Industry Outrage Amid Crime Closures, Store Looting
Business community speaks out after Target blames crime for store closures

Business leaders are expressing alarm after Target became the latest retailer to blame crime for pulling the plug on stores.

"The US Chamber is deeply concerned with increasing reports of stores closing in communities across the country due to large-scale theft and looting," Tom Wickham, senior vice president of state and local policy at the US Chamber of Commerce, told CNN in a statement on Wednesday. "No store should have to close because of theft."

Target sent shock waves through the industry on Tuesday by saying it will close nine stores across four states due to large-scale theft.

Apple, Lululemon and other stores were looted on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, prompting dozens of arrests.

"We are hearing from members large and small about the problems they continue to face from crime and, in some areas, a lack of prosecution of criminals," Wickham said.

The Chamber of Commerce said it is pushing for new legislation to close loopholes that let people sell stolen products and it is "calling on prosecutors to do their jobs and hold criminals accountable."

The Partnership for New York City, a powerful business alliance that includes major employers, is giving NYC officials some credit for fighting crime.

"New York City has done a better job than most places in curbing retail theft, but it is still rampant," Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, told CNN on Wednesday. cnn.com


Out of the entire media world there's always one
The Washington Post

Retailers Bear Some Blame In Theft Epidemic
Retailers would have you believe that they are powerless to stop the shoplifting epidemic, contributing to $112.1 billion in losses last year alone from what the industry broadly labels "shrink" - a catchall term that also includes returns and damaged goods. The solution, they claim, is harsher penalties for shoplifters. While that may help, retailers can't ignore their own responsibilities.

Although images of mass lootings like that in Philadelphia this week have grabbed the headlines, the reality is that the vast majority of shoplifting is done on a far smaller scale. Retailers have called on states to lower the threshold for what is considered felony retail theft, eliminate cash bail in those instances and create specialized task forces to investigate such crimes. A bill with similar aims was introduced in Congress. washingtonpost.com


'The Internet is the Ultimate Fencing Operation'
Former Target vice-chairman says the internet is 'like a flea market on steroids'
Gerald Storch told Fox Business on Wednesday that the internet had driven retail theft "through the roof."

"First of all, it helps all the gangs organize. So they get together through social media and say, 'show up here now and let's do it together,'" he said.

"Secondly, the marketplace on the internet is the ultimate fencing operation," Storch continued. "It's like a flea market on steroids for getting rid of the product. So anything you steal, you can monetize it really fast on the internet."

"Sometimes it's many, many layers of distribution before it even gets anywhere near a marketplace, and by the last layer could be a legitimate business person who's buying this from some guy with a warehouse," he said.

"It just makes you want to cry because we have worked so hard to get stores into markets like this," Storch told Fox Business about Target's announcement. Storch had worked at the company for more than 12 years, including serving as vice-chairman from 2001 to 2005.

Target said in May that it expected to take a $500 million hit in profits this year due to missing inventory, largely because of theft and organized retail crime. businessinsider.com


New Mexico law enforcement and retailers discuss tackling retail crime
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) - It's a major problem costing businesses millions and inconveniencing shoppers. Lawmen and women, state leaders, and retailers met on Thursday to come up with ways to tackle organized retail crime.

Twenty-three different law enforcement agencies, and 30 different retailers including small businesses and big box stores, came together to learn more on how to hold shoplifters accountable. "We need judges to do their job when you all arrest those people," said Rep. Marian Matthews (D- ABQ).  krqe.com

   RELATED: Police and stores work together to combat organized retail crime


H&M feels the heat of retail theft

The retailer said it's increasing security across its stores as shoplifting rises.

In a recent interview with Reuters, CEO Helena Helmersson said the fast fashion brand is amping up security across its stores as shoplifting becomes an industry-wide problem.

The company is working on new solutions to combat the problem, which was previously noted by H&M CFO Adam Karlsson in a press briefing, Reuters reported. "It is an increasing problem in many markets," Karlsson said.

Across the board: H&M is certainly not alone in grappling with shoplifting. Earlier this month, Zara owner Inditex said it's still working on perfecting a new anti-shoplifting system after staff "raised concerns to management that the technology may actually make theft easier," Bloomberg reported.

