A proposed class action accusing Walmart of illegally collecting facial scans without consent was dismissed after the plaintiff voluntarily dropped the case, with no settlement reached. Walmart denied any wrongdoing and expressed satisfaction with the dismissal. The case highlighted the importance of BIPA compliance, with companies like FaceFirst offering privacy-first, legally compliant facial recognition solutions to avoid similar legal challenges.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the U.S.’s new tariffs and emphasized President Trump’s strategic approach to gain leverage in trade negotiations. Trump introduced a baseline 10% tariff and higher reciprocal tariffs for certain countries, prompting over 50 nations to reach out for talks. Japan is expected to be a top priority due to its swift response and strong ties with the U.S., with Trump planning to be directly involved in the negotiations.
Solo travelers should be cautious in certain U.S. cities where high crime rates and unsafe neighborhoods make exploring alone risky. Cities like St. Louis, Baltimore, New Orleans, and Detroit are known for violent crime hotspots that can quickly turn dangerous, especially after dark. Travelers are advised to stick to well-trafficked areas, avoid late-night outings, and stay informed to prioritize safety.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. has a strong upper hand over China in the escalating trade war, citing America's lower export dependency on China. He emphasized that the goal of the new reciprocal tariffs is to bring jobs back to the U.S. and prompt countries to negotiate fairer trade terms. While many nations are eager to talk, China has responded aggressively, but Bessent believes U.S. leverage and pressure could lead to favorable deals and increased domestic manufacturing.
Walmart’s Walmart+ membership program is driving increased store traffic and online sales, with members spending significantly more than non-members. As tariffs threaten economic stability, Walmart+ provides a buffer by boosting loyalty, revenue, and profitability. The retailer is leveraging the program’s growth to keep prices low, expand advertising, and remain competitive despite global trade tensions.
Top Five Benefits of Video Surveillance Systems for Convenience Stores
Rodney Gray
Channel Account Manager
March Networks
Convenience store owners know security is a top priority given they often operate 24/7 in high traffic environments and have unique challenges. C-stores are prone to ongoing security issues and instances of crime, like assaults, robberies, break-ins, vandalism, loitering, carjacking and more. The need for cost effective security and anti-crime solutions are paramount. Furthermore, C-stores can be prone to theft, fraudulent activities, and operational inefficiencies that can quickly erode profits.
March Networks understands these pain points and offers cost-effective intelligent video surveillance solutions tailored specifically for C-stores. Additionally, our continuing focus on privacy and data security makes our solutions ideal for C-stores that are looking for the highest level of cyber protection – at a cost-effective price point.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top benefits of intelligent video surveillance systems and highlight how March Networks partners with convenience stores to addresses these specific challenges.
Brace yourself for a chilling reality: Anyone in the world can launch a ransomware attack against you using the Tor browser and cryptocurrency. With the rise of “Ransomware as a Service,” attackers even provide portals that track infection status, total payments, and the number of encrypted files. To make matters worse, attackers now leverage AI in their malicious activities.
While you may have heard numerous security warnings before, this episode of “Watts The Future” cuts to the chase.
US trade overhaul creates high-five moment for resale retailers
The impetus was the Trump administration's ending of a loophole that has boosted fast-fashion companies in China and Hong Kong. The loophole allowed companies like Shein and Temu to ship small packages without import duties.
When the ‘de minimis’ exemption concludes on May 2, the cost of apparel sold by Shein and its peers will rise, making merchandise from resale retailers ThredUp and RealReal Inc. potentially more competitive. Discount retailers such as TJX Cos. and Ross Stores Inc. also stand to benefit.
Phishing, smishing and vishing: could you spot the signs of these common scams?
In a survey of 5,000 UK adults, those aged 18 to 24 were found to be the most likely to be the victim of an online scam, as over a quarter of this age group said that they have been caught out by an online scammer.
This was followed by those aged 25 to 34, with a quarter being scammed. One in ten of those aged 55 to 64 said they had been scammed online.
