Get Ready for NRF PROTECT 2024! Join your peers at NRF PROTECT 2024, June 4-6 in Long Beach, Calif., for the latest insights, strategies and technology to help you battle and deter future retail loss. NRF PROTECT gathers retail industry experts in loss prevention, asset protection, cybersecurity, digital fraud and enterprise risk. Learn more here

The Global Push to Use AI to Fight Theft
UK: Supermarket cracks down on middle-class shoplifting after taking £70m hit
Co-op is to launch a crackdown on a surge in middle-class shoplifting after it suffered a £70m hit from store thefts last year.

Matt Hood, the Co-op Food managing director, said it was installing more artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its convenience stores to help monitor what customers were putting in their shopping bags at its self-service checkouts.

He said: "We are looking at what we can do around AI and what we can do with that linkage to our CCTV cameras."

This would help them to "reduce the potential increase in middle-class crime", Mr Hood said, adding there was "some evidence" that self-service machines led to more theft.

It follows moves by US rivals to start pulling the technology from stores in a bid to reduce shoplifting rates. Marks & Spencer chairman Archie Norman recently claimed that shoplifting was "creeping in" among the middle classes when people were using self-service machines.

It comes as retailers battle to keep a lid on rising theft and attacks in stores. Mr Hood said the company had spent £200m over the past few years to try to protect its staff and its stores, including putting dummy packets on shelves, securing kiosks and putting locking doors on high-value products.

However, he said last year the company had still lost around £70m through "shrinkage", which is the term used to refer to stock that is stolen, damaged or lost.

Co-op said its stores were hit by more than 336,000 incidents of shoplifting, abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour last year. This is equal to almost 1,000 incidents every day, marking a 44pc rise year-on-year. finance.yahoo.com


Shoplifting the 'Driving Force' Behind Family Dollar Closures?
Family Dollar employees speak out as 1,000 stores around US close due to theft
After the company announced hundreds of store closures, Family Dollar employees have spoken out blaming theft for their locations shutting down. Dollar Tree, Family Dollar's parent company announced the plan to close nearly 1,000 different store locations in an attempt to restructure.

A press release by the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Dreiling detailed the closures to come, with 600 happening by the end of 2023. In Memphis, Tennessee, an employee of Family Dollar has pointed to shoplifting being the driving force behind two local closures at the 3400 block of Summer Avenue and Coleman Road in Raleigh.

According to the employee, their location could not keep up with the volume of shoplifting occurring. "We were always finding empty boxes in the store. Shoplifters would go out the back doors," explained one employee, as reported by Yahoo.

Memphis Police Department's data shows that officers responded to more than a dozen shoplifting incidents at one of the locations closing. "The stealing up here is rampant. They break out the windows. The cashiers are working in fear. I've been here before and seen people walk out with pockets full of stuff."

Store representatives from the Coleman Road location have pointed to shoplifting as a reason for closing, noting the inventory shrinkage was unmanageable. Workers at both stores say that they are being transferred to other locations for employment. the-sun.com


Is Theft Partly Fueling 99 Cents Only Closures?
99 Cents Only Stores closing down, citing COVID, inflation and product theft

California-based 99 Cents Only Stores says it will close all 371 of its outlets

California-based 99 Cents Only Stores said Friday it will close all 371 of its outlets, ending the chain's 42-year run of selling an assortment of bargain-basement merchandise. The company has stores across California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas that will begin will selling off their merchandise, as well as fixtures, furnishings and equipment.

Interim CEO Mike Simoncic said in a statement that the retailer has struggled for years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in consumer demand, inflation and rising levels of product "shrink" - a measure that encompasses losses from employee theft, shoplifting, damage, administrative errors and more.

"This was an extremely difficult decision and is not the outcome we expected or hoped to achieve," said Simoncic, who will be stepping down. "Unfortunately, the last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment."

The shuttering of 99 Cents Only Stores comes after fellow discount retailer Dollar Tree last month said it was closing 1,000 stores. seattletimes.com


DAs Continue to Get Tough on Retail Theft
San Joaquin County DA launches program to combat retail theft

"Theft is unlike anything I've ever seen in my 40-year career."

San Joaquín County is taking steps to curb retail theft. On Friday, the District Attorney's Office and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of their Stockton Takes Action Against Retail Theft Program.

STAART is the latest attempt to end retail theft and it includes stronger actions like prosecution against those found committing the crimes. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce CEO Timm Quin told KCRA they've seen enough business closures.

