March Networks Mobile Order Pickup Solution

Using artificial intelligence and cloud technology, the solution alerts operators in real-time to customers arriving for curbside pickup.

March Networks introduces a mobile order pickup solution for retailers and quick-service restaurants that alerts operators in real-time to customers arriving for curbside pickup. The solution uses a highly accurate, artificial intelligence-powered analytic available in March Networks' ME6 Series IP Cameras to detect vehicles arriving for pickup.

When paired with March Networks' Searchlight for Retail software, the solution also allows businesses to capture data analytics on curbside deliveries. Retailers can now easily access Searchlight data on their smartphone or tablet with the company's Command Mobile Plus app. Using the app, retailers can see point-of-sale transaction data paired with surveillance video, investigate security alerts, and review thumbnail images from each of their cameras. csnews.com
 

US: 58M Cases - 851.4K Dead - 41.9M Recovered
Worldwide: 295.7M Cases - 5.4M Dead - 256.2M Recovered

Former Senior Loss Prevention Executive
Know of any fallen LP exec? Let's remember & recognize.

Private Industry Security Guard Deaths: 336   Law Enforcement Officer Deaths: 581
*Red indicates change in total deaths

NRF Chief Economist Says Omicron Could Contribute to Uncertainty and Inflation But is Unlikely to Bring Shutdowns
WASHINGTON - The COVID-19 omicron variant will bring uncertainty to the economy in 2022 and could contribute to inflation, but is unlikely to cause widespread shutdowns or slowdowns, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

"Even with the experience of the past two years, there is no model that can predict how the economy responds to a pandemic," Kleinhenz said. "What we have learned is that each successive variant has slowed down the economy but that the degree of slowdown has been less."

"While omicron is highly transmissible, its effects can be relatively mild for those who are fully vaccinated and broad-based lockdowns are not expected," Kleinhenz said. "Little is certain about omicron's impact on consumer demand, but people who stay at home because of the variant are more likely to spend their money on retail goods rather than services like dining out or in-person entertainment. That would put further pressure on inflation since supply chains are already overloaded across the globe." nrf.com

Omicron's Silver Lining - Less Severe?
In Omicron Hot Spots, Hospitals Fill Up, but I.C.U.s May Not
Covid hospitalizations are surging, but a smaller proportion of cases is severe compared with previous waves. With staff shortages, some hospitals are still in crisis.

In Omicron hot spots from New York to Florida to Texas, a smaller proportion of those patients are landing in intensive care units or requiring mechanical ventilation, doctors said. And many - roughly 50 to 65 percent of admissions in some New York hospitals - show up at the hospital for other ailments and then test positive for the virus.

"We are seeing an increase in the number of hospitalizations," said Dr. Rahul Sharma, emergency physician in chief for NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell hospital. But the severity of the disease looks different from previous waves, he said. "We're not sending as many patients to the I.C.U., we're not intubating as many patients, and actually, most of our patients that are coming to the emergency department that do test positive are actually being discharged."

Hospitals, facing staff shortages, are under enormous strain. In New York City, hospitalizations have exceeded the peak of last winter's surge.

The number of I.C.U. patients is a lagging indicator, likely to rise in the coming weeks, experts said. What's more, some states are still struggling under the crush of hospitalizations from Delta. nytimes.com

Back with a Vengeance
As coronavirus cases explode in California, next few weeks are 'absolutely critical'
The state reported a massive backlog of 237,084 new cases Tuesday, a total that includes four days' worth of data. This pushed the statewide seven-day average of newly announced infections to 50,267, easily eclipsing the sky-high case counts seen during last winter's deadly COVID-19 wave, according to data compiled by The Times.

However, it's already apparent that California is experiencing a record-smashing surge.

Already, a deluge of new coronavirus-positive people has hit California's hospitals. The number of patients has more than doubled over the past two weeks, reaching 7,405 Monday. latimes.com

COVID Surge + Staffing Shortage
Macy's reportedly cuts store hours amid COVID surge, staffing problems
Macy's has temporarily shortened the hours its stores are open for business in January - but not by that much.

The country's largest department store has adjusted the operating hours of its stores from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the remainder of January, with the store hours remaining unchanged Friday through Sunday, reported CNBC. Depending on the location, some Macy's stores would open at 10 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Macy's did not comment on whether it was seeing an increase in employees testing positive for COVID-19.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the CDC and jurisdictional guidelines as well as keep enhanced safety and wellness procedures in place," a Macy's spokeswoman said in an emailed statement to CNBC.

