Target cuts sales outlook as retailer blames tariff uncertainty and backlash to DEI rollback

Target cut its full-year sales forecast after a disappointing first quarter, citing weaker consumer spending, tariff uncertainty, and backlash over its diversity rollback. Sales and traffic dropped across stores and online, prompting leadership changes and the creation of a new "Enterprise Acceleration Office" to drive growth and efficiency. While navigating cost pressures and market share losses, Target aims to stay price-competitive by selectively raising prices and shifting production away from China.

CNBC

The State of Physical Security: 5 Predictions for the year ahead

The 2025 State of Physical Security Report outlines five key trends shaping the future of the industry, based on insights from over 5,600 professionals. Hybrid cloud adoption is on the rise as organizations move away from outdated systems, while intelligent automation is being embraced to unlock AI’s potential in video analytics and emergency response. Compliance has surged in importance amid stricter regulations like GDPR and NIS2, and staffing shortages are driving the need for better cross-team collaboration tools. Lastly, more organizations are realizing the untapped value of physical security data and seeking to close the “consumption gap” by integrating systems to deliver clearer ROI.

City Security Magazine

Russian Hackers Zero In: Western Tech and Logistics in the Crosshairs of Cyber Espionage Blitz

U.S. cybersecurity agencies, including CISA, the NSA, and the FBI, have issued a joint advisory warning of a Russian GRU-led cyber espionage campaign targeting Western logistics and technology companies. The campaign, linked to military unit 26165 of Russia’s GRU, is reportedly focused on organizations involved in the transport and coordination of foreign aid to Ukraine. Using known tactics and tools, the cyber actors have also been connected to attacks on IP cameras in Ukraine and NATO-bordering nations. Companies are urged to enhance monitoring, conduct threat hunting, and prepare their defenses with the assumption that they are being targeted.

Security Info Watch

The next generation of checkout: Why retailers must evolve

Retailers are entering a new era where a seamless, flexible checkout experience is no longer optional—it's essential. Gen Z, the rising consumer powerhouse, is rejecting traditional credit cards in favor of debit and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options that offer control, clarity, and peace of mind. With over half of Gen Z saying credit cards give them “the ick,” retailers must adapt by offering transparent, mobile-first payment methods like Cash App and Afterpay, or risk losing sales. In this environment, checkout isn't just a transaction—it's a test of how well a brand understands and respects its next-generation customers.

Retail Dive

Retail Theft Is Soaring And Retailers Are Fighting Back

Retail theft in the U.S. has escalated into a full-blown crisis, driven by organized crime and leaving retailers—especially independents—facing serious financial and emotional strain. Traditional surveillance methods are no longer enough, prompting a shift toward tools like body-worn cameras, secure cash-handling systems, and real-time communication to protect workers and deter theft. With police response and policy change lagging, experts urge retailers to act now with layered security strategies that combine tech, staff training, and smart store design to safeguard people, profits, and community trust.

TalkLPnews

NRF to Recognize Leaders in Loss Prevention, Asset Protection and Cybersecurity

The National Retail Federation today announced the recipients of the 2025 NRF PROTECT Awards, the pinnacle of recognition for industry professionals championing retail safety across loss prevention, asset protection and cybersecurity. Five veteran loss prevention professionals will be honored on June 24 during the annual NRF PROTECT conference in Grapevine, Texas.
 
The Ring of Excellence Award honors exemplary leaders in asset protection and loss prevention who have left a lasting impact in the retail industry.

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

Do you suffer from "chronic certainty?"

What’s that saying… “different personalities make the world go ‘round?” How about the personality that’s always right? That person that is never wrong and tries to imply you’re a total incompetent idiot if you disagree with them. Work with anyone that suffers from chronic certainty? (Is it you?)
 
As investigators by trade, you’re aware of the concept, “confirmation bias.” For those in the back row, that’s when we find evidence to support what we already believe, instead of considering all the evidence presented.  This phenomenon also happens outside the interview room. How do you handle this person? (it can be infuriating). 

Slow Down

Ron Carucci and Jarrod Shapell penned a recent article for Harvard Business Review on this topic and they suggest starting your exploration on how to deal with folks like this by slowing down. Resist the temptation to escalate a disagreement and try to approach the conversation like their views have some legitimacy to them. The authors suggest scheduling a separate conversation (instead of in the midst of the debate) with them and saying something like:

The action: “Whenever we find ourselves on different sides of an issue, I feel as though you assert your views with such unbending force that I want to either shut down or dismiss your confidence. It would help me to know that my views were being considered, even if you don’t agree with me.”

Is Your Culture Feeding This?

The culture within your organization might be feeding the beast of chronic certainty if it rewards assertive convictions. The Person-in-Environment explains how environments shape individuals and if your organization’s culture creates such a competitive environment that it even applies to decision making – good luck.

What’s super interesting is research on competitive workplaces shows that when people feel anxious competitive processes, they are more likely to behave unethically.

The action: Ask your team to come to meetings with pros and cons on issues and have team members weigh in.

