Retail sales in March rose 4.75% year-over-year and 0.6% from the previous month, with consumers stocking up on goods like clothing and appliances ahead of potential tariff-related price hikes, according to data from the NRF. Despite economic fundamentals remaining strong, consumer sentiment is weakening due to inflation and tariff uncertainty, though spending continues across most categories, led by a 27.62% surge in digital sales.
Financial fraud, primarily driven by email-based attacks like business email compromise (BEC), remains the top cause of cyberinsurance claims, with 83% of such frauds originating from deceptive emails. As scammers increasingly exploit human trust rather than technology flaws, cyberinsurers are now requiring stronger email security measures, including multifactor authentication and BEC training, particularly for high-risk sectors like finance, construction, and professional services.
Target has faced ongoing controversy and fluctuating boycotts, initially from conservatives over its Pride collection and more recently from progressives after it scaled back its DEI initiatives, leading to nationwide consumer protests and declining store traffic. While the retailer saw a slight boost in holiday sales, its foot traffic dropped significantly in early 2024, and its operating income fell 21% year-over-year, with more boycotts scheduled later this year.
The United Food and Commercial Workers union is planning a march in La Verne, California, to protest ongoing labor disputes with Stater Bros., Kroger, and Albertsons amid stalled contract negotiations affecting nearly 60,000 grocery workers. The union has rejected proposed wage increases as inadequate, especially criticizing Stater Bros.’ lack of raises for key roles and calling Kroger and Albertsons' $2.50 over three years offer “insulting,” while pushing for broader benefits like immigration protections and AI training.
TalkLP host Amber Bradley sits down with Luxottica’s Millie Kresevich, Senior Director of Asset Protection and Mike Jessee, Senior Vice President of Asset Protection to talk working relationships, leadership, tech, 2025 and beyond.
Listen now to hear how to build successful working relationships that span years – after Amber puts them on the spot about their own working relationship. Millie also explains her philosophy for focusing on what they can control while boosting team retention. And what is Mike looking for in a solution provider? Check it out to find out!
LPSO: Retail theft suspect found across state lines with hundreds of anti-theft tags, stolen tennis shoes
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (WAFB) - A man accused of stealing brand-name clothing and shoes from retail outlets in Juban Crossing was arrested in Mississippi.
According to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office (LPSO), Samuel E. Johnson is facing two counts of organized retail theft and two counts of tampering with surveillance equipment. Both charges are felonies.
“Through our investigation, we learned a male would enter a business, target the high-end merchandise—with anti-theft devices—and, conceal them either in large suitcases he selected from the luggage display or large duffle bags sold in the store,” said Sheriff Jason Ard. “The male would then leave the store without any attempt to pay for the merchandise.”
Businesses bleed $100m a year due to cybersecurity failures, study shows
Businesses worldwide are losing an eye-watering average of $98.5 million annually due to a perfect storm of cybersecurity failures, fraud, regulatory hurdles, and financial inefficiencies, according to a new study by FIS with Oxford Economics.
Titled “The Harmony Gap: Finding the Financial Upside in Uncertainty,” the research draws from two extensive surveys of 1,000 C-suite executives and technology leaders in the US, UK and Singapore. It offers a sweeping look at the staggering cost of what FIS terms “financial disharmony”—the breakdowns and friction points across the money lifecycle, from payments and compliance to security and operations.
GNC deploys Corvus Robotics drones to manage inventory
GNC, a global health and wellness retailer, is deploying the Corvus One autonomous inventory management system to gain greater accuracy and efficiency in tracking and storing material at its distribution centers.
The drones operate throughout the day during business and are improving inventory accuracy, reducing shrinkage and minimizing human errors, according to a case study. By automating daily cycle counts, the Corvus drones have freed up labor and material handling equipment, enabling faster order fulfillment and more efficient warehouse operations.
The Corvus Robotics autonomous inventory management system is built on an AI model and provides fully autonomous, infrastructure-free drones that fly without human operators.
10 Reasons Why You Need a Cloud Video Surveillance System for Your Business
Operating a successful business often means dealing with unique problems throughout the day. It involves juggling the day-to-day responsibilities of your organization while continually finding ways to make processes more efficient in the long term.
Implementing a cloud-managed video surveillance system offers improved operations by not only keeping your business secure but also giving you new insights into the efficiency of your workplace. In fact, utilizing an open platform cloud video system can be one of the best ways for your company to optimize efficiency while saving money in the long run.
Continue reading to see some of the best ways cloud video surveillance can help you get the most out of your workplace operations.
Preventable injuries are common in small businesses, survey shows
Denver — Around 3 out of 4 small businesses have experienced workplace injuries this past year, and half of those injuries were preventable, results of a recent survey show.
Pie Insurance, a firm that specializes in commercial insurance for small businesses, surveyed more than 1,000 small employers (defined as those with two to 500 employees) about worker injuries.
Indian police bust fake call center, 12 arrested in credit card scam
DELHI, INDIA — Faridabad police disrupted a fraudulent call center in Janakpuri West Delhi, arresting 12 individuals who are accused of having tricked victims with promises of fake credit card limits and health insurance schemes.
Since March of the previous year, the operation was active until it was discovered when a Ballabhgarh resident reported that he lost Rs 83,537 (US$ 970.27) to a fraudster posing as a bank employee.
Palm Harbor gas station overwhelmed by teens during weekend festival
PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Workers at a gas station in Palm Harbor said they're overwhelmed by kids flooding their store, stealing items and intimidating customers. They added that it was so chaotic this weekend, they stopped letting teenagers in without an adult.
This weekend was Palm Harbor Fest and so there were a lot of people around in general, but the cashiers at the Mobil station downtown said the problem has been going on for weeks.
The Asset Protection Sr. Manager has the responsibility of protecting our assets which include people, product, and property. Our mission is to be the leading Asset Protection team whose capabilities, knowledge of our business and understanding of our customer allows us to ensure associate safety and respond to crisis situations. The Senior Manager of Asset Protection leads the local office security operations within the Asset Protection function; acting as a primary liaison between operations and other business partners; ensuring clear communication and action is provided in asset protection/safety related incidents. This individual will support the departments Protective Operations Team (Executive Protection) and provide as needed security for executives. This role reports to the Director Asset Protection and is responsible for 2 Asset Protection members and 1 contractor.
37% of Consumers Highly Concerned About Credit Card Fraud
A recent report, “Consumer Credit Economy: Credit Card Fraud,” a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and i2c, reveals a substantial level of consumer concern surrounding this issue.
It shows 28% of consumers having already fallen victim to credit card fraud within the last year. Moreover, 37% express being very or extremely worried about the prospect of unauthorized access to their credit card accounts.
This pervasive anxiety underscores a fundamental expectation among consumers: that banks will take a leading role in both preventing and resolving fraudulent activity.
Man accused of shoplifting, assaulting employee at grocery store arrested after crash in west Lincoln
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The man accused of stealing from a grocery store in Lincoln and then assaulting an employee who confronted him is facing charges.
Lincoln Police were called to Russ’s Market near 66th and O streets shortly after 8:50 p.m. on April 2.
A female employee told police she saw a man leaving the store with a handful of groceries and asked him if he had a receipt. She said the man ignored her, so she asked again and that’s when he dropped the groceries, and charged at her, knocking her down.
LPD said the man then grabbed the groceries and ran away.
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