NRF: Retail is Under Cyberattack!
Retail industry leaders are increasingly warning that businesses face heightened risk from cyberattacks targeting point-of-sale systems, data infrastructure, and digital platforms. The National Retail Federation’s cybersecurity team pointed to a rise in sophisticated threats that exploit vulnerabilities in interconnected retail technologies and third-party vendor systems. Retailers are being encouraged to strengthen defenses, share threat intelligence, and adopt zero-trust security principles to stay ahead of bad actors. The alert highlights that as digital transformation accelerates in retail, so does the need for proactive, enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategies.
‘Selected randomly’: Gunman killed store employee, shot 2 officers, chief says
A deadly shooting unfolded at a lumber supply business when a gunman opened fire, fatally wounding an employee during a seemingly random attack. Two responding police officers were also struck by gunfire in the chaotic incident as they attempted to subdue the assailant. The suspect was ultimately neutralized by law enforcement, bringing the violent episode to a close, but leaving the community shaken. Investigators are working to determine the motive and whether any prior warning signs could have prevented the tragedy.
Police investigating $15,000 Home Depot theft in Colorado
Police in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, are investigating a significant theft from a Home Depot store where merchandise valued at approximately $15,000 was reportedly stolen. The incident, which occurred during business hours, involved suspects who allegedly bypassed security and exited the premises with large quantities of merchandise undetected. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and seeking public assistance to identify those involved. The theft underscores ongoing concerns about large retail stores being targeted for high-value merchandise.
Retail theft crackdown yields 14 arrests
A coordinated law enforcement operation in Fontana resulted in 14 arrests connected to retail theft as authorities targeted suspected shoplifters and organized crime activity. Police conducted strategic enforcement in shopping districts known for recurring theft problems, leading to multiple detentions and recovery of stolen goods. Officers emphasized the importance of proactive policing and community cooperation in reducing retail crime. The effort reflects broader initiatives aimed at deterring repeat offenders and improving safety for businesses and customers alike.
Workplace Violence May Be Escalating, And Employers Need To Act Now
Human resources and safety professionals are raising alarms that incidents of workplace violence appear to be increasing across sectors, urging employers to take decisive action before problems worsen. Experts recommend that organizations implement comprehensive violence prevention programs, strengthen reporting mechanisms, and invest in employee training to recognize and address early warning signs. With social and economic pressures contributing to heightened tensions, waiting to respond until after an incident can leave employees and operations vulnerable. The article emphasizes that thoughtful planning and leadership engagement are critical to fostering safer, more resilient workplaces.
Talking Predictions for 2026
TalkLP podcast host Amber Bradley kicks off the new year talking tech, trends, and tough truths with CONTROLTEK CEO Tom Meehan in an unscripted conversation you won’t want to miss!
In this podcast episode, Tom and Amber cover predictions for 2026, challenges of the supply chain fragility, return to office mandates, and why the “retail apocalypse” was never real, Amber and Tom break down what’s actually shaping the future of retail and LP.
And yes, our favorite topic of all… AI, is covered as well! From inventory accuracy, demand forecasting, theft pattern recognition, to reasons why ignoring AI might be the riskiest move of all. Tom and Amber answer controversial questions like: Is AI a bubble? Are jobs really at risk? And are LP teams ready to evolve past exception based reporting?
Other topics include: the rise of a potential chief resilience or geopolitical role, why brick-and-mortar still matters, how RFID adoption is finally having its moment, and what it really takes to build smarter, more resilient retail ecosystems.
For a sneak peek at Amber and Tom unpacking it all, unscripted and unfiltered, tune in now! …and if you’re ready to get practical with AI, grab Tom’s latest AI guide and start future proofing your skills today!
Tom’s AI guide – download it here.
Shoplifting suspect commands dog to bite store manager
A shoplifting incident escalated into a violent confrontation Tuesday evening when a suspect assaulted loss prevention officers and commanded his dog to bite a store manager, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.
Spokane Valley deputies arrested 31-year-old Michael R. Espinoza on charges of first-degree robbery, third-degree theft and two counts of fourth-degree assault following the incident at a store near the intersection of East Montgomery Avenue and North Argonne Road.
Amazon targets pop-up retail with upgraded Just Walk Out tech
Amazon is going further with its RFID-enabled checkout lanes.
The company began integrating RFID technology into its cashierless checkouts in 2023 to charge customers for shoes, fan gear and other soft goods. At that time, the company partnered with Avery Dennison to roll out the capability.
