Bill Gates: Within 10 years, AI will replace many doctors and teachers—humans won’t be needed ‘for most things’ Bill Gates predicts that AI advancements over the next decade will make expert knowledge widely accessible, significantly transforming industries like healthcare and education while automating many human tasks. While some experts believe AI will enhance productivity and create new job opportunities, others warn of its potential to replace labor and destabilize the workforce. Despite concerns about misinformation and job displacement, Gates remains optimistic about AI’s potential to drive breakthroughs in medicine, climate solutions, and education, encouraging young innovators to explore its possibilities. [CNBC]
Trump says tariffs coming in April will ‘probably be more lenient than reciprocal’ President Trump is doing a little cha-cha with tariffs, hinting they'll be more 'lenient than reciprocal' as the deadline approaches. He wants to avoid being too tough, which is a relief for those fearing a global trade war. The White House clarified that non-tariff barriers like VAT and currency manipulation won't factor into the tariff rates. This softer stance might calm investors, but consumer confidence is still doing the limbo, hitting a 12-year low, and the S&P 500 is feeling the heat, dropping 3% recently. [CNBC]
5 years after pandemic lockdowns, is retail back to normal? The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped retail by altering work, lifestyle, and shopping habits, with many consumers shifting their spending toward experiences rather than goods. While retailers initially struggled to meet new customer expectations, they are now adapting by reinvesting in stores and enhancing brand experiences. Consumers have regained their purchasing power, becoming more selective and price-conscious, forcing retailers to adjust to their demands in an evolving economic landscape. [Retail Dive]
Gap Inc. CEO: ‘If you’re relevant enough it eventually drives revenue’ Gap Inc., under CEO Richard Dickson, is making a steady turnaround by reconnecting with its origins and emphasizing individuality in style rather than dictating fashion trends. The company has focused on cultural relevance through marketing campaigns featuring influencers and artists while also refining strategies at Old Navy to simplify pricing and enhance the shopping experience. By leveraging heritage, modern storytelling, and consumer-focused initiatives, Gap aims to regain its place in the retail landscape and drive revenue growth. [Retail Dive]
AI Adoption: Why retailers can't afford to delay it AI is revolutionizing retail by optimizing supply chain efficiency, enhancing personalization, and driving in-store innovation, with businesses that embrace it gaining a competitive edge. From AI-guided forklifts and digital twins improving logistics to personalized recommendations and voice-enabled customer service, retailers are leveraging AI to streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Early adoption is crucial, as those who integrate AI now will lead the industry, while those who delay risk falling behind in an increasingly technology-driven market. [Retail Week]
AI Can Make You Nicer
Talking Tech with Tom
Join CONTROLTEK CEO Tom Meehan and TalkLP host Amber Bradley as they provide REAL feedback on HOW to prompt AI and what these prompts need to actually say! Am I being too direct? Should my email be nicer? The short answer is yes. AI can actually comment on your personality in emails – sorry, not sorry. And debuting the NEW TalkLPnews Book Club (virtually)…..
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California Highway Patrol arrests 80 in retail theft sting at San Ysidro outlet mall
SAN DIEGO — The California Highway Patrol arrested 80 people last week during a crackdown on organized retail theft at the Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Ysidro, authorities said Monday.
The operation, conducted by the California Organized Retail Crime Task Force, took place between Monday and Friday at the outlet mall near the U.S.-Mexico border. It resulted in 80 arrests, including 13 felony charges and the recovery of 391 stolen items valued at $36,422.
Insiders report that the thieves primarily target expensive tennis shoes, with perpetrators simply walking into stores and stuffing their backpacks full of shoes. Mall employees claim these thefts occur daily, suggesting an organized effort.
Securing the Retail Experience: Protecting Customer Data from Point-of-Sale to Data Center
As consumers shop across multiple online and offline channels, their personal information passes through many different systems, expanding the risk of cyber attacks.
Hackers know stealing consumer data from retailers can be incredibly lucrative, and recent breaches demonstrate that they are increasingly targeting the retail industry specifically.
This article will clearly explain the path customer data takes within retail IT environments. You’ll also learn about the emerging threats that place this data at risk, such as POS malware, supply chain tampering, phishing, etc.