The company operates 516 Macy's locations and 33 Bloomingdale's stores. chainstoreage.com

The U.S. 1st Biggest Show Impacted By COVID Big Time
How does it impact NRF Big Show?

CES Closing 1 Day Early
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® today announced that CES® 2022 will be closing one day early, and the in-person event will take place in Las Vegas on Jan. 5-7, 2022. The step was taken as an additional safety measure to the current health protocols that have been put in place for CES. cta.tech

CES panels removed from schedule after wave of cancellations
Electronics show streams some of the action online, but not all of it, as brands adjust to a virtual conference

The CES schedule is a bit lighter, with much of the action being moved to online video streams and brands' websites rather than in-person in Las Vegas, and some of the discussions have been removed entirely after many prominent attendees pulled out of the show at the last minute.

On Tuesday, a slate of programs at CES were absent from the schedule. A number of media outlets also canceled plans to attend the event in Las Vegas.

Officials from CTA, the Consumer Technology Association, which runs CES, declined to comment on how the schedule has changed in recent weeks. The electronics show has been affected by the recent resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted companies to cancel attendance at the last minute. Last month, Meta, Google, Twitter, Amazon, IBM, Procter & Gamble, Lenovo, Microsoft and others pulled out of attending in person. CES is still happening just with a reduced crowd in Las Vegas and with some alterations to the schedule. Companies that had planned activities around CES moved programs online, creating a slew of alternative tracks to catch up with content around the event. adage.com

'No Vax, No Service' Rules & Enforcement
Cook County health officials amend new COVID vaccine mandate, allowing some exemptions
Cook County amended its vaccination mitigation order Tuesday, allowing some to be exempt from the new rule that took effect Monday. The amendment allows those 18 and younger to be exempt from vaccination for most athletic, recreation and fitness activities, according to tweet from the health department.

The vaccination rule originally followed a similar order implemented in Chicago, which mandates proof of vaccination for most indoor establishments, including restaurants, bars, gyms, as well as sports and entertainment venues.

You can show proof of vaccination with a physical card, a picture of your card, or through the state's new Smart Health Card pass on your phone. The rules also don't apply to those inside venues for less than 10 minutes, like those picking up takeout. They also do not apply for houses of worship.

However, the mandate still applies to anyone five and older in Chicago. City officials say Chicago restaurants and businesses could face a costly fine for not properly posting or enforcing the new vaccine-only policy, or keeping a log of vaccinated employees.

The new proof of vaccination rule has raised some concerns for local businesses who are working out how to enforce it and avoid friction with customers. abc7chicago.com

Another CDC Update
CDC updates Covid isolation recommendations with guidance on testing
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on the recommended Covid-19 isolation period Tuesday, telling people that if they have access to a Covid-19 test and want to take it, the best approach is to use a rapid test toward the end of their five-day isolation period.

The agency has faced pressure over the past week from outside medical experts to include a testing component in its new shortened isolation period.

The updated recommendations do not advise a test for isolated people, but they offer guidance on how those people should respond to a test result if they choose to take one. If the test is positive, isolated people are advised to continue their isolation until 10 days after their symptoms started. If the test is negative, isolated people can end their isolation but are advised to wear a mask around other people until day 10.

The recommendations advise people who are isolating to avoid places where they can't wear a mask, such as restaurants and gyms, and to avoid eating around others until day 10. cnn.com

No Omicron Lockdown in Britain
Britain can 'ride out' the Omicron wave without a strict lockdown, PM says
Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain on Tuesday said that despite the record surge in coronavirus cases, the limited restrictions currently in place in England were the right approach and would be maintained.

"We have a chance to ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again," Mr. Johnson said at an evening news conference, adding, "We can keep our schools and businesses open, and we can find a way to live with this virus."

The prime minister said he would urge the cabinet to carry on with the current coronavirus contingency measures, called "Plan B," which were introduced in early December as the Omicron wave took hold. They include masking mandates, guidance to work from home and the use of vaccine passports, but they fall short of the stricter lockdown measures some opposition lawmakers and scientists had called for. nytimes.com

COVID & Flu 'Twindemic'
The world has avoided a 'twindemic,' but as flu cases rise alongside covid, experts fear that could change
Efforts to track flu cases face obstacles, as flu tests are not ubiquitous and the illness can be confused with others, including covid-19. But many health-care systems track hospitalizations for flu-like symptoms.

The United States, experts warn, could soon be facing its first "twindemic" season. Last winter, flu cases in the United States hit record lows as the coronavirus surged. This year, flu cases are rising alongside the highly contagious omicron variant that's already overwhelmed hospitals. Europe's flu season is also just starting - and likewise expected to be worse this year. washingtonpost.com

Pandemic-related absences cost employers nearly $1B per week
In the last 22 months, workers' pandemic-related absences have cost employers more than $78.4 billion - nearly $1 billion each week.