Chris Podesto, who supervises 24 grocery stores, including Food 4 Less and Rancho San Miguel, said they've lost about $8 million in the last year. "Theft is unlike anything I've ever seen in my 40-year career," Podesto said.

District Attorney Ron Freitas spoke before loss prevention officers from major retailers and informed them that through STAART, they'd also be unveiling new technology to identify 'serial shoplifters' in the community. kcra.com


NYC Sees More Progress in Fight Against Crime - But Robberies Up 4.3%
New York City Major Crime Decreases 2.4% in Q1 2024, UWS Major Crime Decreases 6.2%
The NYPD released the citywide crime statistics for the three months ending March 31, 2024. As usual, we have broken them down to include the Upper West Side statistics.

Starting with the city, the report shows a decrease in 5 of the 7 major crime categories compared to the same period in 2023. Murder incidents declined by 17.2%, with rape, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto also showing declines. According to the data released, rape and robbery incidents in the city increased by 4.8% and 4.3%, respectively.

The chart below shows the first quarter citywide results for petit larceny, misdemeanor assaults, hate crimes, and transit crimes in addition to the seven major crimes. There was a spike in transit incidents in January, prompting a deployment of additional police officers and National Guard troops. Overall, the first quarter showed a slight decline in transit incidents. westsiderag.com

Burglaries Down 45% in Oakland, But Robberies Up 35%
Fashion designer, store owner vows to stay in Oakland despite crime
An Oakland business burglarized on Easter morning held a community event this weekend to thank customers and double down on its commitment to stay in the city. Owner Taylor Jay said that, despite the public safety challenges, Oakland is worth fighting for.

Instead of running away from the problem, Jay said she will stay and be part of the solution. Many businesses have already closed down citing crime. "We're not going to allow a few bad apples to ruin this amazing bowl of fruit that Oakland has," said Jay.

Oakland police reported in the first three months this year, burglaries went down 45% compared to the same period last year. But robberies went up 35%.

"It's challenging right now but I don't think it's over for Oakland. I think that we have to stand strong. It's going to take everyone's effort," said Jay. Jay said while businesses and customers are doing their part, elected leaders have to step up and do more to improve public safety. cbsnews.com


Activists Across California Try to Get Prop 47 Back on the Ballot
Drive-thru Proposition 47 petition comes to Butte County
Those in Butte County had the opportunity to sign a petition regarding Proposition 47 on Saturday. The petition hopes to address organized crime and retail theft, help address and control the local fentanyl crisis, prioritize mental health and support drug treatment programs in the hopes of reducing criminal activity.

The petition is supported by multiple representatives including Butte County Sheriff Corey Honea, Assemblyman James Gallagher and U.S. representative Doug LaMalfa.

Around 600-700 signatures were collected in Chico, Peter Durfee, Butte County District 2 supervisor, Peter Durfee, told Action News Now.

Around 600,000 signatures must be collected throughout the state within the next couple of weeks to get the prop on the November ballot. actionnewsnow.com


In Case You Missed It: New York Lawmakers Take Aim at Retail Crime

Seattle: Despite break-ins and crime, Central District businesses vow to stay put
 

NRF's Annual Global Retailer Rankings
Walmart leads annual ranking of top 50 global retailers
Walmart maintained its top ranking in the National Retail Federation's "2024 Top 50 Global Retailers" report, with Amazon taking the No. 2 spot. There was no movement among the Top 10 retailers from 2023 to 2024 in the ranking, which was conducted by Kantar.

The NRF noted that Walmart maintained its top spot with a robust online presence and a variety of new financial resources for shoppers. It also noted that Walmart+ advertising platform continues to expand outside the U.S.

"For most companies in this ranking, retail sales and profits grew even as shoppers changed their work and personal routines and the channels they shopped," David Marcotte, senior VP of global insights and technology. "Shoppers in 2023 repeatedly said they needed more convenience from retailers, and the brands that focused on convenience were successful."

For more information and to see the complete list, click here. chainstoreage.com  nrf.com

Top 10 Global Retailers



See the full list

Impact of Macy's 150 Closures
How Will Closing 150 Macy's Locations Affect Retail?
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the recent announcement of Macy's plan to shutter approximately 150 stores has sent ripples of anticipation among its competitors. While the closures are yet to materialize, this move is expected to not only redefine the competitive dynamics within the retail sector but also reshape shopping patterns for consumers across the nation.