Read on as we explain how to spot the scam signs in these examples of real scams that are currently circulating.
Person count is an important metric to track for stores and properties that receive a large amount of foot traffic throughout the day or week.
Having the ability to monitor the number of people entering your business can uncover new operational insights for you to utilize. By analyzing the data from a people counting system, you’ll be able to identify areas of your business that could be streamlined for optimal customer engagement and experience as well as how the physical space of your business is being traveled.
In this article, OpenEye covers why people counting is vital to track for your business, as well as how to find the best people counting solution.
Grocery store CEO reveals when Americans will see relief in the aisles
As inflation begins to cool down, grocery store shoppers are still waiting for relief in the aisles as Americans continue to pay top dollar to feed their families.
CEO and president of Stew Leonard's supermarket chain Stew Leonard Jr. addressed when shoppers may finally see prices dip on "The Claman Countdown" Tuesday.
"We're hoping maybe next year and the year after prices will come down or at least stabilize," Leonard Jr. said.
Dow rebounds 1,400 points on rising hopes for tariff deals: Live updates
Stocks surged Tuesday in a slight reprieve from the tariff market turmoil, on rising hopes the U.S. would reach trade deals to lower the duties over time.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,419 points, or 3.7%. The S&P 500 jumped 3.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 4.3%. The three major averages were on track for their best session since Nov. 2022.
Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday that he had a “great call” with the acting president of South Korea, and that China “also wants to make a deal badly.”
Target to close all 1,978 stores for 24 hours as it joins retail 'blackout'
Target will be shutting down all 1,978 of its stores for a full 24 hours in the next coming weeks for Easter, it has been confirmed.
While Target stores will be shut for the upcoming spring holiday, Walmart will stay open for customers in need of any urgent groceries.
The Christian holiday of Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday or Pascha, marks the end of Lent and is not a fixed date. It is calculated based on the lunar calendar.
Genetec is a market leader and innovative technology company with a broad solutions portfolio that encompasses security, intelligence, and operations. We are seeking a Channel Marketing Manager tasked with developing and executing strategic B2B marketing initiatives that drive engagement, demand, and growth across the channel partner ecosystem. Focused on the North American region, you’ll be at the heart of our partner ecosystem, crafting and executing regional marketing programs that drive engagement, boost sales, and elevate our brand. You'll collaborate with premium partners, launch compelling campaigns, and create unforgettable engagement opportunities that fuel business success. You will be a strategic thinker with the experience to develop and execute impactful, channel-centric marketing programs with the creative spice to have fun with it.
Big Lots! Stores to Open Under New Ownership, Variety Wholesalers Delivering Unbeatable Bargains to Shoppers
HENDERSON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Variety Wholesalers, a leading discount retailer known for its treasure hunt shopping experience, closeouts, and unbeatable bargains, today announced the first wave of openings for newly acquired Big Lots! locations, starting on April 10 with nine stores across six states.
Variety Wholesalers brings their proven model of value-driven retail to these locations following the company’s strategic acquisition of 219 Big Lots! stores out of bankruptcy. Customers will experience remodeled stores, a large selection of closeout deals and new merchandise categories, including apparel for the family and electronics.
Shoplifting surge strains Baltimore retailers, prompts call for action
(WBFF) — At the Harborview Wine and Spirit store, Ms. Liz has been grappling with a growing issue: shoplifting.
"The past eight months to a year, it’s gotten worse than it has been before," Ms. Liz said.
Shoplifters have been brazenly taking items and leaving without consequence.
"They come in the stores, take what they want, leave and think it’s ok," she added.
According to the latest data from the Baltimore Police Department, citywide shoplifting has increased by 14% year-to-date.
Four of the nine districts have seen significant spikes over a seven-day period compared to last year, with the Eastern district up 67% , the Southeast 70%, the Western 200%, and the Northwest a staggering 400%.