund Scheme

Dozens of customers are continuing to express complaints about Amazon as the company faces a class-action lawsuit for allegedly breaching its own refund policies, KHOU 11 reported.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, stated that Amazon failed to issue refunds even when customers returned their items within the 30-day return policy.

 Blavity

Bessent says Walmart will absorb 'some tariffs' after speaking with retailer's CEO

Walmart is going to absorb the cost of some tariffs, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday after speaking with the company’s CEO in the wake of President Donald Trump’s warning that the retail giant should "eat the tariffs."

Bessent detailed his conversation with Walmart CEO Doug McMillon during an appearance on CNN’s "State of the Union," when he was asked about Trump’s social media post warning the company against raising its prices for consumers, as McMillon alluded to in an earnings call last week.

FOX Business

Unsecured & Unaware: How AI Tools Are Quietly Compromising Companies

Security Magazine

Melanie Subin

Futurist; Trends, Scenarios, & Strategic Foresight Leader;

Managing Director, Future Today Strategy Group

APEX Session Announcement:

How to Think Like a Futurist

Join us at NRF PROTECT!

Retailers: Mark your calendars for Boots & Brews at NRF PROTECT, Tuesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m!

OpenEye: Video Surveillance to Reduce Product Shrink

Reduce shrink and improve customer experiences with OpenEye’s intelligent and aware cloud video platform that lets you manage your business from wherever you are. From creating better customer experiences to helping reduce shrink, OpenEye gives you a single platform that keeps you focused on being more profitable.

• Loss Prevention: POS data combined with video verification makes it easier to investigate returns fraud, coupon manipulation, voids and under ringing at the point of sale.
• Remote Monitoring: Keep an eye on things from any location, such as a late open or when restricted areas are accessed with custom alerts sent to your phone or email.
• Enhanced Experiences: Easily monitor store operations, customer journeys, and trends for a better customer experience that ultimately leads to stronger profits.

OpenEye Web Services gives you the enhanced visibility you need to stay on top of loss prevention and improve security. Leverage advanced security features, including:

• Powerful Analytics: Monitor queue length, customer wait times and employee engagement for anomalies to gather valuable business intelligence.
• Automated Reporting: Get better insights into customer readiness and improve security compliance audits.
• Point-of-Sale Integration: Stay on top of fraud with POS search and alerting for suspicious transactions.
• Remote Access: Multiple client options and single sign-on ensure access on any device from virtually anywhere.
• Proactive Alerts: Get quick visual verification of incidents with custom alerts sent via phone or email.
• Automated Health Monitoring: Ensure video is there when you need it with alerts for network outages, camera failure, and more.

8 arrested; over $1.3 million worth of stolen goods found in L.A. County

Eight suspects were arrested after authorities discovered over $1.3 million worth of stolen retail merchandise in Los Angeles County.

The bust operation was conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KTLA 5

Kohl’s paperwork reveals board member left due to governing concerns, lack of transparency

Kohl’s most recent SEC filing contains emails wherein Day pushes back on the company’s narrative that she exited her board position without friction.

Day, the former CEO of Lululemon, has been on Kohl’s board since the spring of 2021 and was a member of the board’s compensation committee, audit committee and finance committee.

Retail Dive

Warning: Your Inclusion Policy Might Be Breaking the Law

Retailers aiming to foster inclusive environments must tread carefully to ensure their policies align with legal requirements.

The supreme court, in a recent ruling, clarified how the Equality Act must be interpreted. The Equality Act 2010 permits the provision of separate male and female facilities when it's a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim, such as ensuring privacy and safety. 

The Retail Bulletin

Senior Manager, Global Investigations - Walmart

The Senior Manager, Global Investigations, will lead investigations focused on identifying counterfeit/stolen products sold online, the use of proactive analytics to review potential risks in the marketplace environment, and proactively examining other potential e-commerce criminal activity. Additionally, this individual will mitigate known risks by providing solutions and process refinements and support where necessary investigations on our cyber team.

Trevor Sinden

Sales Director, MEAI

How Saudi Arabia is Setting the Stage for Technology-Driven Excellence in the Hospitality Industry

The tourism and hospitality industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Driven by a renewed desire for travel, technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and an increasing demand for personalized experiences, the industry is embracing innovative solutions to stay ahead. In regions like Saudi Arabia,

Vision 2030 and the Smart City initiatives emphasize integrating advanced technology to enhance security and guarantee a luxurious experience.

Enhancing Guest Satisfaction with AI-Powered Analytics

Imagine a luxury hotel hosting a high-profile event, like a music festival or a global business conference. With AI-powered video analytics, the hotel can monitor crowd movements and identify congested areas in real time. By analyzing guest flow and preferences, the hotel can automatically reroute guests to avoid bottlenecks, reducing wait times at entrances, elevators, or service counters. For instance, at a major concert venue in Dubai, video intelligence systems have been used to optimize crowd control during events, enhancing the overall guest experience by eliminating delays and ensuring smooth entry.

Suspect charged in nearly $1 million dollar Amazon scam

 A man appeared in court this week after allegedly stealing almost $1 million from an elderly Missoula resident.

29-year-old Zabi Ullah Mohammad faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and impersonating a federal agent.

Officials allege Mohammad and his accomplices called an elderly Missoula resident and posed as an Amazon representative before claiming the victim's identity was stolen.

NBC News

In Food We Trust? USDA’s Inspection Leader Now Inspecting Herself

Dr. Denise Eblen, a microbiologist turned power player, now leads the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service while simultaneously serving as Acting Deputy Under Secretary—making her both the regulator and the overseer in a critical federal agency responsible for protecting the nation’s food supply.

Amid leadership voids, political reshuffling, and looming federal workforce cuts, Eblen’s dual role places her at the center of a high-stakes mission to modernize food safety—just as consumer trust and public health hang in the balance.

Food Safety News

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