Emily Montegna, a 38-year-old from Highland, is facing up to 10 years in prison and $2 million in fines for trafficking counterfeit goods. She ran multiple businesses, including “Emily’s Creative Creations” and “Emily’s She Shed,” selling fake designer items like makeup, purses, and sunglasses from October 2019 to January 2022. Montegna imported these items from overseas, slapping on trademarks from big names like Estee Lauder and Nike to deceive customers.
California's new law aims to curb retail theft by allowing felony charges for repeat offenders stealing under $950. While officials like LA County DA Nathan Hochman are optimistic, residents like Brian Carter remain skeptical, seeing theft daily and doubting the law's deterrent effect. Shop owners, like Mehrdad Shirazi, worry about insurance and the law's impact on their safety. Despite mixed feelings, the law's success hinges on public awareness and its actual enforcement.
President Trump’s tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China are causing a stir among U.S. retailers, both online and offline. With a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, and additional tariffs on other goods, businesses are scrambling to adjust their supply chains and pricing strategies. Full Leaf Tea Company, for instance, is trying to source more domestically to dodge the tariff bullet. Meanwhile, ecommerce giants like Shein and Temu might face new challenges with potential changes to de minimis rules.
The New York Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA) has been amended, pushing the effective date to June 2, 2025. Smaller retail employers (under 50 employees) now only need to provide workplace violence prevention training every two years, while larger employers still have to do it annually. Panic buttons are out, but silent response buttons are in for big retailers.
AI is shaking up the retail world, especially in inventory management. It's like having a crystal ball for demand forecasting, helping retailers avoid the dreaded stockout or overstocking nightmares. With AI, stock levels are always just right, and automated replenishment means no more manual checks. Plus, it cuts costs, boosts supply chain efficiency, and even helps catch fraudsters.
Nothing frustrates me more than getting roped into something I never wanted to do in the first place. Then, I start to resent the people involved—only to realize the person I’m really mad at is myself. Why? Because I didn’t say no.
Saying no is hard. We worry about disappointing others, missing out, or jeopardizing opportunities. But every time we say yes when we really mean no, we trade our time, energy, and self-respect for someone else’s priorities.
Why Saying No is Essential to Self-Worth
Early in my speaking career, I didn’t know how to advocate for myself. Coming from policing, where salaries were fixed, I had no experience negotiating my worth. When conference organizers asked for my fee, I’d say, “Whatever you have budgeted.” One day, after signing a contract, an event planner pulled me aside and said, “You don’t know your value. Decide what you’re worth—and double it.”
$9,000 retail theft, two arrested for alleged multi-state scheme
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)—Police say two people were arrested for a multi-state retail theft scheme after stealing over $9,000 worth of items from Home Depot and Target.
According to the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, on January 21 officers were called for two separate thefts at Home Depot totaling $4,248.21.
Police said a woman, later identified as Jamie Blake, 36, of Vermont, filled a cart with various tools and left the store without paying for them. On the same day a man, later identified as Joseph Badore, 41, of Vermont, was seen walking with a car full of tools, and when asked if he had a receipt for the items he continued to walk out of the store.
Fabletics levelling up digital transformation by streamlining operations
In a quest to meet consumer expectations regarding reducing waste, Fabletics is streamlining operations, reducing waste and enhanhing efficiency in a partnership with Blue Yonder and Plantensive.
The fashion apparel retailer, which has over 100 stores in North America as well as a robust e-commerce channel selling its activewear, is using Blue Yonder's AI-powered supply chain planning solutions to uphold its commitment to sustainability, according to a press release.
Blue Yonder is digital supply chain transformation provider. Plantensive, a MorganFranklin company, is a supply chain and retail planning solutions provider.
Another major national retailer plans to close hundreds of stores
The national retail struggle continues with a major chain reportedly planning to close hundreds of locations as it navigates its second bankruptcy.
The fast-fashion store will close at least 200 locations as part of a bankruptcy process expected to begin next month, Bloomberg reported. Citing those with knowledge of the process, Bloomberg said the chain was seeking a buyer for the retailer’s remaining stores. If a buyer isn’t found, the entire 350-store chain could be liquidated.
“Forever 21’s operating company, which is the brand licensee in the U.S., continues to explore strategic options, including a potential sale, while also reducing costs and optimizing its store footprint,” a representative for Forever 21’s operations owner Catalyst Brands wrote in an email to Financial Post.
Abandoned shopping carts aren’t just an eyesore—they’re an environmental liability. Stray carts lead to increased waste, retrieval emissions, and unnecessary replacements, all of which undermine sustainability efforts. Gatekeeper Systems' CartControl® solution helps retailers contain shopping carts, reduce carbon footprints, and lower costs. By keeping shopping carts where they belong, retailers can enhance efficiency while making a positive environmental impact. Every shopping cart kept in place is a step toward a more sustainable future.
J.C. Penney, Eddie Bauer operator lays off 5% of corporate staff
In its first month or so, Catalyst Brands has downsized in a number of ways. In addition to the layoffs confirmed on Thursday, the company previously announced that it sold Reebok’s U.S. operations and is exploring strategic options for Forever 21’s operations.
Forever 21 may have trouble finding a buyer. Five years ago, Simon and Brookfield teamed up with Authentic to buy the fast-fashion retailer out of bankruptcy for $81 million. About a year ago, however, Authentic CEO Jamie Salter expressed buyer’s remorse, calling the acquisition “probably the biggest mistake I made.”
Former Inglewood officials alert community about increase of robberies at Costco
INGLEWOOD – Former Inglewood Councilman Jerome Horton and his wife, former Inglewood City Clerk Yvonne Horton are bringing awareness to the community about security issues at the local Costco.
In their weekly newsletter, published Feb. 21, they are expressing concerns about increased robberies occurring at the store which is located in the 3500 block of W. Century Blvd. which is across the street from SoFi Stadium.
More butcher shops appear to fall victim to same meat purchase scam as Massachusetts store
It appears a North Shore butcher shop, which was scammed out of thousands of dollars, was not alone. Other butcher shops now say they have been duped too.
The first order for oxtail and ribs was for about $8,000, Paulo Xavier explained. It was just before the holidays, and he thought his new butcher shop, Local Meat Market in Milford, Massachusetts had struck gold.
"He said they would donate it for homeless people and stuff like that," Xavier explained.
Sr. Director of Asset Protection will be responsible for investigations and will lead a team responsible for empowering the organization with proactive monitoring, support, and actionable intelligence to protect our people and facilities while driving profitable growth.
San Francisco man arrested for months-long string of retail thefts: PD
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Police said a 47-year-old San Francisco man has been arrested in connection to eight straight, separate shoplifting incidents — seven which occurred at the same retail business — between mid-November of last year through mid-January. San Francisco PD said the value of the stolen goods total more than $3,400.
Police said that Vincent Monterrosa was arrested by SFPD’s Fugitive Recovery Enforcement Team on Jan. 17 after he allegedly committed a theft earlier that day, five days after he last targeted a business, said police.
Officer injured during retail fraud incident at Woodland Mall
KENTWOOD, Mich. — An officer was injured after being struck by a vehicle in a retail fraud investigation.
Two suspects drove away from Woodland Mall at high-speeds after being seen stealing Saturday evening. Officers tried to stop the suspects. During the attempt to stop them one Kentwood Police Officer was knocked down, according to Kentwood Police Department officials.
The officer's injuries are not life threatening . No arrests have been made at this time.
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