The retailer's goal is to discard the hard plastic security tags on garments that employees said were easy to remove, and replace them with tiny RFID chips. retailbrew.com


Shooting Store Robbers?
In Anaheim, Trump advocates shooting people who rob stores
In an occasionally dark and profane speech, Donald Trump on Friday sought to win over Republicans in California by complaining that rich people in Beverly Hills smell bad because they're denied water, reiterating lies about widespread election fraud and calling on police to shoot people robbing stores.

While many of his remarks at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim were familiar retreads of Trump's attacks and grievances, his encouragement of violent retribution against criminals marked an escalation of his longstanding tough-on-crime message.

"We will immediately stop all of the pillaging and theft. Very simply: If you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store," he said, drawing loud applause. "Shot!" he added for emphasis.

In the past, Trump has proposed shooting migrants to prevent them from crossing the border. In his book and in interviews, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper alleged Trump inquired about shooting protesters during the George Floyd demonstrations. He has also proposed the death penalty for drug dealers, human traffickers and anyone convicted of killing a police officer.

Homicides and other violent crimes have risen in California, where residents have also been deluged with headlines from rampant car break-ins and drug use in San Francisco's troubled Tenderloin district to street racing and illegal takeovers across a new $588-million bridge in Los Angeles. cbsnews.com


5,300 Robberies in Philadelphia Over Past Year
Another store announces its closing as a result

Business owner closing stores after Boost Mobile robbed 3 days in a row in Philadelphia

The business owner said he lost more than $25,000 this month alone and about $75,000 over the past six months.

The Boost Mobile on Ogontz Avenue in Philadelphia's West Oak Lane neighborhood is open, but the doors remain locked until customers approach the store. The owner said it's the latest security measure since the location was targeted three days in a row.

Tiwari is not only worried about the slow police response time but also the future of his business and other businesses. He said in September, seven of his stores were robbed with the latest happening this week during the looting.

The 6abc Neighborhood Safety Tracker shows there have been more than 5,300 robberies in the past 12 months, which is up 4% compared to the annual average over the last three years. Tiwari said he had no other choice but to close two of his stores. 6abc.com


PD Commissioner: Coordinated Break-Ins Via Social Media By Youths
Philly PD: 'Criminal Opportunists' Continue String of Break-Ins, Vandalism
PHILADELPHIA - Another round of vandalism hit Philadelphia, as more than half a dozen businesses in the Northeast - including three Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations and a beauty supply store - were broken into early Thursday morning.

Police made 18 more arrests in connection with this round of overnight burglaries, which also included an Auto Zone, Walgreens, two Family Dollars, and the sneaker store Fedi Way, among others.

The incidents followed a string of break-ins across Center City, West, and Northeast Philadelphia that police say were carried out by "criminal opportunists" looking to capitalize off the dismissal of charges against Mark Dial, the former Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed Eddie Irizarry last month.

Fifty-two people were arrested on burglary and theft charges in connection with the string of coordinated break-ins that kicked off Tuesday evening with the Apple Store and Lululemon locations in Center City before spreading to stores along Aramingo Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia and 52nd Street in West Philadelphia. officer.com


Second Recall Effort Aimed at Bay Area Progressive DAs
Group seeking to recall Alameda County, CA., Progressive DA Pamela Price can now collect signatures

Recall organizers say there's signs of Price not being tough enough on crime.

The effort calling itself Save Alameda for Everyone (SAFE): Recall DA Pamela Price now has 160 days to collect 73,195 valid signatures from registered voters in the county.

The second recall effort aimed at a Bay Area district attorney in just the last few years, after voters in San Francisco booted their own progressive DA, Chesa Boudin, from office in a nationally-watched campaign in June 2022. mercurynews.com


Antioch, CA, Police Force Down 53% & CHP & Sheriff Offer No Assistance
PD Chief says "We are literally half, minus 10 in investigations, we are zero in traffic, zero in any type of street team and four people working the street at any given time," Barbanica said. "I don't know how much lower we can go on this. If this is not a time to get mutual aid, and if this is not a time to bring in CHP or the sheriff to help out, what is that number?" mercurynews.com


As retailers close stores due to shoplifting, are the concerns real or overblown?

Parker County, TX: DA, local retailers unveil initiative to tackle theft

Vacancies, Funding Force Wash. Thurston County Sheriff to Declare Staffing Emergency

New York Bill Would Limit Employers' Ability to Use Electronic Monitoring and Automated Decision Tools
The New York legislature recently introduced Senate Bill 07623, which would dramatically restrict employers' ability to use both electronic monitoring and automated employment decision-making technology in the state.