Amazon is promoting the checkout lanes as a tool to boost sales and reduce theft. So far, the technology has driven a 47% jump in sales per game at Lumen Field in Seattle.
‘Nothing worked for him’: Burglar tries to smash into Florida retail shop, gives up
An overnight break-in attempt at a smoke shop in Miramar did not go as the crook who was caught on video was hoping for.
Surveillance cameras rolled outside Forever Smoke Shop, located at 2051 Palm Avenue, as the subject used blunt objects to smash his way inside from the rear of the business, early Wednesday morning.
The smoke shop’s owner, Trayvon Killings spoke with 7News hours later.
“Early 4 in the morning, it was an attempted break-in. He tried to break in using a brick and also a hammer as well,” he said.
Searching for a Video Surveillance System? Here are the Questions You Need to Ask
Angelo Tebano
March Networks
Choosing a video surveillance system today is more complex than ever. With the rise of AI-driven analytics, camera-to-cloud, and business intelligence tools, the right solution can do far more than just record footage. It can also enhance security, optimize operations, and reduce costs. But with so many options, how do you know what to look at for your financial institution, restaurant or retail business?
When looking at video security systems, here are the key factors and questions you should consider when looking at your options, along with common pitfalls to avoid.
Total Cost of Ownership: Avoid Hidden Fees
Many security solutions come with unexpected costs; from licensing fees for third-party cameras to ongoing software subscriptions. These hidden expenses can drive up total costs and limit flexibility. When browsing surveillance cameras, look for options that will last as an initial investment without long-term maintenance costs.
Ask About:
Per-camera licensing fees: Some providers charge extra to integrate third-party cameras. Does your solution allow integration without additional costs?
Non-proprietary storage options: Avoid being locked into expensive, brand-specific storage options that limit your ability to expand.
Field & Remote serviceable hardware: Can your system be repaired quickly on-site? Can some issues be solved remotely without a costly truck roll?
New Law to Require Staffed Self-Checkout Stands
Costa Mesa residents and shoppers could soon see more employees working self-checkout stands at their local supermarkets and drug stores after city leaders narrowly approved new rules on how the automated lanes can function.
The city’s new rules are based on Long Beach’s program, the first city in the state to require self-checkout lanes to have a staff member attached to them.
Self-checkout lanes will be limited to people buying 15 items or less under Costa Mesa’s new ordinance to help keep the lines moving, and if stores are found to not keep at least one staff person per three booths at the self checkout lanes, they can be sued by their workers.
Cargo theft remains elevated across U.S. and Mexico as organized crime adapts
Cargo theft across North America remained elevated in the fourth quarter, with organized criminal groups increasingly targeting rail corridors, major freight hubs and high-value consumer goods, according to new data released by BSI Consulting.
The report shows theft risk clustering around dense transportation nodes in the U.S. — including Southern California, the Chicago metro area, Memphis and the Northeast corridor — while Mexico continues to account for the majority of recorded cargo theft incidents in the region.
In retail’s AI transformation, smart strategies (not speed or spending) will define the winners
In a keynote session kicking off the National Retail Federation’s annual 'Big Show', Fanatics founder Michael Rubin told the story of how the relentless pursuit of innovation turned a small e-commerce platform into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
But if delegates to NRF 2026 started the show with a clear picture of how disruptors generate success in retail, many will have left the three-day event with their heads spinning. With hundreds of solutions and technologies on display, they could be forgiven for wondering how to wade through the hype to harness the biggest disruptor of them all - artificial intelligence.
Fear at work is a hidden safety risk — and it helps explain why hazards go unreported
Psychological safety — the belief that it is safe to speak up with concerns, questions or mistakes — is widely recognized as essential for organizational learning, innovation and workplace safety.
Yet its absence — interpersonal fear — is rarely examined in investigations of serious workplace incidents. My new research on workplace fatalities, conducted with several co-researchers, suggests this missing factor may help explain why hazards so often go unidentified or unreported.
Supply chain surveillance picks up steam
Transporting fruits and vegetables efficiently from farm to home is a complex and crucial component of produce merchandising.
Because produce typically has the shortest shelf life, or “natural runway,” of any fresh category, it is vital for supply chain partners to monitor a wide mix of variables along a route to maintain product quality, analysts said.
That is making visibility and traceability one of the top supply chain trends in 2026, stated the Chicago-based Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).
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