Tariffs won’t drag consumer spending in 2025, say retailers

The National Retail Federation projects U.S. retail sales will grow between 2.7% and 3.7% in 2025, reaching up to $5.48 trillion, despite mounting concerns over new tariffs and economic uncertainty. The outlook, revealed during NRF’s annual State of Retail & the Consumer event, mirrors pre-pandemic growth trends and suggests continued resilience in consumer spending. Online and nonstore sales are expected to surge by as much as 9%, while GDP growth is forecast to slow just below 2%. NRF economists caution that while consumer confidence is shaky, the fundamentals—strong job growth, rising wages, and stable household finances—remain intact, keeping retail momentum alive.

[Freight Waves]

The Supply Side: Cargo theft to rise 25% in 2025; $35 billion lost in supply chain

Cargo theft is skyrocketing across the U.S., with incidents expected to climb 25% in 2024, costing the supply chain industry up to $35 billion annually. Industry leaders sounded the alarm during a recent U.S. Senate hearing, citing a sharp rise in cyber fraud, shipment interceptions, and organized theft rings targeting high-value goods like electronics. Southern California, Texas, and Memphis are hotspots, with criminals becoming more sophisticated and brazen—often outpacing law enforcement's ability to respond. Experts are calling on Congress to establish a federal cargo theft task force and tighten regulations, warning that without urgent action, consumers and carriers alike will continue paying the price.

[Talk Business]

Florida Deputy Shot and Killed Responding to Disturbance at Dollar General Store

A Walton County Sheriff's deputy was killed Wednesday in a shootout with a suspect outside a Dollar General in Mossy Head, Florida. Deputy Will May, who wasn’t scheduled to work but volunteered for extra duty, was shot after a brief encounter with the armed suspect, who also died at the scene. Despite wearing body armor that stopped several rounds, May was fatally struck beneath the vest but managed to return fire and call for help. Sheriff Michael Adkinson praised May’s bravery, calling his actions “tactically sound” and “heroic,” noting the tragic incident unfolded without warning.

[Police Mag]

Amazon reportedly funding team to design and build humanoid robots for various use cases

Amazon is assembling a specialized team, including talent from robotics firm Covariant, to develop humanoid robots for both industrial and consumer applications, according to supply chain expert and former Amazon executive Brittain Ladd. The robots are being designed to handle real-world tasks like unloading trailers, moving pallets, and fulfilling orders—far beyond the flashy but impractical demos that currently dominate the market. Ladd claims Amazon’s entry into the space could reshape the industry and undercut competitors like Figure, thanks to its vast infrastructure and real use cases. Prototypes are expected later this year, with early testing incorporating Alexa and simulation models exploring both wheeled and bipedal designs.

[Retail Tech Innovation Hub]

Mesquite announces Walmart drone delivery

Walmart has launched drone delivery service within a 2-mile radius of its Beltline Road and Highway 80 location, with packages limited to 8 pounds, the city announced on April 2.

Mesquite Fire Department Station 5 recently completed safety training on emergency response for these aircraft.

Officials say residents should not be alarmed by drones in the air or delivery devices descending with packages. For emergencies involving the drones, the public should call 911. Walmart will be automatically notified through the drones' software and will dispatch personnel.

The drones are manufactured by Zipline, which has conducted extensive testing including 100 million autonomous flight miles, according to officials.

[Star Local Media]

Don’t Blame Men:

DO Something

Amber Bradley
Editor-in-Chief
TalkLPnews
amber@talklpnews.com

Just as I was about to mentally rip apart yet another article I thought was making a “woe is women” claim about being passed over for promotions because of men, I was pleasantly surprised. I mean, don’t get me wrong – I am pro-woman advancement, even a feminist to some degree, but certainly not on the side of solely blaming patriarchy for only 29% female representation at the c-suite level. I’m more of a “let’s fix it ourselves” kind of girl.

Enter The Broken Rung book by Kweilin Ellingrud, Lareina Yee, and María del Mar Martínez and subsequent summary of their book by Harvard Business Review (HBR).

Finally! A book that acknowledges the challenges faced by bias in hiring and promotions, but it doesn’t leave it there. Yes, there are very strategic and smart ways for women to exceed in the corporate workplace and we must do those things ourselves.

Fair enough.

If women have closed the education gap over the years, then why are the stats still so meager when it comes to upper-level positions within organizations? This book aims to answer that question by identifying two main categories of impact and how we can put it into practice.

First, the authors coin a super important phrase called “experience capital,” which means the knowledge, skills, and wisdom a professional gains on the job. I think we used to call this “street cred.” Building experience capital is the first important piece for women. The second critical piece is to actually have this experience recognized. Here are just a few of the ways women can obtain experience capital, as summarized by HBR. (I definitely recommend the book for further insights and specifics.)

Focus on the Company Culture, Not Just the Job

As we know well, it’s about company culture. Select a position within a company that:

• Has a strong learning culture – actively prioritizes growth
• Successful growth strategy – a clear strategy for winning their industry
• High cross-functional mobility – helps employees move into new roles
• Diversity of thought – don’t see anyone that looks like you at the top? Move on.

The authors also recommend talking to people that work at the company and remembering an interview is a two-way street – you can turn them down as easily as they can turn you down.

“Make Big, Bold Moves”

The moves you make within your career play an enormous role within your trajectory (read: pay attention here, youngins). The big move is defined as starting over in a new industry or occupation. I can attest to this because many of the executives I interview on the TalkLP podcast have recounted a calculated risk they’ve taken on their path to the c-suite completely outside asset protection. Some have taken a stint in operations, risk management, or the internal audit department, just to learn more parts of the organization or broaden their skills.

