California’s Workplace Violence Law, Part II: Top FAQs One Year Into SB 553

In this podcast, Karen Tynan and Robert Rodriguez—who are the co-chairs of Ogletree Deakins’ Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group—answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) on California’s workplace violence law. Robert and Karen, both of whom are shareholders in the firm’s Sacramento office, review essential training requirements, the importance of maintaining accurate violent incident logs, and best practices for involving employees in developing effective prevention plans to ensure the workplace remains safe and compliant with Senate Bill (SB) No. 553, which went into effect on July 1, 2024.

Ogletree Deakins

Walmart forced to add layer of packaging to items to combat store problem – but shoppers ‘treated like criminals’

Shoppers at Walmart and other retailers have shared frustration and ridicule over new security measures, such as meat products wrapped in alarm-wired packaging and everyday items like underwear locked behind cabinets. Critics argue these tactics treat customers like thieves, though some see them as alternatives to locking items entirely out of reach. Retailers, including Walmart and CVS, are testing technologies to improve the experience—like allowing certain shoppers to unlock cases with phones—but many consumers remain dissatisfied with the inconvenience.

NEWSBREAK

Adapt, refine and transform: the trends shaping what's next for supply chain

Retail Week's "Supply Chain 2026" report identifies three key trends shaping the future of retail supply chains. First, investment in automation is increasing, Second, retailers are focusing on refining their supply chain strategies to adapt to ongoing disruptions and shifting consumer behaviors. Lastly, the report emphasizes the importance of transformation, urging businesses to reset their supply chains to sustain growth in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.​

Retail Week

Walmart Forced to Explain Urgent Change to Its U.S. Members

In a visible crackdown on self-checkout fraud, Walmart has introduced a small but powerful weapon: a red seal. Now appearing on payment terminals across U.S. stores, the seal serves as a tamper-evident safeguard, alerting shoppers if a machine may have been compromised by card skimming or other tampering tactics.

This simple sticker carries weight—both as a fraud deterrent and as a confidence booster for customers navigating the store’s increasingly autonomous checkout experience. As Walmart doubles down on automation, the red seal underscores its broader strategy: stay efficient, stay secure, and stay ahead.

EDA TV

Walmart, Home Depot, Target Push Chinese Suppliers To Resume Shipments, Agree To Absorb Tariffs: Report

Major American retailers including Walmart, Target, and Home Depot have reportedly resumed product shipments from China, choosing to absorb the cost of steep tariffs rather than pass them onto consumers. The move comes after a high-level meeting with President Trump, as companies scramble to stabilize supply chains amid ongoing trade tensions. While some orders have resumed, others remain canceled—underscoring the retail sector’s delicate balancing act between cost, politics, and product availability.

Yahoo! Finance

TalkLPnews Attends RILA:

Wrapping Up in Washington

Collaboration was a popular theme of the day whether it was the first session featuring insights from lululemon about how organized retail crime (ORC) isn’t just an LP problems, but success comes when you educate and collaborate with all the key stakeholders within your organization – it’s a WE problem.

Did someone say, “Let AI help?”  Just when you thought there wasn’t another place AI can jump in to help > there it is!  AXON moderated a session with key executives from REI, IKEA, and the Dallas Police Department discussing how tech and AI can help retailers team up easier with law enforcement – and in real time!

Breakout sessions were bustling with attendees eager to absorb knowledge on various topics including license plate recognition (LPR), the impact of inventory on the total retail loss model, and the successful dismantling of a major ORC and fencing operation. Participants also delved into how AI is revolutionizing safety programs within distribution centers, illustrating the transformative potential of technology in asset protection.

Capping off the day was a general session dedicated to the Vibrant Communities initiative, followed by an enlightening presentation on reality-based leadership from Cy Wakeman, President and Founder of Reality-Based Leadership. Cy shared valuable insights on team management, emphasizing the importance of communication that reduces workplace drama and fosters positivity. With studies showing that the average worker experiences 2.5 hours of drama each day—equating to 816 hours a year—she stressed that it is the responsibility of leaders to cultivate an environment that empowers employees to excel in challenging situations.

Our time in Washington was not only eventful but also rich in value, from engaging with industry experts on stage to strengthening professional relationships and exploring the latest innovations on the exhibit floor.

The RILA AP conference isn’t just an event. It’s a vital forum for dialogue and innovation for the asset protection industry. We hope you’ve enjoyed these small glimpses into what took place in Washington this year if you couldn’t make it. RILA AP will be changing it up next year by hosting the conference in Phoenix, April 19 – 22, 2026!

Looking great LiveView Technologies (LVT)!

General Session: Vibrant Communities Initiative 2.0: Key Learnings Applied

Marissa Bell, Assistant District Attorney, Johnson County, Kansas, Ben Cox, Assistant District Attorney, Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Office, Eric Zahnd, Prosecuting Attorney, Platte County, Missouri, moderated by Lisa LaBruno

Closing Keynote:

Cy Wakeman, President and Founder

How the weather is shaping retail trends in early 2025

Spring is a season of change, and for retailers, that means opportunity.

Understanding how the weather impacts demand isn’t just useful — it’s essential to stay competitive in a fast-moving market.

NRF collaborated with Planalytics, the leading provider of weather-driven demand analytics, to create the Retail WeatherIQ, a weekly outlook on weather impacts.

 NRF

Minnesota grocery workers protest at Lunds & Byerlys

Minnesota grocery workers rallied on Sunday as union talks dragged on with several local grocery banners.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663, which is conducting negotiations with Lunds & Byerlys, Kowalski’s, Cub Foods, and others, said it is fighting against retailers’ efforts to transition to a “tiered” model for health care at some chains, as well as other changes to wage and benefit structures.

Supermarket News

Boone County deputies shoot, kill man at Florence Amazon facility

 WLWT5

Free Your Merchandise without your merchandise being free

Locked-up items may stop thieves—but they stop sales too. Gatekeeper Systems’Purchek Technology changes the game by locking carts, not merchandise. It deters theft in real time, without disrupting shoppers. Protect profits, not just products.

Accused leader of Albuquerque shoplifting ring rejects plea deal

The accused leader of a shoplifting ring in Albuquerque denied a plea deal from the state Tuesday.

Investigators believe Raul Garcia organized the theft of thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise from multiple stores across Albuquerque.

According to court documents, the members of the ring targeted Sephora, Target, Lululemon, and Ulta. 

 KRQE News

Mills man accused of shoplifting felony one day after release from jail on shoplifting felony

A Mills resident is accused of stealing from a liquor store about two days after pleading guilty to another felony shoplifting. 

Francisco Michael Sosa, 29, told Judge Cynthia Sweet last Wednesday he’d just spent three months in jail. Court records show he pleaded guilty to felony theft on April 16.

Oil City News

Amazon Won’t Display Tariff Costs Next to Product Prices

Amazon said Tuesday it would not be displaying the cost of tariffs right next to products’ total prices on any of the company’s websites, contrary to a news report that said the company was planning to do so.

During a press briefing Tuesday, White House spokeswoman Karoline Levitt pushed back hard against the news article, telling reporters that such a move by Amazon would have been “a hostile and political act.”

The Daily Signal

Over 20 people charged for shoplifting as part of NRPS CORE iniative

NOTL Local

New Ohio law aims to crack down on organized retail theft

Individuals who are caught stealing from Ohio stores as part of an organized crime ring will now face increased penalties, thanks to a new law that went into effect this month. 

House Bill 336, named the Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement (FORCE) Act, created a felony offense of organized retail theft in Ohio.

NBC4