I Know They’re Not Right

The authors point out that when people are super convicted about their views, we’re more convinced they’re wrong. The critical point is: Stop and listen to them. You might be thinking, “Wait, doesn’t that validate their views?” Actually, no. Listening in a sincere way is the only way to disarm them to have a productive conversation.

The action: Listen. (like, for real)

There might not be a way to wipe out “chronic certainty” with all these cognitive complexities. But at least with these strategies you’ll have a better chance. I know (for sure).

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

We'll run your comments Monday.

Police officers fatally shoot shoplifting suspect armed with a knife

Action News 5

Tariffs live updates: Trump threatens new tariffs on Apple, EU in latest escalation of trade war

President Trump on Monday took aim at another giant corporation in his ongoing trade war, threatening Apple (AAPL) with increased duties if the company does not make iPhones in the US.

He also attacked the European Union and said he was recommending a "straight 50%" tariff on EU-imported products beginning next weekend.

Yahoo! Finance

WA still leads nation in retail theft but Organized Task Force here to stay, for now

Lynnwood Times

OpenEye Cloud Cameras: Your All-In-One Camera Solution

OpenEye’s innovative and powerful line of cloud cameras deliver an all-in-one video solution with onboard recording and dedicated analytics processor, providing all the benefits of OpenEye Web Services (OWS) in a flexible, serverless architecture. 

Cloud cameras allow for infinite scalability, with every camera added to a location bringing its own storage and processing power, letting you seamlessly scale over time with no limitations on channel count or system resources. Locations with existing recorders can also add cloud cameras to expand storage or analytics capabilities, making OWS one of the most flexible deployment architectures on the market. Reduce the burden on IT and operations with automatic software updates that ensure your cloud cameras always have the latest features and cybersecurity patches. Powered by the full capabilities of OWS, cloud cameras support health monitoring, real-time alerting, priority event cloud recording, centralized management, and the latest analytics technology.

OpenEye cloud cameras offer the complete package with onboard recording, AI-based analytics processing, and the cloud connection to OWS to help you secure and scale smart environments.

All-In-One Solution 

A camera, recorder, and AI engine, all in one. 

OpenEye’s cloud cameras are an easy and affordable solution for installations of one or two cameras, or scalable to hundreds per location. Available in multiple form factors, these dynamic devices store video directly on the camera for enhanced scalability and easier deployment. OWS AI analytics-capable cloud cameras come with a dedicated analytics processor to support the identification of unique events, such as person and vehicle, line crossing, and loitering detection for improved security monitoring around your business... [keep reading]

LP/AP Executives!! Ready to LEARN, NETWORK and ROCK OUT?

Expert speakers and resourceful solution providers in the the heart of Music City!

Retail Tech Evolution and What's Next?

Retail technology has evolved significantly, with many innovations—such as curbside pickup and buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS)—having been conceptualized decades ago but only widely adopted during the pandemic due to necessity and reduced implementation costs.

The current landscape offers a plethora of tools not only enhancing customer experiences but also improving employee engagement, training, and operational efficiency. 

Retail Tech Insights

AI-powered kiosk camera prevents theft by under-ringing

MarketSight, an AI-powered camera made exclusively for 365 Retail Markets’ MM6 Mini kiosk, is designed to combat under-ringing theft at micro markets.

When mounted on the MM6 Mini kiosk, MarketSight counts scanned items and compares that number to the total items detected in a shopper’s hand. 

Vending Market Watch

Top 10 Labor, Employment, and OSHA Trends for 2025

As we approach midyear, the Labor, Employment & OSHA team highlights some of the most pressing legal issues facing employers this year, including AI regulation at the state level,  NLRB, continuing expansion of state paid family and medical leave laws, challenges to DEI in the workplace, and changes to  EEOC guidance and enforcement.

The National Law Review

The Head of Loss Prevention will be responsible for leading the vision, strategy, and execution of JD Sports Canada's Loss Prevention programs. This role plays a critical part in protecting company assets, reducing shrink, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability across the organization.

Reporting into the senior leadership team, this position will work cross-functionally with Operations, Human Resources, and other key stakeholders to develop and implement effective policies, processes, and preventative strategies aligned with business goals.

Empowering C-Stores: How Direct-to-Cloud Video Surveillance Fuels Success in a Competitive Retail Landscape

Convenience stores (C-Stores) are navigating uncharted waters in today’s ever-evolving retail world. With rising operational costs, persistent labor shortages, and fierce competition from larger chains, independent store owners need every advantage to stay afloat.

Enter advanced direct-to-cloud video surveillance – March Networks CloudSight – a game-changing technology that’s helping smaller chains not only survive but truly thrive in a competitive landscape.

Father, son arrested in connection with string of retail thefts in Philadelphia region

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office announced Wednesday that they have arrested a father and son in connection with a string of retail thefts.

Donis Richards, 43, and his son, 21-year-old Jamai Richards, are charged with stealing from several stores in Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties.

ABC 6

Woman wanted after using Target shopping cart as weapon while shoplifting

A woman in Montgomery County is wanted after allegedly using a shopping cart as a weapon during a shoplifting attempt at Target—an incident emblematic of the growing threat of "pushout theft," where offenders brazenly wheel stolen merchandise out the front door. 

TalkLPnews