The bill would apply to all New York employers, regardless of size, including an employer's labor contractors. While the bill is currently being reviewed by the Rules Committee and still must work its way through the legislative process, it is expected to pass in some form. The bill would create significant new obligations and restrictions for New York employers.

Electronic Monitoring Tools

The bill defines an electronic monitoring tool as "any system that facilitates the collection of data concerning worker activities or communications by any means other than direct observation, including the use of a computer, telephone, wire, radio, camera, electromagnetic, photoelectric, or photo-optical system."

Automated Employment Decision Tools

S07623 would impose restrictions on New York employers' ability to use automatic employment decision pools. Like the New York City rules, S07623 would prohibit the use of automatic tools to "substantially assist or replace discretionary decision-making," unless subject to a bias audit performed no more than one year prior to the tool's use. Even with a proper bias audit in place, New York employers would be unable to rely solely on output from an automated tool in hiring, promotion, termination, disciplinary or compensation decisions. shrm.org


Heads Up! Emergency Alert Coming to Cell Phones This Wednesday
Your phone will blare a national emergency alert test on October 4 at 2:20PM ET
The federal government will conduct a nationwide alert test on Wednesday, October 4. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will send notifications to cell phones (as well as radios and TVs) to test the National Wireless Emergency Alert System and ensure the system (including the public's familiarity with it) is ready for a real crisis.

The cellphone portion of the test will assess Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) nationwide. If you live near a decent-sized metro area, there's a solid chance you've received AMBER alerts through this system before; it can also broadcast signals for imminent threats, public safety and presidential notices in a national emergency. The test's WEA portion will use FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system that can broadcast emergency notifications through various communications networks.

If your cell phone is set to English, you'll receive a message at around 2:20PM ET reading, "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." Those with phones set to Spanish as their primary language will see, "ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción."  yahoo.com


Self-Checkout's C-Store Expansion
Circle K Ramps Up Self-Checkout Service in North America

More than 2,000 stores in North America now feature the option.

In June 2022, Couche-Tard partnered with Mashgin to install Mashgin Touchless Checkout Systems, branded as "Smart Checkout," at more than 7,000 of its Circle K and Couche-Tard stores over a three-year period. Today, Mashgin kiosks have now been deployed at 2,200 Circle K locations in the United States and Canada.

Since the rollout began, Couche-Tard has reported that 40 percent of transactions run through smart checkout, with many stores processing more than 50 percent of eligible transactions through Mashgin. Circle K shoppers can use the kiosks to check out packaged goods, grab-and-go food items, drinks, fuel purchases, and use the Sip and Save loyalty program, according to Mashgin. csnews.com


Toys R Us Comeback?
Toys R Us to open up to 24 US flagship stores

Parent company WHP Global announced a partnership with Go Retail Group for the rollout, which also includes experiences in airports and cruise ships.

Toys R Us' parent company, WHP Global, on Friday announced a partnership with Go Retail Group to open up to 24 flagship Toys R Us stores in the U.S. starting next year.

Go Retail Group will enable Toys R Us to expand its store base by providing "valuable brick-and-mortar logistics and operational excellence" for the iconic toy brand, Go Retail Group CEO Gideon Schlessinger said in a statement.  retaildive.com


NYC Weekend of Flooding
Rain Eases, but Officials Warn That Flood Risks Remain

Heavy rain caused serious flooding across the region on Friday, leading Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency as rising waters disrupted travel and stranded people in cars and homes.

Heavy rainfall pounded New York City and the surrounding region on Friday, bringing flash floods, shutting down entire subway lines, turning major roadways into lakes and sending children to the upper floors of flooding schoolhouses. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, urging New Yorkers to stay home and singling out those who live in basements to brace for the worst. nytimes.com


OSHA Requires Employers to Keep More Records

Wawa will open 120 stores in Indiana and Ohio

Nordstrom to add 11 Nordstrom Rack stores this fall

Costco to open 10 stores in the next three months

FDA Fines Retailers Over Illegal Sale of Youth-Appealing Vapor Products
 

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Creating partnerships to raise cybersecurity awareness at home and abroad.

Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared the month of October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

This is the 20th Cybersecurity Awareness Month and it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk and generated discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale.

Secure Our World: 2023 and Beyond 

In recognition of the 20th year, CISA announced a new enduring cybersecurity awareness program, Secure Our World. Secure Our World reflects a new enduring message to be integrated across the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) awareness campaigns and programs, and encourages all of us to take action each day to protect ourselves when online or using connected devices.

