President Donald Trump met with the CEOs of Walmart, Target, and Home Depot to discuss the impact of his proposed tariffs on their import-reliant businesses, with each company describing the meeting as productive and constructive. While Walmart may weather tariffs better due to its large base of U.S.-made products, Target faces greater risks due to its dependence on imported goods, prompting broader industry concern about rising consumer costs and economic uncertainty.
Walmart of Mexico and Central America announced a $6 billion investment to expand its store network across the region, reinforcing its long-term commitment with new locations under banners like Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, and Walmart Supercenters. This move is part of a broader global strategy, with Walmart also investing billions in Canada, Chile, and the U.S. to upgrade stores, expand supply chains, and implement its “Store of the Future” concept.
U.S. Vice‑President JD Vance warned that successful U.S.-India cooperation is essential for a “prosperous and peaceful” 21st century, warning that failure to work together could plunge humanity into a “very dark time.” He announced that both sides have finalized the terms of reference for a bilateral trade deal roadmap, praised Prime Minister Modi’s tough negotiating style, and discussed expanding cooperation in defense, strategic technologies, and energy.
Shoppers are “panic buying” across nearly all retail categories—electronics, apparel, groceries, specialty foods, and home improvement—driving year‑over‑year foot traffic gains of 3–13% as consumers rush to stock up ahead of looming tariff‑driven price hikes. This unusual, synchronized spike—unlike typical seasonal or promotional patterns—reflects broader anxiety over import costs, though high‑ticket sectors like furniture and auto sales have actually dipped as buyers delay big‑ticket decisions amid uncertainty.
Retailers struggle to tap into billions in unspent FSA and HSA funds because many consumers aren’t aware of the broad range of eligible products beyond traditional medical items. Companies like Sephora, Ulta, and Target are now spotlighting FSA/HSA‑eligible beauty and wellness items through dedicated guides, in‑store signage, and marketing campaigns to educate shoppers and boost use of these pretax dollars.
TalkLP Host Amber Bradley and Doug Horsting, ORC Manager and Law Enforcement Liaison for Rite Aid, dive into his views on the two languages of Organized Retail Crime (ORC), retailer and law enforcement. Doug describes how he uses his experience to bring them together and succeed in combatting ORC within Rite Aid and the community.
Think bringing donuts is all you need to do? Think again. Doug describes his approach of humility and homework – meaning, it better be done! Doug describes his “why wait?” philosophy when it comes to catching thieves. Catch them early and shut it down before the loss becomes astronomical making a bigger impact on the store and community. Also do you celebrate “Doug Horsting Day”? Listen today!
California crime rates drop as state credits enforcement strategy
California crime rates fell in 2024, with both violent and property offenses showing notable declines, according to preliminary data released by state officials.
An analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California found violent crime dropped 4.6% in 2024 compared to the previous year, while property crime fell 8.5%.
The institute examined Real Time Crime Index data from 29 law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
Robberies decreased by 5.2%, and aggravated assaults fell by 3.9%, according to the analysis. Homicides dropped 5.9% from 2023 levels.
Vehicle thefts showed a substantial decline of 11.9%. Burglary rates fell 13.6%, and larceny dropped 18.6% when compared with pre-pandemic figures.
Bath & Body Works has a major tariff advantage. Here’s what that means for shoppers
One of America’s most fragrant retailers is well-positioned in the face of tariffs.
Bath & Body Works produces 80% of its products in the United States.
The candle maker and personal care company has been incrementally shifting its production to the U.S. for more than a decade.
“Domestic exposure puts Bath & Body Works at a key advantage versus the competitors, because they won’t have to pay import tariffs on the vast majority of their products, meaning they can keep prices where they are and not lose profitability,” said BofA Securities senior retail analyst Lorraine Hutchinson.
