The Future of Retail: Six Disruptions That Could Shape the Next Decade

Retailers are navigating immediate pressures like tariffs, but they cannot afford to ignore long-term shifts reshaping the industry. "Beyond trade" diversification, the rise of AI-driven automation, and emerging AI shopping agents are fundamentally changing how retailers operate and connect with consumers. To thrive in the next decade, retailers must embrace automation, personalize value, rethink store networks, strengthen private label offerings, and pursue scale across borders—all while using human talent to drive strategy and innovation in this new era of retail transformation.

Bain & Company

Retail Theft Doubles in 2025: A Growing Crisis and How Tech Can Help Retailers Fight Back

Retail theft has surged over 100% since pre-pandemic levels, prompting a nationwide crackdown involving over 100 law enforcement agencies and 30 major retailers like Target and Walgreens. Organized retail crime, driven by coordinated groups reselling stolen goods, has led to a 93% rise in shoplifting incidents and significant financial losses. To combat this, retailers are deploying advanced technologies like AI surveillance and facial recognition, alongside strengthened partnerships with law enforcement, to deter theft and ensure safety.

ISN

Prevention and the cure: How AI is helping combat ID fraud for retailers

AI is both a challenge and a solution in combating the rise of fake and synthetic IDs, which are increasingly used in retail fraud like self-checkout scams and BOPIS fraud. Advanced AI-powered tools, such as biometric analysis and document verification, can detect up to 95% of fake IDs, offering faster, more accurate identity checks while enhancing customer experience. As fraudsters leverage generative AI and deepfake technology, retailers must adopt evolving AI solutions to protect revenue, ensure compliance, and maintain consumer trust.

Retail Customer Experience

Layoff News 2025: From Retail Giants To Tech Titans — Nearly 49,000 Job Cuts Across Different Sectors

US companies across sectors are implementing significant layoffs, totaling nearly 48,800 job cuts, as they navigate economic uncertainties and shifting market conditions. Major players in retail, technology, energy, and healthcare, including Starbucks, Meta, Chevron, and UnitedHealth, have announced workforce reductions ranging from 5% to 22% of their staff. While job openings in the US rose to 7.39 million in April, layoffs have spiked, signaling a cautious corporate outlook and a slowing labor market.

Republic

Why Are Cyberattacks Targeting Retail? Experts Share Their Thoughts

Retailers, including luxury brands like Cartier and Adidas, are facing a surge in cyberattacks targeting customer data, supply chains, and loyalty programs, often exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party services. These attacks are driven by the high value of sensitive customer information and internal documents, making retailers prime targets for phishing, identity theft, and counterfeit operations. Experts emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity measures, such as zero-trust mechanisms, MFA, and comprehensive incident response strategies, to enhance digital resilience and protect against increasingly sophisticated threats.

Security Magazine

Fans First. Always.

Amber Bradley
Editor-in-Chief
TalkLPnews
amber@talklpnews.com

I haven’t been fortunate enough to attend a Savannah Bananas game yet. But as a marketing nerd, I can’t help but marvel at what their founder, Jesse Cole, has created. At first glance, you’d think the rise of this organization is a master class in marketing – but a closer look tells a different and certainly more layered story.

Jesse Cole is certainly a masterful marketer but in my humble opinion, it’s his unwavering dedication to the fan experience that has created the Savannah Banana empire. Of course there is the grit, determination, and pursuit innovation that can also be credited with the success of this unconventional experience at a Bananas game. But a recent LinkedIn post showing Jesse determined to provide every last fan an autograph that truly hits his mantra of “Fans First. Always” home. No matter how popular or rich Jesse gets, I’ll bet he stays to sign every autograph – always.

Nice story, Amber – so what?

Well, the so what for me is a few points 1) externally focused on the industry and 2) internally focused on what we’re trying to do here at TalkLPnews.

Let’s start with you:

• In my humble experience of interviewing asset protection executives from all over the industry – they have one similar mindset in common: putting the business first. This translates to incorporating the sales/operations mindset into every decision that’s made in your department and instilling this mindset into your team as they make decisions. What’s best for the organization? Now of course, sometimes safety considerations will trump sales considerations – but in those instances safety IS the best for the organization. Many of these successful executives take this perspective and the organization appreciates creating this proactive partnership vs. the “no” department. Organizational priorities first. Always. It’s almost like the exercise of asking the “5 Why’s” – are you and your team first asking “what’s best for the organization?” 

• TalkLPnews is constantly striving to put this industry first by providing unmatched experiences whether you’re reading this or attending one of our events. There is no better example than our Asset Protection Executive Xchange (APEX) conference experience. We’re constantly striving to put the attendee experience first. Always.

If you’ve been, you know. From the highest level / thoughtful content to skipping the box lunches to delighting our audience with constant surprises – we love providing a high-quality experience no matter the cost. I honestly didn’t write this to promote APEX, but with so many choices out there and the unwavering commitment we have to this principle – I feel compelled to call it out. And others are doing the same. Here’s a recent quote from an SVP of AP, Compliance, and Risk at a major retailer: “Hi Amber, Want to drop you a quick note and recognize you and your team for the quality of these updates. Very relevant and very informative content that is well curated. Keep up the great work!”

