Algorithmic pricing: Innovation misunderstood

Retailers are turning to algorithmic pricing to stay competitive, but the technology remains widely misunderstood by both consumers and lawmakers. Critics often conflate it with price gouging or discrimination, when in reality, it’s designed to respond dynamically to market demand, inventory, and local competition. The NRF argues that clear communication and transparency are essential to preventing backlash against this growing retail strategy.

NRF

Three Breaches In Three Weeks: A Wake Up Call For Enterprise Security

Three major data breaches in just as many weeks have exposed deep vulnerabilities in enterprise cybersecurity, prompting urgent calls for better defenses. As sophisticated attackers exploit gaps in outdated systems and lax protocols, the cost of inaction continues to climb. The article warns that without a cultural shift in how companies prioritize security, even well-funded enterprises will remain dangerously exposed.

Forbes

US retail sales slow in June amid tariff fears

Retail sales growth decelerated in June, raising concerns that looming tariff hikes may be chilling consumer confidence. Shoppers pulled back on discretionary spending while businesses braced for higher costs on imported goods. Economists are watching closely, as prolonged trade uncertainty could drag down momentum during a critical period for the U.S. economy.

Yahoo! Finance

Outlining a bold vision for the future of physical retail powered by hyper-connected technology

The future of brick-and-mortar retail is being reimagined with hyper-connected technologies that blend digital insights with real-world experiences. Retailers are integrating AI, IoT, and real-time analytics to personalize the in-store journey and streamline operations. The result is a new blueprint where physical spaces are not just transactional hubs but immersive, data-driven environments.

RTIH

2 hurt, gunman dies by suicide after grocery store shootout with St. Paul officers, police say

A violent altercation inside a Cub Foods in St. Paul ended in gunfire, leaving two people injured and the suspect fatally shot. Police responded swiftly to the scene after reports of shots fired in the crowded grocery store. The incident has reignited community concerns about safety and violence in public retail spaces.

CBS News

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with the Chief Commercial Officer of Gatekeeper Systems, Craig Greenberg, to chat about the first 100 days since the merge with FaceFirst. Craig talks about integrating the company cultures and teams to expedite the speed of deployment as well as continuing the rapid pace of innovation.

Gatekeeper Systems has always been a technology company – and now it gets to show that feature off by becoming truly a significant portion of the in-store tech ecosystem.

Hear from Craig first hand or read his comments in his most recent blog post here.

Walmart's Retail Revolution: How Anti-Theft Measures and E-Commerce Dominance Signal the Future of Grocery

The retail landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by rising theft, evolving consumer expectations, and the relentless march of e-commerce.

At the epicenter of this transformation stands Walmart, whose bold moves to combat theft and dominate online grocery sales offer a blueprint for retailers navigating today's challenges.

By integrating physical and digital strategies while addressing loss prevention, Walmart is redefining the rules of the game—and investors would be wise to take note.

 AInvest

Police: Newport suspects had $100K+ worth of stolen merchandise

An investigation led to the arrest of two people who allegedly had more than $100,000 worth of stolen merchandise in their home.

Newport police said the investigation began on May 26 after a reported shoplifting at a store on Thames Street.

The two suspects, identified as Di J. DiPinto and Beverly DiPinto, of Berkley, Mass., were caught stealing merchandise on surveillance video, according to police.

WPRI

Passwords on Post-Its: 2025 Cybersecurity Pulse Survey uncovers alarming employee behaviors

SIW

[CASE STUDY] A Leading Luxury Retailer Benefits from an Open Platform with OpenEye Web Services

Experiencing consistent growth over several decades while innovating the fashion world, a luxury retailer needed to find a solution that aligned with their company’s success. They wanted a system that could be easily scaled across locations while working with their stores’ most critical systems and devices, whether that was current third-party cameras, inventory management systems, barcode scanners, and other future innovations.

By working with OpenEye, this retailer utilizes an open cloud-managed video platform that enables streamlined scalability and integrates with their devices, with benefits including:

• Open Platform: OpenEye Web Services (OWS) enabled the business to integrate their existing cameras into the cloud video platform for more streamlined deployment and better cost savings.
• Reliable Support: The company leveraged reliable support through OpenEye, ensuring that whenever their team needed a new recorder or assistance with their surveillance, they had it.
• Improved Operations: OWS’ effective user management features equipped facilities, HR, and other teams throughout the business with access to powerful video surveillance.