Amazon Seized More Than 15 Million Counterfeit Products in 2024
Amazon continued its fight against counterfeit goods in 2024 by using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, seeing that counterfeiters are held liable and increasing brands’ use of its brand protection features.
The company’s AI tools that proactively block infringements stopped more than 99% of suspected infringements before a brand had to find and report them, Amazon told PYMNTS in an email sharing highlights from its fifth Brand Protection Report.
These tools have also enabled the company to reduce by 35% the number of valid notices of infringement submitted by brands, compared to 2020, even as the number of products available in its store has continued to grow.
HR’s Silent Threat Just Got Louder—and Harder to Detect
Workplace misconduct escalated rapidly in 2024, with threat-related incidents surging by 180%, signaling a shift from exposure to active advocacy of harmful behaviors. The rise of decentralized online communities and evolving digital landscapes has made detecting early warning signs more difficult, particularly in high-risk industries like consumer services, financial services, and media. Business leaders must act now by strengthening risk mitigation strategies, adapting to digital trends, and proactively addressing misconduct before it becomes a widespread crisis.
Retailers find their crystal ball with predictive analytics
No retailer has a crystal ball when it comes to predicting the future, but many are now taking a closer look at the past to come up with a plan for what’s next.
Known as predictive analytics, this body of techniques utilize
historical data to understand consumer preferences and demand trends, and project those insights into the future.Use cases for predictive analytics run the gamut of retail operations, ranging from inventory management and supply chain optimization to pricing and promotional practices.
SIA supports California legislation providing retail security tax credit
SILVER SPRING, Md.—On March 24, 2025, the Security Industry Association (SIA) testified before the California Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation in support of California Assembly Bill 976.
This legislation would establish a tax credit program for small retailers in disadvantaged communities who purchase or install security equipment.
San Francisco Woman Charged with Organized Retail Theft Involving Over $56K in Stolen Goods
Yesterday, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office charged 22-year-old Jayla Glaser with thefts at local beauty and eyewear stores totaling over $56,000 in stolen goods.
The thefts, carried out between August last year and February 2025, have led to several charges against Glaser, including one count of organized retail theft with intent to resell and multiple counts of burglary and grand theft.
Managing Asset Protection Engagement and Awareness project(s) from inception to implementation using a variety of methodologies. Maintains existing initiatives as assigned, managing to establish KPI’s Accountable for project schedules, budgets, scope and associated communications documentation. Analyzes, communicates and manages risks that threaten critical success factors. Communicates extensively with business partners to facilitate desired outcomes and clarify expectations. Position can be based in Neenah, WI or could be a hybrid role with 25% travel to Neenah, WI.
San José Police Crack Down on Organized Retail Theft, Arrest Key Suspect
The San José Police Department has recently taken a stand against the surge in organized retail thefts plaguing the city, culminating in the arrest of a suspect believed to be deeply involved in theft rings.
The SJPD, empowered by a substantial grant aimed at cracking down on these crimes, has made significant progress by nabbing 40-year-old San José resident Socorro Punzo on suspicion of multiple felony charges.
The arrest occurred last Monday at approximately 3 p.m. when officers from the Organized Retail Theft Detail tracked down Punzo, who had multiple felony warrants.
Her alleged criminal activities paint a narrative of consistent theft from 2023 through 2025, hitting retailers including Macy's, ULTA, Sunglass Hut, and Home Depot.
Minneapolis man facing 8 separate theft charges arrested during retail theft crackdown in Roseville
Police arrested nearly three dozen people last week in the north Twin Cities metro during a crackdown on retail theft in the area, including a man facing eight other theft-related charges.
The Roseville Police Department says 24 retailers participated in the initiative to "tackle the rising trend of organized retail crime." Many of the businesses brought in extra staff and additional loss prevention personnel to help.
Officers recovered thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise and arrested a total of 29 people — three were arrested for organized crime, five had active warrants and seven were arrested for felony or misdemeanor thefts.
One of the suspects, a 21-year-old Minneapolis man, is accused of committing at least eight different thefts across the Twin Cities metro, totalling tens of thousands of dollars.
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