The decision to downsize stems from Macy's struggle with lackluster sales and the need to revamp its business model. With approximately 500 stores in its portfolio, closing over a quarter of them could free up as much as $2 billion in market share. While Macy's plans to focus on strengthening its remaining stores, competitors are gearing up to seize the opportunity.

However, the implications of Macy's closures extend beyond just a redistribution of market share. The move reflects broader trends in the retail landscape, where traditional department stores are facing stiff competition from online retailers and evolving consumer preferences. Retailers must adapt to these changing dynamics by embracing innovation and reimagining their business models to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world.

With Macy's stepping back, Target's CEO Brian Cornell and Kohl's CEO Tom Kingsbury have both expressed optimism about leveraging Macy's downsizing to boost their own sales. Cornell told CNBC in March that Target has "gotten a leg up from other closures before.

T.J.Maxx is also poised to benefit from the closures due to its similar merchandise offerings and store locations. This ripple effect extends to other retailers like Ross and Nordstrom, which are likely to gain from Macy's shoppers transitioning to their stores. According to credit card data analysis by Earnest Analytics, "Those companies already count many of Macy's shoppers as their customers."  retailwire.com


'Just Walk Out': Was It Always Too Good to be True?
Amazon's AI Stores Seemed Too Magical. And They Were.

The 1,000 contractors in India working on the company's Just Walk Out technology offer a stark reminder that AI isn't always what it seems.

There's a grey area in artificial intelligence filled with millions of humans who work in secret - they're often hired to train algorithms but end up operating much of their work instead. These crucial workers took the spotlight this week when The Information reported that Amazon's Just Walk Out technology, which allowed customers to grab grocery items from a shelf and walk out of the store, was being phased out of its grocery stores. It partially relied on more than 1,000 people in India who were watching and labeling videos to make sure the checkouts were accurate.

Even so, the Amazon story is a stark reminder that "artificial intelligence" still often requires armies of human babysitters to work properly. Amazon even has an entire business unit known as Amazon Turk devoted to helping other companies do just that - train and operate AI systems.

There's a fine line between faking it till you make it - justifying the use of humans behind the scenes on the premise they will eventually be replaced by algorithms - and exploiting the hype and fuzzy definitions around AI to exaggerate the capabilities of your technology. This pseudo AI or "AI washing" was widespread even before the recent generative AI boom. bloomberg.com


While Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' Winds Down, Palm Payment Accelerates
Amazon speeds up palm recognition payment

At a time when Amazon is quietly winding down its checkout-free supermarket experiment, last week the American group made official the acceleration of its offer enabling retailers to charge customers by palm recognition.

US consumers (the device is not yet available in Europe) can now download the Amazon One application, on which the palm of their hand can be linked to their Amazon account. Previously, this fingerprint creation could only be done at an equipped point of sale. This step was a prerequisite for extending the system to a larger number of shops, to which palm recognition devices are offered.

Launched in 2021, the Amazon One payment method is said to have been used more than 8 million times in the more than 500 Whole Foods shops owned by Amazon in the United States. But the identification and payment device has also reportedly found its way to 150 third-party shops, stadiums, airports and gyms.

"More and more businesses are adopting Amazon One because their customers appreciate the speed, convenience and contactless nature of palm recognition," says Amazon. Amazon assures that palm data will never be passed on to third parties, while transactions will not be used for marketing purposes. us.fashionnetwork.com


Uniqlo to open 20-plus stores in 2024, enter new state - here are the locations
The Japanese apparel giant will open 11 new stores across Texas and California in 2024 as part of the 20-plus new store openings planned for North America this year.

From 'Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut' to 'Blackout Slush Float,' more companies roll out promotions as hype builds over celestial event

Damage minimal after magnitude-4.8 earthquake as dozens of NYC buildings inspected; 30 aftershocks detected

Last week's #1 article --

Hundreds of New Crime-Fighting Cameras Coming to Oakland
Is 'the most dangerous square mile in America' located in Oakland?

Governor Newsom Announces Contract to Install 480 New High-Tech Cameras in East Bay to Improve Public Safety

California is installing a network of 480 high-tech cameras in Oakland and the East Bay to aid law enforcement in identifying vehicles linked to crimes using real-time information and alerts.

OAKLAND - Building on public safety investments in Oakland and the East Bay, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has entered into a contract with Flock Safety to install a network of approximately 480 high-tech cameras in the City of Oakland and on state freeways in the East Bay to combat criminal activity and freeway violence. The camera network will use a patented technology that allows law enforcement agencies to identify vehicle attributes beyond license plate numbers, enabling the CHP, the Oakland Police Department, and allied agencies to search for vehicles suspected to be linked to crimes and receive real-time alerts about their movement.