The bold move is where you take a role that requires significantly new skill sets. How can you tell if it’s bold enough? The authors describe a “skill distance” measure, meaning that if the new job has at least 25% of a new skill set – then it’s considered a “bold” move.

Be a Power Player

There are two roles that seem to accelerate women’s career growth: 1) leadership roles and 2) profit and loss (P&L) responsibilities. With women being nearly twice as likely to be mistaken for someone junior than men, it’s often difficult for women to not only be selected for leadership roles but be seen as a leader- which apparently is more than half the battle.

Research shows female managers are often better at the soft skills than their male counterparts. But it’s massively important for women to know how to tell the story of their leadership capabilities when given the opportunity. The key to this is to focus on what you’ve liked and learned, who you’ve mentored, how you’ve brought together a collaborative team rather than what made you unhappy, frustrated or unfulfilled.

Embrace Technology

Be an early adopter when it comes to technology – especially AI. You don’t have to be a technologist to be proficient at using helpful technology. But you do have to have an open mind to prioritize learning these skills. Hit up a colleague to give you some tips, take an online class, listen to a podcast…the opportunities are endless, but YOU have to prioritize YOU to invest in yourself.

Take the Next Step

Instead of simply daydreaming of your next career move – get started. Invest in your own career by reading The Broken Rung, taking an AI online class, or find something that will move your goals forward. Join me and other female executives from all different industries at the TalkLPnews virtual Ladies Leadership Lunch on May 8 at 12:30 p.m. EST. We’ll be featuring neuroscience expert Lynn Franklin discussing how to have difficult conversations! Register here.

Government, Technology and Retail Saw the Most Job Cuts in March

 PMNTS

Workplace Research Agency Cuts Create Chaos for Safety Programs

Layoffs at the federal agency responsible for researching work-related injuries will inhibit the government from effectively responding to occupational hazards, particularly for the mining industry, health safety professionals say.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, notified workers April 1 that nearly 900 staffers would be let go as part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plans to cut 10,000 employees across his agency.

That amounts to a nearly two-thirds reduction of NIOSH staff and will impede the federal government’s development of worker safety standards meant to address health hazards, former agency officials say. One research facility in West Virginia will lose nearly all its staff.

 Bloomberg Law

Walmart employee rescues mom after man with knife hops in her car

 WSBTV

Stopping Violence Against Retail Employees: Something We Can All Agree On 

ORC and shoplifting are no longer isolated problems—they are organized, costly, and increasingly violent. While experts debate the true financial toll, one fact remains clear: retail employees are at risk. Confrontations with offenders have become more frequent and dangerous. This white paper urges retailers to go beyond loss prevention, prioritizing employee well-being as part of a responsible and sustainable retail strategy.

How to build a safety-first culture: a win-win for employers and employees

As a business leader, how often do you stop to consider whether your employees are truly engaged in your Work Health and Safety (WHS) initiatives? Have you noticed if they see the value in safety training, or do they treat it as just another tick-box exercise? 

Engaging employees in WHS training and building a safety culture is not just about compliance, it’s about creating a work environment where safety is embedded into the daily mindset.

Business News

Shreveport Police Retail Theft Sting Nets Several Arrests

Late last month, Shreveport Police's Property Crimes Detectives along with the help of Loss Prevention Supervisors decided that they've had enough of the retail theft in Shreveport.

SPD launched the "March 2025 Blitz", a sting operation aimed at catching these thieves in the act.

Shreveport Police were able to arrest 8 people over 2 days for theft related crimes.

710 Keel

Speedy Gonzalez accused of $20K Walmart shoplifting spree across North Georgia

 A man with a memorable name and a lengthy criminal history is facing multiple felony charges. 

Police say he shoplifted more than $20,000 worth of merchandise from Walmart stores across North Georgia.

What we know:

Gainesville police arrested 40-year-old Speedy Gonzalez—yes, that is his real name—after identifying him on surveillance footage at a Walmart on Shallowford Road in March.

Fox5 Atlanta

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HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against two Delaware County-based FedEx workers who engineered a scheme last year involving thefts of cellphones from shipments that were then pushed to co-conspirators who sold the phones.

The alleged ringleaders — Lahneir McBride and Cahron Wilmore, both 25 — are each charged with felony counts of corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, criminal solicitation, and related offenses.

Seven other individuals who sold the stolen phones on numerous occasions are charged with similar offenses.

All nine defendants are in custody.

According to the Office of Attorney General investigation, McBride and Wilmore stole at least 181 phones — worth approximately $173,000 — and recruited people to sell them at EcoATM stations. 

Pennsylvania AG

Habitual San Francisco thief arrested again

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A repeat offender who habitually steals from stores in San Francisco is back behind bars and facing new theft charges, police said.

Marcel Criner, 57, stole from the same store eight times since November of 2024, the San Francisco Police Department said.

He snatched thousands of dollars worth of merchandise while repeatedly shoplifting, according to police, and ignored stay-away orders.

The SFPD Defend Against Retail Theft (DART) Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Task Force arrested Criner at San Francisco Hall of Justice, located at 850 Bryant St., last week and booked him into jail.

Before Proposition 36 was passed, Criner was routinely cited and released for stealing, police said. “On December 18, 2024, Proposition 36 came into effect after being passed by voters. Proposition 36 included the creation of CA Penal Code 666.1. This statute enables the charging of petty theft incidents as a felony if the suspect has two or more prior theft convictions. Criner has numerous prior theft convictions,” SFPD wrote.

KRON4