Updates to the Workplace violence regs, protecting your c-suite online, and My Take...
View in browser
TalkLP-Retail-Rundown-Logo-01-WEB-2

February 7, 2025

TalkLP-RR-Header-Top-5
workplace violence hand

New York Set to Amend Law Addressing Retail Employee Workplace Violence Prevention

A workplace violence prevention law passed by the New York State legislature in June 2024 and signed into law by the Governor in September 2024 with certain provisions set to take effect in March 2025 has been amended. Although the amended legislation will still require that employers establish a “workplace violence prevention policy” and provide workplace violence training to covered employees remains, the previous requirement to provide employees with a “panic button” that dials 9-1-1 has been replaced with a provision instead requiring only that the buttons alert workers’ supervisors or a security officer. [Seyfarth]

Bargain-Hunt-CANVA

An 'extreme value retail chain' with 92 stores goes bankrupt after slate of bargain shop closures

 The parent company of Bargain Hunt - which operates 92 stores across the Midwest and Southwest -  filed for bankruptcy this week amid growing debts. All stores dotted across ten states will close once stock has been sold off, with discounts starting at 40 percent off. It comes after the collapse of rival 99 Cents Only a year ago, and the near-demise late last year of Big Lots, whose stores numbers have been decimated after bankruptcy. Like Bargain Hunt, they have faced competition from cheap online sellers like Shein and Temu. [DailyMail]

 

images (3)

Milford police: Downtown store unknowingly sold counterfeit sneakers, other products--

Family Sneaker House in Milford unknowingly sold hundreds of counterfeit shoes last year, but they're making amends by offering refunds. The store owner, who got duped by shady suppliers, is now restocking with legit products. Police seized and destroyed over 1,200 fake items, including Nike Jordans and Yeezys, worth over $200K if they were real. The store is now back in business with genuine goods, and customers can get refunds by showing their receipts at the Milford Police Department. [Milford Daily News]

 

74500684007-img-getty-images-14024505-2-1

Protecting Your Executives' Digital Footprint -- In today's hyper-connected world, executives' digital footprints are as visible as their professional reputations, making them prime targets for cyber and physical threats. High-profile incidents like the UnitedHealth executive's tragic death and the Sony Pictures hack highlight the dangers of unprotected digital exposure. To combat these risks, executives need to minimize online exposure, strengthen digital security, and integrate cyber and physical protection strategies. [Security Boulevard]

108098122-1738792639254-GettyImages-2176945116

How Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger got caught in Trump’s trade war with China--

China has blacklisted PVH Corp, the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, as part of the ongoing trade war with the U.S. This move could force PVH to shut down stores and manufacturing in China, impacting its operations significantly. The blacklisting follows PVH's refusal to source cotton from Xinjiang, a region notorious for Uyghur detention camps. Experts believe China is using PVH as a high-visibility example to show its power in the trade dispute with the U.S. [CNBC]

TalkLP (560 x 150 px)-2

TalkLP-RR-Header-My-Take-2

What's Next for Fraudsters?

Amber Sketch B 2024

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

Retailers are on the frontlines of combating crime that goes beyond shoplifting and coupon scams—crime that impacts national security and funnels billions of dollars into organized criminal networks. In my recent TalkLP Podcast, I sat down with Raul Aguilar, Senior Director of Law Enforcement Partnerships at Auror, and Adam Parks, Assistant Special Agent in Charge with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), to unpack the evolving threat of gift card fraud. Here’s what retailers need to know and why they play a critical role in this fight.

 

A Billion-Dollar Threat

Gift card fraud isn’t just about losing $50 here or there—it’s a billion-dollar industry driven by transnational organized crime. Chinese crime networks, in particular, are leveraging gift cards to launder stolen money, creating significant vulnerabilities for retailers and their customers.

As Adam Parks explained, “This isn’t petty theft. It’s a global scheme where stolen funds are converted into liquid assets, funneled overseas, and used for purposes far beyond what most people imagine.”

