Government Targets Fraudsters and Scammers Hurting Americans Online in New Order
The President has signed a new executive order aimed at cracking down on online fraud, scams, and deceptive digital practices that target American consumers. The order directs federal agencies to strengthen enforcement against cybercriminals and coordinate efforts to combat identity theft, phishing schemes, and fraudulent online marketplaces. Officials say the initiative also focuses on protecting consumers from financial losses and improving transparency across digital platforms. The move comes amid growing concern over the scale and sophistication of online scams impacting both individuals and businesses.
Stolen customer information used to make $50K of purchases at Lowe’s stores
Pennsylvania authorities say three suspects were arrested after allegedly using stolen customer information to make more than $50,000 in fraudulent purchases at Lowe’s stores. Investigators say the group accessed personal data from multiple victims and used it to conduct unauthorized transactions and acquire merchandise. The scheme highlights the ongoing risk of identity theft and data-driven retail fraud targeting major chains. Charges include identity theft, fraud, and related offenses tied to the large-scale purchasing operation.
8 NYC Lululemon and Alo stores hit in $56K athleisure theft spree
New York City police are investigating a retail theft ring believed to be targeting popular athleisure brands such as Lululemon and Alo. Authorities say suspects have repeatedly stolen high-end clothing items from multiple locations across the city. The thefts are part of a broader trend involving organized groups focusing on high-demand apparel that can be easily resold online. Investigators are working to identify additional suspects and determine whether the group is connected to larger organized retail crime networks.
Real Housewives couple arrested in $5K Publix theft scheme, Boca Raton police say
A couple known for appearing on the reality show “The Real Housewives of Pretoria” was arrested in Florida after police say they carried out a $5,000 theft scheme at a Publix store. Authorities allege the pair used fraudulent tactics to obtain merchandise before being stopped during a traffic stop in Boca Raton. Investigators linked the suspects to the retail theft through evidence gathered during the investigation. Both individuals now face charges related to retail theft and fraud.
How The Rich Get Their Kicks: Micro-Crimes Against Big Corporations
Retail theft patterns in New York City are shifting as some high-income shoppers are reportedly stealing from upscale grocery stores like Whole Foods. Reports suggest the offenders are not typical organized retail crime groups but rather affluent individuals exploiting reduced enforcement or store policies. Industry observers say the trend reflects changing attitudes toward shoplifting and the evolving nature of shrink in urban retail environments. Retailers continue exploring new strategies to deter theft while maintaining customer experience.
Labor Pains
Starbucks Labor Dispute Spills Into Retail
Walmart’s Digital Shelf Labels Spark Union Backlash
Return-to-Office Order Triggers Labor Pushback
Retail Sales Dip Raises Economic Questions
My Predictions: Where AI Is Headed in 2026
Five retail trends to watch for in the coming year
Tom Meehan
President | CONTROLTEK
The role of artificial intelligence has dominated business discussions over the past year and that will continue. But the emphasis will change. If 2025 was a year of disruption and experimentation, 2026 will be the year of operational realism. Testing and real-world adaptation will replace theory and speculation.
In a recent TalkLP podcast conversation, Amber and I explored how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape retail and loss prevention.
This article expands on that discussion and combines it with insights from what I’m reading and seeing as I interact with business leaders around the world, sharing my predictions for where AI is headed in 2026.
1. AI will morph from novelty to essential fixture.
Even as AI dominates more and more aspects of everyday life, many businesses struggle to understand how to integrate it into their processes. At times it has seemed like a solution in search of a problem. Meanwhile, commentators warned of an “AI bubble.” All of this has led some business leaders to simply ignore it.
But in 2026, ignoring AI could be the riskiest move of all. Its potential uses are virtually endless, from improving inventory accuracy to handling phone calls to forecasting demand. Patterns in consumer behavior and theft that would take a human countless hours to calculate can be produced in seconds with AI. Realizing this, businesses can be expected to incorporate AI more and more in their analytical processes and decisions.
In short, there’ll be less hype and more experimentation. Instead of asking what is AI? smart retailers will be asking how can we scale it?
2. RFID will become the core driver of inventory accuracy and demand forecasting.
Retailers now routinely use RFID for simple stock counts, but its potential utility is far greater. RFID can provide complete supply chain visibility in real-time. Retailers will increasingly use RFID data to identify loss trends and combat organized retail crime. In 2026, RFID will take its place as the backbone of the retail economy.
3. Global risks will lead to the rise of a new executive position.
Some farsighted businesses already have a chief risk officer. But fast-developing changes in the world demand something more comprehensive. Risk assessments today often focus on domestic economic issues (How should we respond if Walmart raises—or lowers—prices?), and security for executives (especially after the assassination of a prominent healthcare executive). But the interrelatedness of global commerce calls for a wider focus. For example, how might U.S. tariff policies affect the global business climate? What about a new surge of trouble in the Middle East? These global factors call for an executive with deep understanding of world events. Some observers foresee the rise of a new executive designation: the chief geopolitical officer (CGO) or geopolitical risk officer (GRO). Since so much global activity now is tech-driven, such a person would also need a deep expertise in technology. Watch for more businesses to adopt this approach.
