It's 'Gatekeeper Week' on the D&D Daily! Follow along in the 'Vendor Spotlight' column below as Gatekeeper showcases LP/AP solutions for the retail industry

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Fast-food Operator Enhances Safety and Cuts Security Costs with Interface Systems' Virtual Guard The Madan-Russo Organization, a family-owned owner operator of a global fast food chain in northern New Jersey, has successfully enhanced safety and reduced security costs by up to $12,000 monthly after deploying Interface Virtual Security Guard at one of its most at-risk locations. Interface enabled the Madan-Russo Organization to overcome longstanding security challenges while making their business safer and more efficient. Highlights from the Interface Virtual Guard deployment: Enhanced Safety: Loitering and drug-related activity have drastically decreased, creating a safer environment for employees and customers. Significant Savings: Virtual Guard has replaced on-site armed guards, cutting monthly security costs by $7,000-$12,000. Employee Reassurance: Security escort services for opening and closing shifts have boosted employee confidence and peace of mind. Read the press release, case study and watch the testimonial video from Ana Madan, Ariana Russo, owner operators and Chantel Borrero, Director of Operations, at Madan-Russo organization.

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The U.S. Crime Surge
The Retail Impact

Retail Associates & Security 'Powerless' Amid Theft Wave
Holiday shopping season brings wave of retail theft, store employees feel powerless

Retail workers in Sacramento, including those at shopping centers like Howe Bout Arden, report that theft has become commonplace.

As the holiday season ushers in a wave of shoppers to local stores, it is also drawing a surge in retail theft, raising concerns for safety among employees and customers alike. Retail workers in Sacramento, including those at shopping centers like Howe Bout Arden, report that theft has become commonplace.

But many employees feel their hands are tied due to store policies that limit their ability to act.

"It happened so quickly," said shopper Thresa Smith. She described witnessing an incident, saying, "I just heard people in the store say, 'Did you just see that girl run out?' And it's really sad."

Employees at the Nike store told ABC10 that corporate policies limit their ability to respond to thefts. They are required to notify corporate offices before contacting law enforcement, and they risk losing their jobs if they intervene.

Security officers face similar restrictions. During the incident captured on video, a private security guard stood by and watched the thief walk away, stating that he had been instructed not to intervene.

Gandhi criticized policies that discourage reporting crimes in progress, arguing that they embolden criminals. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office advises the public to avoid intervening in thefts. Instead, authorities recommend observing from a safe distance, recording video if possible, and being prepared to provide detailed information to law enforcement. abc10.com
 

Another San Francisco Store Closes Over Rampant Theft
Safeway to close San Francisco supermarket over rampant theft, safety concerns
The Safeway supermarket chain has announced that it will close down one of its key locations in San Francisco in February due to concerns that customers and employees were at risk from rampant theft and threats to their safety.

The closure, which had been put off for 11 months, will affect the Safeway store on Webster Street in the Fillmore section of San Francisco, which had been operating for the last 40 years. The company said that the store will close for good on Feb. 7, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Safeway joins a list of big-name retailers that have shuttered stores in the city, which has been plagued in recent years by an alarming decline in the quality of life as well as stubbornly high cost of living, soaring taxes and increased incidents of organized retail theft, homelessness and public drug use.

Adidas, Macy's, Zara, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Sephora, Hollister, Aldo, J. Crew and Whole Foods are among the brand names that have either announced store closures or that have already shrunken their footprint in the city.

The company said it initially intended to close the store earlier this year but put off the move so as to "provide a greater transition period for the community." Safeway said the decision was made "due to ongoing concerns about associate and customer safety, as well as persistent issues with theft."

"We remain committed to serving San Francisco at our 15 remaining locations, and to ensure that our unionized workforce can perform their jobs in safe and secure working environments," Safeway told the Chronicle. nypost.com


More Police Departments Have Dedicated ORC Teams
Nashville's PD's Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Section
The MNPD's Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Section is dedicated to combating crime that affects retailers and consumers in our city. The unit has been tasked with a mission of proactively reducing the growing trend of shoplifting, organized retail crime, and other retail-related store crimes and scams.

Our team of detectives collaborates with local law enforcement and asset protection personnel to share information and dismantle criminal operations targeting retail businesses. A key factor contributing to the success of the unit's has been their collaboration with local business owners, managers, and employees. Detectives in the unit have supported employees and business owners in preventing theft by identifying, analyzing, and keeping informed about the latest trends and tactics employed by shoplifters. They also provide valuable information about suspects and groups active in the Middle Tennessee region.

