Sam’s Club is phasing out traditional checkouts across its 600 stores and expanding its AI-powered “Scan & Go” system with a new “Just Walk” exit technology that verifies purchases without the need for receipt checks. The retailer aims to create a faster, more seamless shopping experience while enhancing employee efficiency with AI-driven tools and store innovations.
Ahold Delhaize has confirmed that sensitive data was stolen from its U.S. operations during a November 2024 cyberattack, after the INC Ransom group posted sample stolen documents online. While the company is still investigating the extent of the breach, it has assured that stores and e-commerce services remain operational and will notify individuals if personal data was compromised.
In response to President Trump’s new tariffs—especially a steep 145% rate on Chinese imports—Amazon is adjusting by canceling some overseas orders and offering to share tariff costs with select vendors to maintain product availability. While Amazon aims to keep prices low, CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged that many third-party sellers may pass increased costs on to consumers, leading to potential price hikes and shifts in shopping behavior.
The retail industry in 2025 is undergoing a major transformation driven by technological innovation, personalized customer experiences, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. To remain competitive, retailers must embrace AI, omnichannel strategies, and eco-friendly practices while ensuring strong data privacy protections and preparing for further advancements like blockchain and the metaverse.
Target CEO, Rev. Al Sharpton to meet following DEI changesAmid growing backlash and legal challenges, several retailers have scaled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with companies like Tractor Supply pulling back significantly and others like Costco strongly defending their efforts. Target, facing both declining sales and criticism for its shifting DEI stance, has struggled to find a middle ground, drawing scrutiny from both loyal customers and civil rights groups like the National Action Network.
Joe Coll, Vice President of Asset Protection Operations and Strategy at Macy’s and TalkLP Host Amber Bradley discuss his 27- year career at Macy’s, his leadership lessons and the best (from the LEADERS) and worst advice (from the BOSSES) he ever received. They also dive into how Macy’s utilizes the Total Retail Loss methodology and how important the role of RFID plays in inventory visibility. No longer is RFID an ignored annoyance at the entrance > it’s now critical intel that even helps brick-and-mortar stores beat out online retailers!
And wait, Joe has an Etsy shop?? Check out this insightful episode today!
Complain about zoom meetings and running fast to stay ahead.
Make dinner.
Clean up.
Go to bed to do it all over again.
Running through the mundane tasks of the day seemed different today after hearing about the tragic loss of Jason Swanson. I knew Jason professionally from my time at RLPSA and within the restaurant industry – that’s to say I didn’t know him very well, personally, but from what I knew, it was clear Jason was an ardent lover and defender of our industry, the people in it, and all people in general.
It's obvious from the outpouring of love and support for Jason that if you did know him personally, you were lucky to have known such a passionate and incredible guy.
One distinct memory I have of Jason’s contribution to our industry was a presentation he gave while serving as the director of asset protection for MOD Pizza. The presentation was about how to accomplish internal theft objectives while maintaining respect and care for the internal public he served (employees at MOD). MOD Pizza had a different perspective on hiring than most restaurants or retailers. They often hired people that had been “justice involved” in their backgrounds and were trying to straighten out their lives.
Jason’s presentation demonstrated how this company perspective was incredibly positive both organizationally and within those individuals’ lives. Jason knew his presentation and thoughts on this subject were a bit radical and not necessarily a popular belief in the LP industry. With this one presentation about interviewing practices and how important the truth was, Jason made such a significant impact about treating ALL people with respect no matter what choices they’ve made in the past. Much of Jason’s work at MOD Pizza focused on how to operate an LP program in an environment of people with diverse barriers to hiring, and not putting people into (or returning them to) a justice system that does not work equally for all.
“What we must remember is that any one of us could be caught into a situation where we are forced to act in desperation – how would you want to be treated? That is the way,” said Jason.
Jason made such an impression on this industry with his passionate viewpoints on this topic and his unique ability to communicate its importance. In the spirit of continuing Jason’s legacy of support of ALL people, consider watching his presentation about respect for all people, and his approach to interviewing. (I can send that to you upon request.)
I respected Jason immensely for this view and how he lived out these values in his everyday life. His impact will be felt in our industry for years to come as we try to grapple with why senseless tragedies happen.
If you knew Jason at all, you knew his zoom background might be his houseboat, or you’d see his Facebook account documenting a recent snowboard trip – he loved life and soaked up every portion of it. That’s the other lesson he’s reminded us of with his untimely death –don’t take one minute for granted.
And suddenly, the Diet Coke tastes a little sweeter, I hug my middle-schooler a little tighter, I enjoy the connections made on zoom, and I go about my nightly dish routine with less angst and more gratitude. We will miss you, Jason. Rest in peace my friend.
Please note this tribute lacks the full-perspective of Jason as it is only my limited viewpoint. Jason was a multi-dimensional industry leader, teacher, friend, husband and father and to read more from those who knew Jason best see Jordan Rivchun’s comments here and Hanwha Vision’s announcement here.
Prop. 36 triggers retail theft crackdown aimed at repeat offenders in Southern California
On a recent, drizzly afternoon in Lake Elsinore, Riverside County sheriff’s Deputy Ian Noel was staked out in an unmarked SUV in the Home Depot parking lot, waiting patiently.
Then, over the police radio, he was informed that a woman had been seen placing items in her purse inside a Target store across the street. Without hesitation, Noel darted over to the Target lot, where he parked and waited.
As the woman left the store, Noel and several other police vehicles pulled up in front of the entrance and deputies quickly surrounded her. She was startled and still — frozen in place — as deputies grabbed her purse and began pulling out items she allegedly had stolen: three small makeup containers, an umbrella and a black handbag.
