A growing number of Americans are turning to buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans to afford essentials like groceries, with Lending Tree data showing 25% now using BNPL for food and 41% reporting late payments—signs of mounting financial strain amid persistent inflation, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty. While BNPL offers an interest-free lifeline for many, experts warn that mismanaging multiple loans poses significant risks as economic conditions are expected to worsen before improving.
A new PYMNTS Intelligence report reveals that nearly one in four U.S. adults, especially millennials, now subscribe to both Amazon Prime and Walmart+, strategically using each platform’s strengths—Amazon for nonessential goods and Walmart for groceries and discounts—to maximize savings and convenience. Rather than demonstrating brand loyalty, today's consumers are carefully blending benefits from both retailers, signaling a shift toward a more nuanced, value-driven shopping behavior.
Mattress Firm is partnering with invent.ai to implement AI-driven inventory solutions aimed at improving demand forecasting, replenishment, and merchandise financial planning across its stores and distribution centers. The collaboration is expected to optimize supply chain operations, enhance strategic decision-making, and drive long-term operational success.
Dollar Tree announced that Chief Supply Chain Officer Mike Kindy will retire, with Roxanne Weng, a seasoned retail and supply chain leader formerly at Walgreens and Uline, stepping into the role effective immediately. Weng brings over 30 years of experience and will focus on advancing Dollar Tree’s supply chain operations to support the company’s growth.
TalkLPnews Editor-in-Chief, Amber Bradley, and Executive Editor, David George, are attending the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) conference this week in Washington, D.C.
Stay tuned to the Retail Rundown for the key takeaways, session summaries, and headlines coming in hot from the conference! Get the real story from the boots on the ground in Washington!
James Stark, Retail Segment Leader, Americas, Axis Communications; Melissa Diaz, Director, Asset Protection Operations, Gap Inc.; Brit Hehn, Director, Field Asset Protection, Gap Inc.; Ethan Cohen, Global Head of Privacy, Gap Inc.
Amber & David with the IPConfigure team at RILA’s welcome reception
Eddie Foley, VP of Asset Protection at Tractor Supply kicking off retailer presentations
Brian Dodge, President and CEO, RILA; Scott Erickson, Assistant Secretary, Office of Partnership and Engagement
Corporate sponsors are backing away from LGBTQ+ Pride organizations
Companies that were once loud and proud in supporting LGBTQ+ community celebrations are pulling back.
LGBTQ+ Pride festivals across the country have faced significant sponsorship challenges this year, with some losing corporate partners that collectively provided six-figure donations.
As a result, organizations say they’ve had to modify their programming, pivot to other funding sources and reconsider their dependencies on corporate dollars.
Many companies have cited economic concerns as their impetus to delay or exit partnerships with Pride groups.
American liquor exports hit record high in 2024, driven by tariffs
U.S. spirit exports reached a record $2.4 billion in 2024, driven in large part by tariff concerns and ongoing global trade disputes.
That is according to the American Spirits Exports report published by trade association the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States on Thursday.
“U.S. spirits exports hit a new high in 2024, recapturing lost market share since the UK and EU lifted retaliatory tariffs that were applied between 2018-2021,” said DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger.
“Unfortunately, ongoing trade disputes unrelated to our sector have caused uncertainty, keeping many U.S. distillers on the sidelines and curtailing sales growth.”
Attorney General Bonta Dismantles Active Identity Theft Mill and Organized Retail Scheme Spanning Seven California Counties
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced filing of felony charges against three people involved in a suspected identity theft mill, where stolen identities were utilized in an organized retail crime scheme.
The scheme involved suspects applying for store credit cards using stolen identities, then using those credit lines to purchase merchandise with no intention to pay them back. The scheme was carried out in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties.
In the fight against retail theft, understanding the right terms can make all the difference. This glossary outlines key vocabulary and real-world applications—from pushout theft to advanced technologies like Purchek® and CartControl®. Whether you're building strategy or collaborating across teams, this guide helps you communicate clearly and act with purpose.
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis shutters North Carolina store amid giant flag dispute
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has said he’s been forced to shutter one of his stores in North Carolina amid a heated legal battle about his massive American flags flying at his stores.
Lemonis told WITN this week that he closed the smaller of his two RV dealerships in Greenville on April 18 accusing council members of actively trying to disparage his business for refusing to take down the giant flags.
Trump Store sparks buzz and debate with new Trump 2028 merchandise
The Trump Organization is back in the spotlight — this time with a bold new piece of headwear.
The official Trump Store, an online retailer, launched a red "Trump 2028" hat, priced at $50 and proudly made in America. The high-crown cap features full embroidery, a snap closure, and, as the product page puts it, invites fans to "make a statement" — and judging by the chatter online, it’s doing just that.
Man pulls gun when caught shoplifting pliers at Manhattan Home Depot: NYPD
This guy really needs to get a grip.
Police say they are looking for a man who tried to steal a pair of pliers from a Home Depot in Manhattan, but when caught, threatened to blast a security guard with a gun.
The unidentified man — sporting a camouflage pullover with a yellow “X” design on the front and a blue cap — entered the Home Depot store on W. 23rd St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves.
As the Manager, Logistics Asset Protection, you will be responsible for implementing all Asset Protection programs within the Distribution Center environment in partnership with the DC management team. Asset Protection programs include employee awareness, investigations, physical security, compliance checks and management of any Sephora AP personnel and 3rd party guard services.
Target shoplifting suspect found hiding in drainage pipe in Flowery Branch after foot chase, police say
A shoplifting at a Spout Springs Road store Saturday afternoon ended in a foot pursuit between the suspect and authorities, ending with the arrest of the suspect who was hiding in a drainage pipe, according to Flowery Branch Police.
FLOWERY BRANCH POLICE NEWS RELEASE:
“As officers arrived at the (store), the suspect fled on foot. Officers observed the individual running behind the Stonebridge Village Shopping Center and initiated a foot pursuit. Th esuspect crossed Spout Springs Road and continued fleeing into a wooded area where pursuing officers lost sight of him.
A thorough search was conducted, and officers successfully located the suspect hiding inside a drainage pipe located within a wooded area near Hog Mountain Road.
3 arrested in alleged identity theft ring tied to retail crime scheme, state attorney general says
Felony charges have been lodged against three people allegedly involved in a suspected identity theft mill, where stolen identities were utilized in an organized retail crime scheme, officials announced Friday in Los Angeles.
Anthony Limas, Johnny Nicklas and Steve Randy Nicklas -- ages and hometowns unavailable -- face 34 counts, including organized retail theft, grand theft and identity theft of 13 victims, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The suspects allegedly applied for store credit cards using stolen identities, then used those credit lines to purchase merchandise with no intention to pay the credit back, Bonta said at a news conference in downtown Los Angeles.
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