California, Texas and New York exhibited the highest lost work time. Among metropolitan areas, New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago incurred the largest lost-work-time-cost burden. hrdive.com

National Grocers Association Sends Biden Letter Urging Grocery Exemption Under OSHA Vaccine Mandate

Over 300 Baltimore PD & 200 Dallas PD Quarantined & 1,000 LA PD & First Responders Test Positive

NY COVID hospitalizations top 10K for first time since early days of pandemic

UK: 100,000 key workers to take daily Covid test in bid to curb virus spread

UK: Grocers explore options as Omicron surge sees staff absences double

"Absolutely Terrible News"
Ontario Lockdown to Push More Businesses Into Bankruptcy
The announcement Monday of the return to various lockdown measures in Ontario in response to the growing spread of the Omicron variant will push many small businesses to close their doors in the province as they won't be able to endure another loss of revenue during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said this is "absolutely terrible news for so many Ontario small business owners."

"We can't keep doing this. Two weeks to flatten the curve for the health care system is quickly turning into two years for small businesses affected by lockdowns and other restrictions," he said.

The newest measures include:

● Retail settings, including shopping malls, permitted at 50 per cent capacity. For shopping malls physical distancing will be required in lineups, loitering will not be permitted and food courts will be required to close;

● Closing indoor dining at restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments. Outdoor dining with restrictions, takeout, drive through and delivery is permitted;

● Personal care services permitted at 50 per cent capacity and other restrictions. Saunas, steam rooms, and oxygen bars closed;

● Closing museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions, amusement parks and waterparks, tour and guide services and fairs, rural exhibitions, and festivals; and

● Closing indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities including gyms, except for athletes training for the Olympics and Paralympics and select professional and elite amateur sport leagues.

"Restrictions of any kind when businesses need to start making up for months and months of lost revenues will be the tipping point for many small firms. It is not lost on business owners that each time the Ontario government has closed businesses, they have gone well beyond the promised lockdown period. CFIB calls on the government to immediately reintroduce provincial grant support for all businesses affected in any way by today's announcement and provide an immediate pathway to reopening." retail-insider.com

Non-Essential Store Shutdown
Quebec begins retail store closures amid new COVID-19 wave
Quebec proceeded with the first of three planned closures of non-essential retail stores Sunday as the provincial government tried to curb a new wave of COVID-19 driven by the highly infectious Omicron variant.

Hospitals and health-care resources in Quebec and Canada's remote northern communities are also being stretched as case numbers explode.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault announced last week that the bulk of the province's stores would be closed for the next three Sundays, with the exception of pharmacies, convenience stores and gas stations.

Charles Milliard, president of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce, urged the government to lift the measures as soon as possible.

"The last thing businesses need during these difficult times is additional restrictions" Milliard said in a statement. "We must leave the choice to businesses to open or close at the time that makes the most sense for them, their employees and their customers."

The closures came as Quebec reported 15,845 new COVID-19 cases, as well as 13 additional deaths linked to the virus. npr.org

Welcome News for Ontario Retailers
Retail group applauds Ontario decision to cut COVID-19 isolation period

Provinces counter rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations with new measures

A list of the new COVID-19 measures that will take effect on Wednesday in Ontario

Canadian army rolls in Quebec to hasten COVID-19 vaccination
 

Amazon & Google Take on Congress
Amazon and Google deploy their armies to thwart antitrust bills
Amazon and Google are mobilizing a powerful force to counter Congress' increasing appetite for corporate trust-busting - the throngs of business owners and ordinary users who have made the tech giants a part of their daily lives.

An Illinois-based luggage vendor and local chambers of commerce in states like Texas are among thousands of tech allies warning lawmakers against passing bipartisan antitrust bills aimed at the online industry's biggest players. Trade groups backed by the giants, meanwhile, are spreading the message that the bills could mean the end of services popular with tens of millions of Americans, such as Amazon Prime and Google Docs.

The campaign, carried out by petitions, email blasts and Zoom calls, seeks to reverse the usual David-vs.-Goliath portrayal of Washington's antitrust debates - pushing the narrative that two of the world's wealthiest corporations are on the sides of the underdogs.

The antitrust bills' supporters accuse the tech giants of spreading baseless fears and stoking small businesses' anxieties to blunt the growing anti-monopoly momentum in Congress. But the effort shows that the companies' networks of data centers, warehouses, business partnerships and legions of users have given Amazon and Google a huge number of potential allies in their showdown with Washington.