 

Operation Redhook: A Game-Changer

Building on the success of Operation Boiling Point, Operation Redhook is HSI’s initiative to combat organized retail crime by targeting gift card fraud at its roots. So far, Redhook has led to 149 arrests, with significant contributions from both local and federal law enforcement. These efforts are uncovering fraud schemes that often involve stolen gift card data being used to purchase high-value items, which are then shipped overseas.

Parks emphasized that partnerships are key: “The strength of Redhook lies in our collaboration with retailers, local law enforcement, and private-sector partners. This isn’t something we can solve alone.”

 

Proactive Solutions for Retailers

Both Aguilar and Parks stressed the importance of proactive measures to mitigate fraud. Here are their top recommendations:

  1. Employee Education: Train your team to recognize suspicious activity, like tampered gift card packaging or unusual purchasing behavior.
  2. Physical Security: Secure gift card displays near checkouts and consider one-way hooks that prevent tampering.
  3. Transaction Monitoring: Implement systems that flag high-volume gift card purchases for manager review.
  4. Fraud Reporting: Build relationships with local law enforcement and use networks like ORCAs (Organized Retail Crime Associations) to share intelligence.
  5. Consumer Awareness: Educate customers to inspect gift cards for signs of tampering before purchasing.

 

From Gift Card Fraud to Future Threats

As retailers implement safeguards, criminals adapt. Aguilar warned, “Gift card fraud are just one piece of the puzzle. These networks will shift to new vulnerabilities, like tap-to-pay fraud, which is already emerging as a threat.”

 

The retail industry must remain vigilant, leveraging tools like the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance to stay ahead. Collaboration with federal agencies, like HSI and the Secret Service, will also be crucial in identifying and combating new schemes.

 

It’s (sadly) refreshing to see such a direct link from gift card fraud and other schemes impacting retailers to the bigger picture of transnational crime – finally, retailers don’t have to fight this fight alone and people can finally stop saying, “ORC isn’t just shoplifting” – aren’t we past that….finally? 

 

Do you have a different take? Or more to add?  Let us know by emailing comments@talklpnews.com.

We'll run your comments Monday.

OE_DDD_OA Retail ORC_CenterStage_910x126

TalkLP-RR-Header-Have-More-Than-2-Headlines
images (4)

Albuquerque business takes matters into their own hands when it comes to shoplifters

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A local business owner says the ongoing retail crime problem has forced his staff to take matters into their own hands, often chasing thieves down themselves. Now, he’s calling on lawmakers to help crack down, after facing hundreds of thousands in losses. “What we’ve seen in the last few years is just a huge uptick in crime, all kinds of crime: shoplifters, scammers, burglaries, break-ins. And, it’s gotten to the point now where it’s just almost a daily occurrence,” said Duane Kinsley, owner of Sport Systems in Albuquerque. Kinsley said they see people from all walks of life trying to steal from their store. They’ve been in business for 40 years, but he says over the last few years the problem has gotten worse. “What we’re finding now is that the criminals don’t care anymore.

 

 READ MORE

workplace violence2

Workplace Violence Rule: CalChamber Urges Changes

Draft Regulation Broader than Legislation

Cal/OSHA held the first open discussion of its workplace violence safety regulation for general industry at an all-day advisory committee meeting on January 24. A California Chamber of Commerce-led coalition of employers presented comments and concerns about the proposed draft rule.

 

Most California employers will already be aware of workplace safety obligations because of 2023’s SB 553 (Cortese; D-San Jose), which created vast new obligations across nearly all sectors in Labor Code Section 6401.9.

 

This legislation created new obligations for training, and additional obligations whenever a workplace violence event — defined loosely as any event involving verbal threats or physical violence — occurs in the workplace.

 

 READ MORE

Canada-Walmart-Death-3_1730371263098_1738863876787

Walmart layoffs: US retail giant to cut hundreds of jobs, relocate staff; here’s why

Walmart Inc. is eliminating some jobs and asking workers to move to central offices in Arkansas or California, continuing the retailer’s push to consolidate its corporate footprint. 