By working together with local businesses, law enforcement agencies, and communities, our goal is to create a safer shopping environment. nashville.gov


EDITORIAL | Retail Theft: There is no place for stolen goods under the holiday tree

Biden grants clemency for nearly 1,500 people, the biggest single-day act of clemency in modern history
 

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Security Threats, Solutions & Trends of 2024
Notable physical security trends of 2024
As the end of 2024 comes into view, security experts are reflecting on the year's most prominent trends. Here, security leaders discuss observed trends for physical security solutions and threats.

Physical security threat trends for 2024

Unauthorized intruders

Liz Nguyen, CTO at Intrado: Adopting incident management and 911 technologies, connecting to NG911 networks, and deploying physical security tools like wearable panic buttons are all paramount when it comes to combatting physical threats in the workplace. With the proper tools and technologies in place, security teams can instantly lock down an office building and automatically coordinate instant communications to employees, including safety suggestions and updates on the threat status.

Industrial sabotage

Stephen Kowski, Field CTO at SlashNext Email Security: A top physical security threat trend in 2024 is industrial sabotage, both from activist groups and state-sponsored actors. In 2025, this threat may evolve to target more diverse industries and critical infrastructure. Security leaders can mitigate this by enhancing physical security measures, conducting risk assessments, and improving cybersecurity for connected systems.

Physical security solution trends for 2024

AI-powered security systems

John Matzke, Global Head of Risk Management, Jabil: The top physical security trend in 2024 is AI-powered security systems, transforming video surveillance with real-time detection and analysis capabilities. A positive impact of this is enhanced threat detection and response. A negative impact is potential privacy concerns and over-reliance on technology. Security trends that deserve honorable mention include: robotics and autonomous systems for patrolling, passive weapons detection technology and advanced biometric systems.

Zero trust frameworks

Jordan Avnaim, CISO at Entrust: In 2024, we've seen an urgent need for organizations to invest in tools that merge both physical and digital security. This combination is crucial for protecting critical assets against the rapidly evolving threat landscape as we continue to see how fragile both digital and physical ecosystems can be.  securitymagazine.com


Gen Z to the rescue?
How malls are winning over a generation of in-person shoppers

Up-and-coming spenders in this generation are seeking social connection, instant gratification and moments to post on social media

Gen Z plans to shop more in stores than online this holiday season, too. Nearly 63% of Gen Z respondents said they plan to make holiday purchases at physical stores, according to an annual survey by consulting firm EY. Only about 50% said they would make purchases on retailers' websites and apps during the season, lower than any other generation besides baby boomers.

Those up-and-coming spenders - who seek social time with friends, a quicker way to get what they want, and experiences to post on social media - have become a critical market for malls, as department store anchors struggle to survive and older shoppers rely more on e-commerce. Malls have added new brands and entertainment options, such as restaurants and rock-climbing walls, as legacy players such as Macy's and JCPenney shrink and others such as Lord & Taylor and Sears have disappeared.

As those stores close, retailers are moving to appeal to younger shoppers. Mall owners have stepped up efforts to reach Gen Z, too. Simon Property Group, the country's biggest mall owner, launched a marketing campaign this fall, titled "Meet Me @the mall." The ads, which are running on websites and apps including YouTube, TikTok and Netflix, tap into '80s nostalgia with young adults dancing and roller skating at the mall. cnbc.com


Kroger Responds to Merger Collapse
With merger off, Kroger doubles down on new stores, remodels; restarting buybacks
The Kroger Co. is resuming stock buyback and will pursue a variety of growth priorites after abandoning its acqusition of Albertsons.

On Thursday, Kroger said it has terminated its merger agreement with Albertsons after the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon granted the Federal Trade Commission's request for a preliminary injunction to block the proposed deal.

With the merger off, Kroger said it is moving forward from a position of strength, and plans to grow its alternative profit businesses and generate increased cash flows.

"The strength of our balance sheet and sustainability of our model allows us to pursue a variety of growth opportunities, including further investment in our store network through new stores and remodels, which will be an important part of our 8 - 11% TSR [total shareholder return] model over time," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. chainstoreage.com


Retailers Holding Pre-Tariff Sales
Are Pre-Tariff Sales Promotions Fair Game?
Several smaller retailers are running promotions urging consumers to buy now before President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs arrive to jack up prices. Among those running sales around the threat of tariffs:

J&J Sports Service, a maker of custom fishing rods in Maryland, implored customers to "buy now" in a Facebook post, noting that the coming tariffs are "not a joke." 

