Amazon’s size and buying power give it a major edge over most retailers, but even it isn’t immune to today’s global trade challenges. CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged during the company’s Q1 earnings call that Trump’s evolving tariffs create uncertainty, prompting Amazon to take proactive steps like forward-buying inventory and encouraging third-party sellers to do the same in an effort to maintain low prices. While Amazon’s vast selection, flexible third-party network, and customer focus help mitigate disruption, Jassy warned that unexpected price hikes or product shortages could still emerge, similar to challenges faced during the pandemic.
Cyberattacks continue to surge in the fashion and apparel industry, with The North Face and Cartier being the latest brands to disclose security breaches. The North Face reported a credential-stuffing attack that exposed customer account details such as purchase history and contact information, while Cartier confirmed unauthorized access to limited customer data but no financial information. As major retailers like Victoria’s Secret, Adidas, and Harrods also face cyber threats, experts warn that cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging sophisticated tactics, urging companies to prioritize proactive cybersecurity strategies as the only effective defense in today’s threat landscape.
Dollar General is seeing a significant improvement in shrink, with CFO Kelly Dilts calling it a positive margin tailwind for the year—a sharp turnaround from when shrink was considered the company’s biggest challenge. The retailer attributes progress to operational changes, including removing self-checkout, improving store layouts, and investing in staffing and standards, which analysts also confirm. While tariffs and economic pressures remain concerns, Dollar General has diversified its supply chain to reduce reliance on China and is prepared to raise prices if needed, while remaining committed to delivering value to its cost-conscious customers.
Cargo theft is evolving from opportunistic crimes to sophisticated, orchestrated operations where criminals use insider information and forged identities to steal entire shipments. Fraudulent pickups, often involving forged paperwork and fake company credentials, are now a top method, with high-value and consumable goods—like food, electronics, and luxury items—being prime targets. To combat these growing losses, experts stress that shippers must tighten carrier vetting, enforce strong security protocols, and consider advanced measures like GPS tracking and specialized carriers to better protect their freight.
Organized retail crime (ORC) is a growing, sophisticated threat that spans state and national borders, overwhelming retailers and local law enforcement. While states are passing ORC-related laws, a unified federal response is needed to effectively combat these cross-jurisdictional crimes. The bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) would create a national coordination center to enhance data sharing, joint investigations, and empower both law enforcement and retailers to dismantle these criminal networks.
As senior vice president of asset protection and safety for Dollar Tree Inc., Alisa Dart oversees two major functions: asset protection and environmental health and safety for the company and its more than 16.000 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores. Her approach to the role emphasizes nurturing a culture of innovation and collaboration with a focus on continuous improvement.
“Dollar Tree is an incredibly fast-paced environment that provides a unique opportunity to manage dynamic people, projects and programs. We are a results-driven team, and we have launched both short- and long-term solutions in critical areas of the business, including store safety, workplace violence prevention and shrink reduction strategies,” Dart said.
FBI Releases 2024 Active Shooter Incidents in the United States Report
Active shooter incidents decreased by 50% compared to 2023
Today, the FBI releases the 2024 Active Shooter Incidents in the United States report to provide an overview of active shooter incidents and responses to help law enforcement, other first responders, and the public better understand the levels of threats associated with active shooter incidents.
Active shooter incidents continue to claim lives and devastate individuals, families, and communities across the United States. To accurately gather information, the FBI relies on and leverages its law enforcement partnerships.
This annual report provides law enforcement, private industry, and the public with critical data to enhance their understanding of these threats.
NYSDOL’s Model Guidance for Workplace Safety + Violence Prevention Gives Retailers a Starting Point
The (NYSDOL) has launched the much anticipated guidance website on the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA). The guidance answers retail employers’ questions regarding implementation of the RWSA effective June 2, 2025.
The guidance also provides a Model Policy and Training employers can use as a starting point to create their own policy. Retail employers who use this Model Policy and Training are to include their own store-specific information, such as worksite emergency exits, meeting locations in an emergency, and instructions regarding emergency and security-related devices utilized in the workplace.
The guidance also dictates that training take place during paid work time.
Building Smarter Public Safety With Integrated Body Cameras
The public safety landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with body-worn cameras emerging as a transformative technology for law enforcement, transit agencies, and security operations.
Organizations across sectors now recognize that body cameras represent far more than simple recording devices — they have become essential tools for transparency, accountability and operational intelligence.
Experience across various organizations demonstrates how the integration of body cameras with open platform video management software (VMS) creates a powerful combination that extends far beyond traditional video applications.
POS Connect: Intelligent Tools for Loss Prevention
Brought to you by
OpenEye
POS Connect in OpenEye Web Services reduces shrink, improves customer service, and streamlines investigations by combining your point-of-sale data with the power of video verification.
With POS Connect, you’ll receive a complete picture of every transaction in your workplace.
Notice something suspicious?
OpenEye’s robust platform offers customizable search capabilities to quickly locate events of interest. Just as important, you’ll also have the tools to put this information in the right hands for further investigation. Incorporate the power of video with your point-of-sale system to help your business in its loss prevention efforts, fighting fraud, as well as improving operations, including employee efficiency and training.
To avoid product shortages, big retailers are scrapping reactive methods for AI
The adage "too much, too little, just right" isn't just for Goldilocks and her porridge.
Balance is also critical in inventory management, the part of the supply chain responsible for analyzing what consumers will buy and making sure products are in stock at the right place and the right time.
Fed Governor Lisa Cook: Tariffs Threaten Price Stability and Employment
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa D. Cook warned that tariff-driven uncertainty is complicating the Fed’s efforts to maintain price stability and full employment, as trade policy changes are contributing to rising inflation and could soon impact hiring.
Mastercard: Fraud attempts jump as retailers feel cyber attack sting
The head of artificial intelligence at Mastercard said the payment giant had seen a surge in fraud attempts, which follows a string of cyber attacks on major retailers.
Greg Ulrich, chief data and AI officer at Mastercard, told City AM the payments network is “attacked perpetually” by fraudsters.
The payments network recorded a 40 per cent jump in mitigated attacks for the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year, Ulrich said.
As attackers leveraged new tech to advance attacks, Ulrich said the threats were “keeping us on our toes”.
Woman charged with assault and battery after alleged shoplifting incident at CVS
Fall River police said a woman was charged with assault and battery after an alleged shoplifting incident at a CVS on June 2.
29-year-old Shyann Lynn Dias was charged with unarmed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, possession of a Class B substance, and possession of a Class E substance.
On June 2, officers responded to the CVS on William S. Canning Boulevard for a report of a shoplifting and assault incident.