A peaceful shopping trip turned violent when an assailant opened fire with a knife inside a Traverse City Walmart, injuring multiple customers before fleeing the scene. Police have launched a city‑wide manhunt, urging anyone with tips or video footage to come forward. Authorities are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses as the community reels from this shocking act of violence in a familiar public space.
In the wake of escalating threats and unpredictable crises, organizations are bolstering resilience by allocating more resources toward security infrastructure and rapid‑response capabilities. Experts emphasize that recovery planning—spanning physical safety, mental health support, and reputational management—is now as vital as initial crisis prevention. As violent incidents rise globally, companies that integrate comprehensive security investment with agile recovery strategies will emerge stronger and more trusted.
Amid inflationary pressures and shifting consumer behavior, AI stands out as the retail sector’s top lever for efficiency, personalization, and cost savings. From dynamic pricing algorithms to automated inventory restocking, AI tools can deliver immediate ROI and build long‑term competitive advantage. Retail leaders who lean into these technologies now are positioning themselves to thrive, no matter how choppy the economic waters.
Over a single weekend of street protests in Los Angeles, opportunistic looters targeted dozens of local businesses, shattering windows and clearing shelves in a wave of organized theft. Small, family‑owned stores bore the brunt, with owners describing devastating financial and emotional tolls that could take months to recover from. Law enforcement’s response—deploying additional patrols and making scattered arrests—has been criticized as too reactive to stem the surge.
Traditional department stores continue to grapple with changing consumer habits and online competition, experimenting with experiential retail, private‑label lines, and digital integrations to reclaim relevance. In contrast, off‑price chains like TJX and Ross are thriving by offering brand‑name goods at steep discounts, drawing budget‑conscious shoppers in droves. Industry analysts predict that this off‑price momentum will reshape retail footprints, forcing legacy chains to innovate or cede ground.
Industry veteran Bob Oberosler talks face matching including accuracy, industry myths, and why ‘wild faces’ matter! TalkLP podcast host, Amber Bradley, keeps it real discussing Bob’s past experience with face matching — what went wrong and what went right — and more industry myth busting! What about the complexities of face matching implementation? Does it take a server at every store? Apparently not! Take a listen as they dive into the details that some might ignore! Check it out!
Here's how multi-location retailers handle technology problems without sending staff
Retailers managing multiple locations face unique challenges when technical problems arise.
Issues like Point of Sale failures, system slowdowns, or digital signage outages in distant stores can quickly escalate without timely resolution.
For many, the traditional approach of dispatching IT personnel to each site is no longer sustainable.
With growing reliance on technology, even minor disruptions can have significant knock-on effects.
Delayed transactions, poor customer experiences, and service interruptions all damage business performance. Managing IT support efficiently across branches is now essential for maintaining a reliable and competitive operation.
Former Sam's Club manager accused of stealing $366k to fund counterfeit luxury store
A former Sam’s Club manager is accused of slipping in after hours, stealing $366,000, and funneling it into a fake designer boutique, investigators say.
According to an investigator with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO), a former Sam's Club manager, 40-year-old Robert Hinson, stole around $366,606 from a cash safe between March 18 and April 29, 2024.
Deputies say that Hinson, who was on medical leave during the thefts, used his knowledge as a store manager to steal 7 cash deposit bags over 6 separate days.
He allegedly carried out the thefts early in the morning and overnight when customers and employees were not present.
Shoplifting suspect wounded at Holyoke Mall after exchange of gunfire with police
A shopping center in Holyoke, Mass. was evacuated Friday night after a shooting left a juvenile suspect wounded.
According to Police Chief Brian Keenan, both a juvenile and a police officer "exchanged gunfire" in the Holyoke Mall, following what started as a shoplifting investigation.
At a press conference broadcast Holyoke Media Friday night, Keenan said two officers had been working a detail at the mall when, around 4:30 p.m., a security guard informed them of a shoplifting incident they observed.
Police then located the suspect seen by security, described as a "juvenile male" by Holyoke PD.
Serial butt-sniffer arrested again for sticking schnoz in woman’s backside at a Nordstrom Rack
A notorious butt-sniffing freak was thrown behind bars again after he was allegedly caught putting his schnoz near the backside of an unsuspecting woman at a Nordstrom Rack in California.
Calese Carron Crowder, 36, was arrested Tuesday after he was captured on security cams crouching near a woman and sniffing her rear end in the women’s section of the Burbank Empire Center department store, according to the Burbank Police Department.
Police said the registered sex offender was seen trailing the innocent shopper around the store before sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong — a disturbing act he’s already been busted for multiple times.
Arizona couple busted for allegedly running a retail theft ring out of their living room
Nephtali Santiago-Garcia and Yuli "Nissy" Esther Degante Vigueras must have had a house that smelled pretty good recently. That’s because the couple had an estimated $355,000 worth of Bath & Body Works products stashed on their property.
The two individuals involved weren’t just really (really) into candles and lotions, of course. They were part of an intricate theft operation, involving a Bath & Body Works delivery driver and an organized retail theft ring that was stealing merchandise to the couple to illegally resell.
Florida Chuck E. Cheese Employee Busted In Mouse Suit For Alleged Credit Card Theft
In a bizarre scene that unfolded before surprised children, a Chuck E. Cheese employee was dramatically arrested in his full mouse costume on July 23, facing felony charges for alleged credit card theft. Forty-one-year-old Jermel Jones stands accused of pilfering a customer’s debit card in June and racking up unauthorized purchases.
The unusual bust occurred after Michelle Allen, a mom who’d hosted her child’s birthday party at the restaurant, noticed suspicious activity on her “child support Visa debit card.”
Position Summary: The Director of Investigations, Asset Protection Hub at Walmart will provide overall direction by leading a team of investigators supporting Walmart U.S. stores and Supply Chain. This role involves analyzing objectives, creating and implementing effective investigation strategies, developing process insights to reduce shrink, and ensuring that business objectives are met.
Overcoming Small Business Security Challenges with Intelligent, Direct-to-Cloud Video Surveillance
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operating in sectors like quick-service restaurants (QSRs), convenience stores, retail, and finance, navigating the landscape of security threats has become a critical aspect of managing your operations. March Networks knows that intelligent video surveillance is not just a safety measure—it’s an essential strategy for enhancing your overall business resilience and operational efficiency. This blog will discuss:
Top Security Challenges for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Amazon Warns Accounts Are Under Attack—You Must Act Now
Amazon has confirmed its users are now under attack. Fraudulent emails that seem to come from Amazon actually open “a fake Amazon login page.” This steals your username and password, enabling attackers to gain access to your account.
You must act now and ensure you have the right account security settings in place.
An OSHA warning about that email alerting you to a coming inspection
Over the last week, emails purporting to be from OSHA carpet bombed inboxes.
They told the recipient to prepare for a possible “compliance inspection” by clicking to read new OSHA guidelines. Don’t click. The emails aren’t from OSHA, so sayeth OSHA in a Friday social media post.