Finally Home Furnishings, an online furniture seller, wrote on Facebook, "Pre-Tariff Sale! This is not a drill. The very same items you are seeing now will be double the price once the tariffs kick in. This is not speculation. We went through this 4 years ago."

Tarptent, a tent seller based in Nevada City, California, stated in a Facebook post, "Prices may never be this good again."  retailwire.com


Macy's speeds up store closures to amp up turnaround
The retailer also said that for nearly three years an employee hid about $151 million in delivery expenses but that the fraud didn't affect sales.

How Will the 2024 Presidential Election Shape the Security Industry?

Acosta Group: Five consumer predictions for 2025
 

Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme online ordering disrupted by cyberattack

Following an attack on a portion of its IT systems, the chain said it was working to restore online ordering. In-store operations were not impacted.

Krispy Kreme is experiencing disruptions to its operations, including online ordering, following a cybersecurity incident, the company said on its website Wednesday. Restaurant Dive attempted to order on its website, but the option was unavailable across multiple locations.

Krispy Kreme said it is working to restore online ordering and has notified federal law enforcement of the incident, according to an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The attack on Krispy Kreme comes a few weeks after third-party vendor Blue Yonder experienced a widespread attack that impacted various businesses, including Starbucks, which briefly lost its ability to schedule workers.

Incidents like this show how vulnerable restaurants could be to cyberattacks as the industry increasingly relies on digital channels. Just about every restaurant chain has online ordering capabilities and is investing in growing digital sales. This channel made up over $8 billion in sales for Yum Brand during the third quarter, for example.

Krispy Kreme has been focused on building its digital platform of late and updated its loyalty program earlier this year. During the third quarter, the chain increased digital sales by 15%, said CEO Josh Charlesworth during an earnings call.

This cybersecurity incident could result in a loss of revenue from digital sales, the company said in the 8-K. The doughnut brand also said costs associated with fees paid to cybersecurity experts and the restoration of impacted systems "are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the company's results of operations and financial condition," per the filing. cybersecuritydive.com


Remote Work & Cybersecurity
Security complexities of the remote workforce

The global remote workforce as grown more prominent in recent years, presenting a range of unique security challenges.

Remote work: love it or hate it, it is here to stay. The global remote workforce as grown more prominent in recent years, presenting a range of unique security challenges.

Rom Carmel, Co-Founder and CEO at Apono, states, "It brings a lot of complexities - specifically complexities when it comes to security - some of which were brought before the move to remote work but accelerated with the move."

As the remote workforce movement becomes more and more commonplace, security leaders must adapt to the new security difficulties this workforce will bring.

Security complexities of a remote workforce

Any workforce, remote or otherwise, will present its own security challenges. One particular challenge that remote workforces face is the extensive perimeter that must be secured.

"An on-premises environment - like what most organizations used to have - could have a fence put around it to say, 'Now nothing leaves or enters here,'" Carmel explains. "But with increased migration to cloud, less and less organizations have that kind of environment anymore. When an organization moves to the cloud, it moves to no longer store its data on-premises. With this shift to a global remote workforce, users themselves are logging in, and not from the organization itself. And that poses even newer security challenges."

When employees work from home, there is no longer one single area that needs to be secured. While this challenge was introduced prior to the growth of the remote workforce via cloud technology, the growing remote workforce accelerated this challenge. securitymagazine.com


Customer Operations Restored After Cyberattack
Blue Yonder helps restore operations for majority of impacted customers

Starbucks regained access to its employee scheduling platform, while authorities continue to probe claims by a threat group.

Blue Yonder said most customers have restored normal operations following a pre-Thanksgiving ransomware attack, however it will continue to work with others to get their platform back up and running.

"A significant majority of our impacted customers have had their service restored," a spokesperson for Blue Yonder told Cybersecurity Dive via email. "Our associates continue to work closely with our impacted customers on the restoration process and keep them updated as appropriate."

The company is still investigating the Nov. 21 intrusion, which a group called Termite ransomware has claimed credit for on a leak site. Blue Yonder said it was aware of the claim and is working with law enforcement and external forensic experts to further investigate the attack. cybersecuritydive.com

 
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