It's always refreshing seeing an example of success and the founder not forgetting where he or she came from. Jesse Cole is a shining example of this and to watch his continue rise in popularity motivates me beyond measure. Ok, I gotta end this article to find where I can catch the next game!

Do you have a different take? Or more to add? 

Let us know by emailing me here. We'll run your comments Monday.

Many US shoppers angry at retailers raising costs but executives are doing it anyway

RTIH

How big trade deficit drop as tariffs hit imports is playing out inside U.S. supply chain and economy

The U.S. trade deficit fell by the largest amount on record in April as imports fell by over 16% after a surge in orders to beat President Trump’s tariffs, but there’s a worrying flip side for the consumer.

As the trade war whipsaws global economic activity, supply chain data shows that the retail inventory crunch could be next and small business across the country are bearing the brunt of the pain.

From freight orders to inventory and warehousing, the latest logistics data shows the inability of many importers to make business decisions related to inventory levels.

CNBC

Survey: Nearly half of retail managers worried about job security

 Chain Store Age

Join OpenEye at NRF Protect 2025

Brought to you by

OpenEye will be at NRF Protect, the retail industry’s most comprehensive, cross-functional event, in Grapevine, TX from June 23-25, 2025, showcasing the versatility and power of OpenEye’s cloud-managed surveillance platform.

Be sure to stop by booth #803 to learn more about OpenEye’s cloud video solutions, including OpenEye Web Services, retail analytics, POS Connect, and cloud cameras. Also, don’t miss out on your chance to win a new pair of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses during OpenEye’s giveaway at the upcoming event!

Use the promo code EXHTST10 and get 20% off an all-access or free expo pass for this year’s NRF Protect!

Employee Charged in $650K Watch Theft Scheme

Detectives with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a St. Petersburg man following an investigation into the theft of high-end watches from a local jewelry business.

The investigation began on May 15, 2025, after Gold & Diamond Source, located at 3800 Ulmerton Road, reported suspected internal theft. Detectives identified 32-year-old Michael Anthony Kelly of St. Petersburg as the employee responsible.

IONTB

Walmart customers rage over new security feature

Walmart is rolling out a new security initiative — and shoppers are not happy with the corporation’s latest attempts at curtailing crime in store parking lots across the country.

A customer in Bentonville, Ark., posted a TikTok video that captured the robot security guard patrolling the store’s parking lot.

NY POST

ECR Retail Loss report flags how to cut grocery retail waste and boost compliance

The benefits are substantial, the report claims. By embedding expiry data into scannable 2D/QR codes, retailers can: Block expired items from being sold - meaning shoppers are never sold an out-of-date product again; Gain real-time visibility of product freshness; Enable dynamic markdowns and smarter replenishment.

But while the technology is ready, scaling adoption across the grocery sector will require coordinated effort. 

RTIH

Safe and Open: Rethinking Retail Loss Prevention Without Compromising the Experience 

Locked cases and restrictive access may deter theft—but they’re also driving customers away.

In our latest insights article, “Safe and Open,” we explore a smarter approach to retail loss prevention—one that protects profits, people, and the shopper experience.

Learn how Gatekeeper Systems’ Purchek® solution quietly stops pushout theft without confrontation, while FaceFirst AI-enabled face matching helps identify repeat offenders in real time. Together, these technologies offer a dual-layered, intelligent defense that keeps stores open, safe, and welcoming.

📍 Join us at NRF PROTECT 2025 to explore how we’re reshaping retail safety.
🗓️ June 23–25 | Booth 622 (Gatekeeper Systems) & Booth 308 (FaceFirst)

As the Director, Security Engineering and Operations, you will build and manage a team of direct, indirect, and outsourced resources for the delivery of enterprise security operations services. You will provide operational leadership in delivery of security services, ability to adjust priorities based on changing operational needs. Additionally, you will maintain productive business relationships with service customers and partners. This position reports directly to CISO and serves as a trusted business partner with other Burlington organizations and as a security thought leader across the enterprise. The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership, business acumen, and technical skills to ensure Burlington business resilience from cyber threats.

David Keeling shares his goals for OSHA during confirmation hearing

David Keeling has three main goals for OSHA if he’s confirmed as leader of the agency.

During his June 5 confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the former UPS and Amazon safety executive’s opening statement provided an overview – but didn’t delve into the finer details.

Nominated by President Donald Trump on Feb. 12, Keeling shared the stage during the hearing with nominees for three other posts, limiting the questions he may have fielded if he was alone.

Safety+Health

Beyond Delivery: The New Role of Drones in Fashion Retail Supply Chains

In 2025, drones have transcended their initial roles in delivery and surveillance to become critical in revolutionising warehouse operations, particularly within the fashion industry’s supply chain.

This transformation is not merely about technological advancement but signifies a strategic shift towards enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability in inventory management.

Amazon’s announcement of its ‘Prime Air’ project in 2013 was a significant moment in the evolution of drone logistics. Though initially met with scepticism, it marked the beginning of mainstream interest in autonomous aerial delivery.

Fibre2Fashion