Supporters say the bill, S. 2992 (117), is meant to protect small vendors like Rae, pointing to a litany of complaints about dominant platform providers such as Amazon and Apple. But Rae argued that by denting Amazon's business model, the bill would harm her own economic lifeline.

Two members of Congress, who requested anonymity to speak about a divisive topic, said they have been inundated with calls and emails from entrepreneurs who heard Amazon's warnings that the legislation might force it to shut down its platform for sellers. The companies have also told lawmakers whose districts are home to Amazon warehouses and Google data centers that the legislation could lessen their voters' job opportunities, according to two congressional aides, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly. politico.com

Online Shopping in 2022
Shopping will be way less annoying this year. These are the 3 big changes you'll see

Farewell, abandoned online shopping carts.

Technology companies are solving these problems as we speak. And many of these improvements are ready to roll out in 2022. Here are three ways that shopping will be more fun and less time-consuming this year.

YOU'LL TEXT TO SHOP

Imagine ordering a new pair of AirPods by texting Apple, or chatting about new book releases with your local bookstore, then making a purchase via text. In China, Singapore, and other parts of the world, it's increasingly common to shop using messaging apps, but in the U.S., it hasn't taken off yet. That's about to change.

YOU'LL NEVER INPUT YOUR CREDIT CARD AGAIN

One of the most annoying parts about shopping online is that you need to constantly have your credit card handy. Shopify solved this problem by saving your payment information across all brands on its platform, while Amazon is famous for its one-click ordering system. But imagine if you could do that with any e-commerce site.

YOU'LL LOVE YOUR ROBOT CASHIERS

This has spurred many tech companies, including Grabandgo, Caper, and Zippin, to develop cashierless technologies that will allow other retailers to compete by making checkouts faster and easier. fastcompany.com

Future Retail Wants Amazon Arbitration Ruled Illegal

Chicago Retail Theft Group Faces Charges in Multiple States
Indiana State Police received information of a vehicle entering Indiana from Michigan that had been involved in several thefts. Troopers located the suspect vehicle parked in front of Sally Beauty Supply in Michigan City, Indiana. The suspects exited the store with two shopping baskets of unpaid merchandise and quickly fled the parking lot in their vehicle. A brief chase pursued, ending with the subjects crashing their vehicle and being taken into custody. After shoplifting thousands of dollars of merchandise from Sally Beauty, Bed Bath & Beyond, and ULTA Beauty stores, the subjects face multiple charges in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The two subjects are suspects in a multi-state theft ring being investigated by the Downers Grove Police Department.

Thanks to Jerry Biggs, Major Investigations & Asset Recovery at Sally Beauty, for submitting this story.

Phoenix Man Charged with 9 Counts of Organized Retail Theft
A two-month investigation led by Goodyear, AZ police span across multiple cities. Manuel Rocha Estrada - brazenly entered multiple Sally Beauty stores throughout Maricopa County and exited in minutes with a trash bag full of unpaid merchandise. Estrada claimed to be a barber by trade and shoplifted to supplement his income.

Thanks to Jerry Biggs, Major Investigations & Asset Recovery at Sally Beauty, for submitting this story.

Lower Allen Township, PA: Police arrest Florida man on credit card fraud at bike shops; similar scams in Maryland and Portland, OR
Police served an arrest warrant on a 34-year-old Florida man wanted in connection to credit card fraud at several Pennsylvania bike shops last year. The man allegedly used a fake ID with the same name used in similar cases at bike shops Portland, Oregon, last year, and may also be tied to a similar case in Maryland. The owner of the shop told police a white male tried to use a credit card on his phone to purchase items totaling $3,635.95, using a California driver's license with the name "David Ward" on it. After two attempts to use a card on his cell phone, the suspect manually entered a credit card number into the credit card machine and that transaction was completed, the retailer told police. According to police the van also contained "three cell phones, numerous credit cards with multiple names, an HP laptop computer, an MSR X6 credit card skimmer found in backpack in cargo area, a fake ID for David Ward, and other misc items." bicycleretailer.com

Chicago, IL: Police investigating Tuesday morning retail robberies in Gold Coast, on Mag Mile
Police are investigating after two Near North Side retail break-ins and robberies Tuesday morning. At around 5:30 a.m., CPD responded to Moose Knuckle, a store located near Rush and Walton. Police said an unknown number of suspects pried their way through the front door. They grabbed a significant amount of high-end merchandise before police could arrive. wgntv.com