Spencer Summons is a multi award-winning cyber strategy leader and mentor with over 30 years' experience in high-risk security and cyber. He is the founder of Opliciti, a cyber security organisation supporting organisations and high net worth individuals to protect their assets, data and intellectual property from cyber-crime.
What first drew you to cybersecurity? Was there a specific event or realisation that led you into this field? My interest in cyber security stemmed from three main factors. Firstly, I sought a career change that would allow me to utilise the skills I had developed over nine years as an army officer. Secondly, I wanted a field that was dynamic and would continually engage my interest. Lastly, I desired a profession that was essential to business operations. Given my expertise in physical and personal security, cyber security appeared to be a logical next step, although I initially underestimated the effort required to transition into this field.
Man trying to sneak items from Walmart accidentally fires flare gun, TX cops say
An accused shoplifter’s attempt to fly under the radar was ruined when he accidentally fired a flare gun inside a Walmart and “caused panic,” according to Texas police.
It happened at night on Saturday, April 19, at a Walmart in Kilgore, the police department said in a news release.
A 911 caller said a man was seen “concealing items” on his person and also holding a gun, which went off, police said.
After shooting the flare gun, the man quickly made his way toward the exit, the caller said.
However, officers arrived at the scene and detained him.
“Further investigation revealed the subject concealed merchandise, including a flare gun, and accidentally discharged the flare gun inside the store,” police said. “The suspect then placed the flare gun on a shelf and walked away.”
Modern Manufacturing Solutions – How to Deliver Value Through Your Video Security
Manufacturing is on the cusp of another wave of rapid innovations. Artificial intelligence, automation, and multiple systems working together seamlessly are increasing productivity and benefiting many companies’ bottom line.
Implementing these futuristic solutions into your organization can occur around multiple sides of your business, from assembly lines to warehouse floors. Cloud-managed video is one way that manufacturers can incorporate powerful new tech into their everyday operations in a low-friction way. Instead of having to reconstruct the processes and management of your teams, facilities, and operations, cloud-managed video can enhance your video security to not only improve safety but enhance efficiency, improving revenue and uncovering insights so you can make smarter business decisions at a pace realistic to your company.
While the future of manufacturing is daunting, companies everywhere can still reap the benefits of advanced technology through a secure, cloud-managed video platform. In this article, OpenEye explores how cloud-managed video security delivers value across your organization with powerful tools including advanced video analytics, automated reporting, and an open ecosystem.
5 alleged Tren de Aragua gang members charged in retail thefts, including 1 seen sobbing in police interview
Florida authorities arrested five suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in connection with a string of retail thefts, and one of the suspects was seen sobbing during his interview with law enforcement.
Alexis Jose Rodriguez-Benavides, Darwins Smith Vasquez-Leon, Ildemaro Miguel Escalona Mendoza, Ramon Jesus Carpintero-Luna and Samuel Oglis David Anthony Charlie are facing charges for organized retail theft and robbery.
Walmart will use geospatial tech to power delivery
Walmart’s use of a geospatial platform aims to help the retailer better tap in its vast store footprint to fulfill orders from customers.
“Think of it like pixels in a digital image — each hexagon is a ‘tile’ packed with real-time data such as slot availability, drive time, store capacity, customer demand and more. This allows us to adjust delivery zones with greater accuracy, ultimately serving more customers across the country,” according to the press release.
This system is a more data-driven model, Walmart said.
China targets U.S. services and other areas as it decries ‘meaningless’ tariff hikes on goods
China last week announced it was done retaliating against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, saying any further increases by the U.S. would be a “joke,” and Beijing would “ignore” them.
Instead of continuing to focus on tariffing goods, however, China has chosen to resort to other measures, including steps targeting the American services sector.
Trump has jacked up U.S. levies on select goods from China by up to 245% after several rounds of tit-for-tat measures with Beijing in recent weeks.
The Global Safety and Security Business Partner serves as a subject matter expert in threat assessment and workplace violence prevention for Associates and facilities across all TJX US domestic locations. Responsible for investigating, assessing, and managing threatening behavior from internal/external individuals and incidents that could impact the workplace. This includes working with numerous levels of leadership to provide recommendations as it relates to non-clinical threat assessment and case management strategies tailored to the situation. Includes safety and security support for domestic and international travel, company events and senior leadership meetings, and the Executive Safety and Security program.
Revolutionizing Tourism and Hospitality with Intelligent Video Solutions
The tourism and hospitality industry is rapidly evolving through the integration of AI-powered video analytics, enhancing both guest experiences and operational efficiency. From personalized services and energy optimization to fraud prevention and construction site security, intelligent surveillance solutions like March Networks’ Searchlight Cloud are transforming how hotels and resorts operate and maintain high service standards.
Denver business advocates take fight against retail crime to nation’s Capitol
DENVER (KDVR) — Denver’s business leaders are joining other U.S. cities in fighting against organized retail crime.
The Downtown Denver Partnership and the International Downtown Association participated in the “Capitol Hill Fly-In” in Washington, D.C., where advocates shared concerns about crime, housing and office vacancies with Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, Rep. Jason Crow and Rep. Diana DeGette.
DDP spokesperson Britt Diehl tells FOX31 retailers need support at a time when Denver is experiencing tremendous growth.
Massachusetts Cumberland Farms clerk saves local woman from losing $4,000 to online scam — what to watch for as these sophisticated schemes grow in popularity
A sharp-eyed store clerk and a well-timed police visit saved a local woman from losing $4,000 to a Bitcoin scam in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
The woman was stopped when the Cumberland Farms employee flagged the situation to a nearby detective, who intervened just as she was about to finalize the transaction.
Crypto scams like this are on the rise, and because Bitcoin is nearly impossible to trace, it makes it a go-to for fraudsters.
So, how did she get tricked, and what can you look out for with similar scams?
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