See how this luxury retailer has been able to enhance operations across their stores while ensuring their employees, customers, and assets are secure in the complete case study.

Oregon legislature approves workplace violence bill, sends it to governor

The Oregon Legislative Assembly recently passed groundbreaking workplace violence legislation aimed at keeping frontline healthcare workers safe in hospitals, and home health and hospice settings across Oregon.

The bill, S.B. 537, is an update on laws passed in 2007 and 2019. Members of the Oregon Nurses Association worked hard to address members’ concerns about workplace violence and fix gaps in the existing law.

The measure, which is awaiting Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature, will take effect Jan. 1, 2026

AFT

Outlining a bold vision for the future of physical retail powered by hyper-connected technology

In a LinkedIn post, in which he was responding to a new report from IGD entitled ‘The hyper-connected store: the retail revolution’, he noted that, by 2029, physical stores will still own 94% of grocery sales; that's a $9.6 trillion market adding another $1.7 trillion in just five years.

“The future of retail isn’t online vs. offline. It’s unified. The gist: stores are no longer just points of sale, they’re data engines, media networks, fulfillment hubs, and community interfaces,” he said.

RTIH

How Does AI Benefit the Retail Industry

Artificial intelligence is reshaping retail by enabling highly accurate demand forecasting—leveraging historical sales data, market trends, and external factors to optimize inventory levels and prevent stockouts or overstock. It enhances supply chain operations through real-time analytics for smarter routing and logistics, cutting costs while improving delivery efficiency.

Additionally, AI-driven tools like dynamic pricing, computer vision for shelf monitoring, and fraud detection streamline operations, reduce shrinkages, and elevate the customer experience in both online and physical stores

Retail Tech Insights

Director of Investigations and Sales Audit - Victra - Verizon Authorized Retailer

Victra is hiring a Director of Investigations and Sales Audit to lead internal casework and store-level transaction oversight. This role focuses on reducing fraud, improving cash controls, and ensuring accurate reconciliation across 1,500+ locations.

You’ll lead a team responsible for investigating theft and operational loss while managing key processes tied to deposits, refunds, and exceptions. This role brings together field execution and financial accuracy to reduce risk and drive accountability across the business.

Asset Protection Operations Coach - Walmart

This role is responsible for driving sales and profitability through effective merchandising, customer service, and operational excellence. The position leads and develops teams by setting clear expectations, guiding change, and fostering associate growth. It also oversees loss prevention, safety, and compliance efforts, including investigations, audits, and training. Additionally, the role manages claims, receiving operations, and stakeholder relationships while ensuring alignment with company values and ethical standards.

Understanding the Difference Between Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Locking Devices

When choosing electrified locking devices for your facility, it’s essential to understand the difference between fail-safe and fail-secure options. These terms determine how a lock behaves during a power outage and play a critical role in access control and safety compliance.

Fail-safe locks unlock when power is lost, ensuring safe egress in emergencies but potentially compromising security. These are commonly used on fire-rated stairwell doors or interior access-controlled areas where occupant safety is the priority. In contrast, fail-secure locks remain locked without power, maintaining security during outages and are typically used on perimeter and employee entrance doors.

Choosing the right option depends on balancing security needs, energy consumption, and compliance with local building codes. Fail-safe locks require constant power to stay locked, increasing energy costs, while fail-secure locks only use power to unlock. Hybrid solutions like electric latch retraction devices offer a middle ground, combining energy efficiency with secure locking during outages.

Selecting the right locking device involves balancing security, safety, and operational efficiency. Fail-safe and fail-secure devices serve different purposes, so it’s essential to evaluate your facility’s needs and regulatory requirements before making a decision.

By understanding these options, you can ensure your building is both secure and compliant, no matter the situation.

Proof in the Iris: The Case for Biometric Access

Data centers power the systems we rely on every day, including financial networks, cloud platforms, and critical communications.

But their value lies not just in the information they store: it lies in the trust they uphold. That trust depends on resilience: the ability to stay online, stay secure, and stay ahead of threats.

SIW

OSHA’s 10 Most Commonly Cited Safety Violations

Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, education, and assistance.

One way OSHA advances this mission is by publishing an annual list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards following workplace inspections.

GLK Law

Advertise in the Retail Rundown