The company is asking some staffers based in Hoboken, New Jersey, and other smaller offices to relocate to its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, or Sunnyvale, California, according to a memo viewed by Bloomberg News. Walmart is also closing its office in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is cutting corporate roles as part of the process, according to the memo.

 

 READ MORE

download qr code
OE_DDD_OA Retail ORC_FloatingBox_300x250

TalkLP Banner (120 x 450 px)

Colorado King Soopers workers launch strike

Workers at several King Soopers locations in Colorado launched a strike against the Kroger-owned chain on Thursday, citing unfair labor practices. As previously reported, members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 voted last month to stage a two-week strike as they continue to negotiate under an expired contract.

The union alleges several unfair labor practices at the Kroger-owned chain, including interrogating and surveilling union members, refusing to provide information needed for contract negotiations...

 

READ MORE

Retail Theft Spikes in Harlingen: 5 Arrests in 7 Days

In a troubling rise of retail thefts over the past week, Harlingen has witnessed a series of robberies that have left both store owners and the local community concerned. The police department has arrested five individuals in connection with these thefts, with at least four of them facing charges for stealing goods worth $100 or more.

Authorities have linked several of these thefts, suggesting that a group of repeat offenders may be responsible for the recent surge in crime. 

 

READ MORE

 

Reimagining Retail: Gigging Customers Into Supply Chain Partners

Retail companies face increasing pressure to transform their fixed costs into variable ones to better manage fluctuating demand. With advances in AI tools and a workforce increasingly drawn to remote and flexible arrangements, gig workers are poised to become an integral part of the supply chain, including retail operations.

Over the past century, businesses have maximized the utilization of fixed assets through strategies like outsourcing and offshoring.

 

READ MORE

2024 Caught4K-Static_B_EXEC_BRIEF_560x150

OE_DDD_OA Retail ORC_QuadSideBar_155x480

Burglary suspects posed for picture wearing Joe Burrow’s iconic necklaces

The men charged with a burglary at Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s house took photos of themselves flashing some of the spoils — nearly $300,000 worth of jewelry, watches, designer luggage and glasses.

 

One of them wore necklaces with pendants showing the number 9 and “JB9,” Burrow’s jersey number. The picture from the FBI Cincinnati Twitter shows four men possibly linked to a burglary at Joe Burrow's house. One man has on a '9' necklace. The other is 'JB9'. One of the men tried to delete the photos from a cellphone as police pulled them over in Ohio, but investigators were able to recover the pictures and included some of them in a new federal complaint filed by an FBI agent that was unsealed Wednesday.

 

The investigation has spanned several states and led to the arrests of six people. Federal authorities say it’s a story involving South American burglary crews that have been targeting upscale homes around the country and a fencing operation run out of a New York City pawn shop.

 

READ MORE

Retail crime ring member gets 8 years in prison for thefts across metro area; DA asks more retailers to cooperate

Colorado’s newest judicial district is sending a strong message to thieves and retail stores after the recent prosecution of a man involved in a crime ring.

FOX31 obtained an affidavit detailing the actions of an “organized retail crime group” accused of committing 19 thefts across the metro area from Dec. 4, 2023, to Jan. 25, 2024. 

 

[READ MORE]

Police seek help identifying Antioch retail theft suspect – over $9,000 in losses

The Antioch Police Department is asking for the community’s help in identifying a female suspect responsible for over $9,000 in thefts from Target on Lone Tree Way in Antioch over the past several months.

Retail theft impacts businesses, employees, and consumers alike. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable, but we need your help! Tipsters can request to remain anonymous. Let’s work together to stop retail crime and protect our community!

 

READ MORE

 
2024_Caught4K_D_OPTION 2 120x350

Share the Retail Rundown with your Team!

Forward this email and have them scan the below QR code to sign up --

and immediately get smarter!! #boom

TalkLP-Retail-Rundown-Linkedin-Ad-4E2-2160x2160-2x

Advertise in the Retail Rundown

TalkLPnews | 1275 Thomas Circle | Roswell,GA, 30075 United States 

 

Unsubscribe