The program promotes behavioral change across the Nation, with a particular focus on how individuals, families and small to medium-sized businesses can Secure Our World by focusing on the four critical actions below. Secure Our World is the theme for this year's Cybersecurity Awareness Month and will remain the enduring theme for future awareness month campaigns.

Learn more here


Focus on These 4 Key Behaviors During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity Awareness Month starts today and runs through the month of October, raising awareness about simple practices that individuals and businesses can engage in to increase their cybersecurity and reduce the chance of being compromised, more commonly known as being hacked.

"In a digital age where our lives and businesses are increasingly intertwined with technology, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding our online presence is not just a responsibility; it's a necessity to succeed," says Luke Vander Linden, RH-ISAC vice president of membership. "In today's interconnected world, implementing robust cybersecurity strategies is imperative for safeguarding your business assets, reputation and the trust of your customers."

As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Retail & Hospitality ISAC (RH-ISAC) is focusing on four key behaviors, including using strong passwords and a password manager, turning on multifactor authentication, recognizing and reporting phishing and updating software.

When choosing a password, pick one that is long, unique and complex and take advantage of password managers to help you keep your logins organized and easy to access. Multifactor authentication is also crucial to keep your online accounts safe.

Email users should also learn how to detect and report a phishing scheme and become familiar with their email provider's tools to combat phishing. If you install the latest updates for devices, software and apps, not only are you getting the best security available, but you also ensure that you get access to the latest features and upgrades.

To read more about each of these topics, visit rhisac.org/nhpa.
 

The Ripple Effect of Online Counterfeits
Here's What Can Happen When You Buy a Counterfeit Product Online -- and How to Avoid Doing It

Criminal organizations use money earned from counterfeit sales to commit more serious crimes.

By the end of 2023, the global e-commerce market is expected to total $6.3 trillion. And, according to Shopify, by 2024, 21.2% of total retail sales will happen online. While the ability to shop without changing out of pajamas is convenient, online shopping gives counterfeiters access to countless customers every day.

But what about you? What happens when you're stuck holding the (fake) bag, golf clubs, art work, or other counterfeit purchases? Here's some of what happens when counterfeit goods are purchased.

Criminal organizations have money to expand their operations. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) reports that international organized criminals regularly use counterfeit operations to fund illegal activities like gang violence, child labor, and human trafficking.

You, or someone you love, could be seriously injured. Also, according to the NCPC, counterfeit items (such as faulty electronics) cause over 350,000 serious injuries and 70 deaths each year. While purchasing a cheap car seat may leave extra money in your bank account, it's never worth the risk to a child. Wirecutter reported being able to purchase a toddler airplane safety harness with a label claiming it was "FAA approved." With cheap plastic buckles, weak stitching, and no lock to keep the straps in place, it was clearly an unsafe product.

You could become sick -- very sick. A whopping 67.2% of counterfeit products seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2022 were pharmaceuticals. There's no way to know where they were manufactured or to access a list of ingredients. There's no doubt that U.S. healthcare is expensive, but cutting corners by purchasing fake medications can be dangerous.

While fake handbags, jewelry, and tennis shoes may seem like no big deal, counterfeit products cost the global economy over $500 billion annually, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It also undercuts businesses that manufacture and sell legitimate merchandise. fool.com


'Amazon Has Become a One-Click Nightmare'
The Best Thing About Amazon Was Never Going to Last

If shopping on the site feels different now, that's because it is.

Lately, though, shopping on Amazon has become an exercise in frustration. My product search started with sponsored listings from unfamiliar brands with just a small disclosure noting that they're advertisements. The organic results eventually do show up. Scroll only a little deeper into the sea of indigo fibers, and the sponsored items resume.

What happened to Amazon? The company no longer excels at the thing it's supposed to be best at: shopping. Its unparalleled convenience and cost helped turn it into an e-commerce juggernaut, one that now faces an antitrust lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission over alleged anticompetitive practices. Now around every corner lies a brand you've never heard of, selling a product you're not sure about. Good deals on name brands are harder to come by. Amazon's dominance has also transformed it into a different kind of company. Along the way, the famously customer-obsessed company has lost track of what its customers actually want. theatlantic.com


5 takeaways from America's landmark lawsuit against Amazon

27.8% of retailers in the Top 1000 retailers offer free return shipping