California’s Workplace Violence Law, Part I: Lessons Learned One Year Into SB 553
In part one of our three-part series on California’s new workplace violence prevention law, Robert Rodriguez (shareholder, Sacramento) and Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento) discuss the lessons employers have learned about workplace violence inspections during the law’s first year of implementation. Karen and Robert, who are co-chairs of the firm’s Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, explore how the enforcement of the new law, which took effect on July 1, 2024, is being managed and offer insights into Cal/OSHA’s approach to these inspections. The discussion highlights practical tips for employers, the importance of customized training, and the role of the Bureau of Investigation in incidents of workplace violence.
From Security to ROI: How Intelligent Video is Transforming Financial Institutions
Cloud‑based intelligent video solutions can significantly cut operational costs for financial institutions by reducing on‑premise hardware and storage needs while delivering actionable analytics that drive revenue—such as optimized branch layouts, targeted marketing based on foot‑traffic data, and fraud prevention.
Integrating video surveillance with teller systems, ATMs, and customer service platforms transforms security footage into a multifaceted organizational asset, enhancing customer experiences through features like AI‑driven loitering detection and dynamic staffing adjustments.
Scalable cloud architectures and automatic software updates ensure these solutions remain compliant, secure, and future‑proof, safeguarding institutions against evolving regulatory and cyber‑threat landscapes.
Retailers face a growing crisis. According to the 2024 KnowBe4 report, "Global Retail Trends: Stolen Credentials Emerging As A Top Threat," the average cost of a retail data breach reached $3.48 million in 2024, and 2025 is off to a quick start.
One recent
victim is the multinational electronics manufacturer Casio's U.K. subsidiary. In January, Casio U.K.’s website, along with at least 16 other sites, was targeted by a sophisticated web skimming attack which, despite the use of a content security policy (CSP), compromised customer payment information.
Technology is Changing the Retail Consumer Experience. Can Cyber Keep Up?
Retailers are embracing generative artificial intelligence, social media, and augmented reality to foster competitive differentiation, earn new customers and keeping existing ones. The balancing act between innovation and risk has never been more complex.
Trustwave’s latest Retail Sector Risk Radar Report underscores the growing urgency for retailers to reassess their security strategies in light of emerging threats.
Saks Global to close fulfillment center, cut 450 jobs
Saks Global is having a rough year so far, and tariff policies from the Trump administration aren’t helping.
In addition to a round of layoffs in February, tensions with vendors that came to light around the same time led some analysts to question the company’s financial viability. Suppliers, after complaining of not being paid for months, were dismayed by a memo from Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick that outlined drawn-out payment terms for past-due invoices and left them little choice but to accept or potentially be dropped.
Locking up high-theft items may reduce shrink, but it frustrates shoppers, burdens staff, and hurts sales. The real solution? Gatekeeper Systems’ Purchek® technology. It prevents theft by locking carts at the exit during a pushout attempt—no need for locked cases or employee intervention. The result: better security, improved shopper experience, and increased sales.
The Special Services Executive Protection team employs a comprehensive, risk based, safety and security program in support of the company’s executive leadership. Safety and security are primary elements of the program, but members of this team also function as medical first responders, protocol officers, and administrative aides.
Home Depot loss prevention officer testifies in Norfolk case
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A man has pleaded guilty to a felony for stealing power tools from a Norfolk Home Depot.
The crime associated with this case occurred on Feb. 22, 2024. According to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, 41-year-old Erik Watford loaded a shopping cart with more than $1,000 worth of power tools at the Home Depot on North Military Highway and walked out without paying.
The store’s loss prevention officer contacted police who were able to stop Watford outside the store and recover the stolen items before he got away.
3 Birmingham residents charged with organized retail theft in Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. – Three Birmingham residents were arrested and charged in Cullman on Friday, April 18, with organized retail theft.
According to the City of Cullman, at approximately 3:05 p.m., Cullman Police Department patrol officers were dispatched to Walmart on Olive Street Southwest in reference to a felony theft in progress.
Upon arrival, officers allegedly located the suspect vehicle, a silver Dodge Charger, in the Walmart parking lot and attempted to make contact with the individuals involved.
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