WHAT GOVERNOR NEWSOM SAID: "This investment marks another step forward in our commitment to bolstering public safety and tackling organized crime and roadway violence in Oakland and across California. With the installation of this 480 high-tech camera network, we're equipping law enforcement with the tools they need to effectively combat criminal activity and hold perpetrators accountable - building safer, stronger communities for all Californians."  gov.ca.gov

Using AI for Cybersecurity Purposes
Security pros are cautiously optimistic about AI
55% of organizations plan to adopt GenAI solutions within this year, signaling a substantial surge in GenAI integration, according to a Cloud Security Alliance and Google Cloud survey.

The survey received 2,486 responses from IT and security professionals. The report indicates that the push behind AI's adoption can be attributed in large part to C-level executives (82% of respondents indicated executive leadership as being behind the push), who recognize the competitive advantage it offers in the modern business environment.

AI integration in cybersecurity

The study also found that AI integration into cybersecurity is not just a concept but also a practical reality for many, with 67% of respondents stating that they have tested AI specifically for security purposes. As for the ability to leverage AI, 48% of professionals expressed confidence in their organization's ability to execute a strategy for leveraging AI in security, with 28% feeling reasonably confident and 20% very confident.

Given the nascent stage of GenAI in this field, this level of assurance suggests that many professionals might be optimistic about their preparedness or overlook the intricacies of AI integration.

"AI is transforming cybersecurity, offering both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. However, the disconnect between the C-suite and staff in understanding and implementing AI highlights the need for a strategic, unified approach to successfully integrate this technology," said Caleb Sima, chair of CSA's AI Safety Initiative.

C-suite executives surpass staff in AI technology knowledge

63% of respondents believe in AI's potential to enhance security measures, especially in improving threat detection and response capabilities. However, 34% see AI as more beneficial for security teams, while 31% view it as equally advantageous for both protectors and attackers, and a notable 25% of respondents expressed concerns that AI could be more advantageous to malicious parties. helpnetsecurity.com


AI in the Workplace is a Growing Challenge
22% of employees admit to breaching company rules with GenAI
Disruptive technologies like AI are heightening the longstanding tension between organizational security and employee productivity, according to 1Password.

Employees are under increasing pressure to perform; to boost efficiency they're embracing generative AI, hybrid and remote work, and unapproved applications and devices. IT and security teams are having difficulty keeping up, even as their organizations face new urgency in a landscape constantly remade by mounting cyberthreats and disruptive technologies.

"Since the pandemic, employees have gained unprecedented flexibility in where and how they work, and that flexibility often extends to the apps and devices they use. Productivity has become paramount, leaving significant security challenges for IT and security leaders-who often feel like they don't have bandwidth or budget to keep employees secure," said Jeff Shiner, CEO of 1Password.

"When it comes to security and productivity, it shouldn't be either-or. Businesses and security providers alike need to deliver solutions that keep employees protected and productive-no matter how they prefer to work. When you secure your people, you secure your business," added Shiner.

While IT and security teams work to expand employee access to new tools and technologies like generative AI, the challenge of keeping up with the speed of technology and safeguarding their organizations has dramatically increased.

50% of security pros say it's almost impossible to find the right balance between security and employee productivity. 69% admit they're at least partly reactive when it comes to security. The main reason? They're being pulled in too many conflicting directions (61%).  helpnetsecurity.com


Was Panera Hit with a Data Leak?
Panera Bread Fuels Ransomware Suspicions With Silence

The restaurant chain hasn't provided any information regarding what led to a widespread IT outage, and customers and employees are asking for answers.

Panera Bread customers and employees reported experiencing outages with the restaurant chain's ordering system, mobile apps, loyalty programs, and more on March 22.

Although the IT disruption slowed operations for a time, Panera Bread stores were able to remain open. Two weeks later, systems, websites, and customer service lines are back online.

Though some employees reportedly complained about the lack of transparency regarding the situation, Panera has not released any further information regarding the outage on its website. The company also did not respond to Dark Reading's request for comment.

Some customers, those with personal information linked to Panera loyalty accounts, are concerned about a data leak.  darkreading.com


Cybersecurity venture funding remains weak, near three-year low

CISA assessing threat to U.S. agencies from Microsoft adversary Midnight Blizzard