4. Brick and mortar stores will reclaim their essential role.
The spike in online shopping—especially during the Covid pandemic—led to predictions of a “retail apocalypse.” But the traditional brick-and-mortar retail model hasn’t gone away. It turns out that people still like to rub shoulders with other humans. While older consumers relish the convenience of doorstep deliveries, younger shoppers are rediscovering the pleasures of the shopping mall. And of course, some transactions require hands-on touch. The store is where digital intelligence meets physical execution, making instore tech, AI, RFID, and more, indispensable. In 2026, retail stores will find their place as experiential hubs and micro fulfillment centers.
5. More companies will issue return to work mandates.
2026 will bring clarity and stability around return-to-office expectations.
Working remotely, already a growing trend at the time, became a necessity during the Covid pandemic. Now, the pendulum is swinging back. As with the retail experience, it turns out that some business activities require a personal presence. Recognizing this, big companies such as Bloomberg and JPMorgan Chase are issuing more return-to-work orders. Expect others to follow, balancing in-person collaboration with the realities of a distributed workforce.
Another trend to watch for: retail companies leveraging technology to connect remote corporate teams with frontline retail staff.
How will my predictions pan out? You can keep an eye on developments and then give me a score at the end of the year!
Organized retail theft suspects caught after chase, crash
Two women face multiple charges after police say they stole thousands of dollars in merchandise from a store, then took police on a chase before crashing into another car in Peachtree City.
“The speed of this chase reached over 100 miles an hour. It was a very short-lived pursuit. Only two intersections of our local highway, until unfortunately it was involved in a collision with an uninvolved motorist,” said Peachtree City Police Lt. Chris Hyatt.
VIDEO: Suspect uses hammer to smash Glendale pawn shop jewelry case
Police in Glendale, Arizona are searching for a suspect who used a hammer to smash a display case inside a pawn shop and steal jewelry.
Surveillance video shows the suspect quickly breaking the glass case and grabbing items before fleeing the store. Authorities say the smash-and-grab style theft happened within seconds, leaving employees little time to react.
Investigators are asking the public for help identifying the suspect as the investigation continues.
Family sues convenience store after assault leaves man with brain injury and vision loss
The family of Stevie Walker has filed a lawsuit against a convenience store following an alleged assault by employees that left Walker with a traumatic brain injury and permanent vision loss in one eye.
The incident occurred in May at the Quick and E-Z convenience store on LaSalle Street after Walker was allegedly accused of stealing a bag of ice.
Although the family claims the beating was severe enough to be life-threatening, no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
Retail Industry: By the Numbers
Retail businesses face diverse challenges every day, from inventory loss to theft to operational inefficiencies. Cloud video surveillance provides powerful tools and features built to improve incident response, streamline investigations, and enhance workflows for better profits and safer stores.
These advanced capabilities help uncover actionable insights into retail operations, helping take business to the next level. With a complete cloud video platform, retailers can improve loss prevention efforts, keep an eye on operations from any location, and enhance customer experience.
View OpenEye’s complete infographic to learn more about the complex and difficult challenges affecting the retail industry, as well as the solutions tailored to fortifying store security for better protection of customers, employees, and assets.
Reporting to the Director of International Asset Protection, this critical leadership role in the Global Asset Protection Department will be responsible for our APAC business unit. Acting as a trusted and seasoned leader and subject matter expert, the Senior Manager will lead a team who are charged with ensuring lululemon remains the safest place to work in the retail sector and responds to an evolving risk landscape. This role will ensure the strategy is geared towards protecting people and property across our APAC market and maintain a safety and compliant environment for our guests both in store and at events. The Senior Manager will also act as the regional lead in response to any incidents that have a potential to impact the safety of our people, our guests or our business as well as implement strategies to minimize risk.
New alert: Help keep gas station convenience store workers safe
Tumwater, WA — Keeping gas station convenience store workers safe on the job requires a three-pronged approach, the Washington State Division of Occupational Safety and Health states in a new hazard alert.
Two cashiers in the state were recently killed in separate late-night and early-morning armed robberies, prompting the alert, which includes details of both incidents.
Citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the alert states that 265 workers at gas station convenience stores nationwide were killed by “other people in intentional acts of violence” between 2013 and 2022.
Employer's workplace violence termination backfires when key evidence falls apart
A Louisiana court has upheld the reinstatement of a fired supervisor after her public employer failed to prove a workplace violence allegation.
The Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit of Louisiana on March 10, 2026, affirmed a Civil Service Commission decision reinstating Sadra Hamilton, a billing department supervisor at the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, after finding her employer failed to prove the core allegation behind her firing.
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