Iranian hackers are breaking into U.S. industrial systems, agencies warn
U.S. agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warn that Iran-affiliated hackers are targeting industrial control systems, causing disruptions across energy, water, and government sectors. The attacks exploit tools from Rockwell Automation. While impacts remain unclear, officials say the activity poses growing risks to critical infrastructure amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
M&S calls for tougher action as retail crime turns more violent and organised
Marks & Spencer is calling for stronger police action as retail crime across the UK becomes more violent and organized. The company reports rising incidents of abuse, assaults, and coordinated theft, with millions of shoplifting cases annually. Executives warn current responses are insufficient, urging government and law enforcement to take tougher, more consistent measures to protect workers and high streets.
Supermarket worker fired after 17 years for tackling shoplifter who tried stealing Easter eggs
A long-time employee of Waitrose was dismissed after confronting a shoplifter, despite prior warnings against physical intervention. The incident, following years of repeated theft, sparked political backlash, with figures including Nigel Farage criticizing the decision. The case highlights growing tensions around retail crime, employee safety, and company policies limiting staff response to theft.
CEO shares a ‘very dangerous’ red flag in a boss—it makes employees feel like they ‘signed up for a false promise’
A report from BambooHR highlights the risks of overly hands-off management, warning that passive leadership can harm performance and employee retention. While autonomy is valued, experts say lack of feedback, delayed decisions, and limited support can stall growth and drive turnover. Employees are encouraged to communicate needs clearly, while managers should self-assess to maintain effective leadership and engagement.
Pandora’s Canada distribution center to help bypass US tariffs
Pandora has opened a new distribution center in Mississauga, Ontario, to reduce reliance on U.S. shipping routes and avoid tariff exposure. Operated by GXO Logistics, the facility will speed deliveries, improve order accuracy, and streamline returns for Canadian customers. The move reflects broader supply chain shifts as retailers adapt to evolving trade policies and tariff pressures.
Police: Fake Walmart employee accused of shoplifting in Williamsburg
A man pretending to be a Walmart employee was arrested after allegedly trying to run from officers following a reported shoplifting incident.
The Williamsburg Police Department was called to Walmart after someone posing as a store employee was believed to be shoplifting.
Why the U.S. Navy’s retail business is fighting Walmart and Amazon to fund its own future
In the rural plains of Northern Poland, at a remote base surrounded by farmland and pine forest, some 150 U.S. Navy sailors have a small slice of comfort through the Navy Exchange Mini Mart, a place for familiar snacks, hygiene products and the household brands many of them knew growing up.
Ahold Delhaize USA partners with Fiserv for new digital payment option
The U.S. subsidiary of Dutch supermarket conglomerate Ahold Delhaize is expanding an existing collaboration with Fiserv to make the global payment and financial services solution provider’s Pay by Bank offering available on its proprietary omnichannel platform.
How Retailers Are Using Facial Recognition to Stop Theft Before It Happens and Provide Safer Shopping Experiences
Content Block Retail theft is no longer just a shoplifting problem; it's an organized, repeat-offender crisis that traditional loss prevention tools weren't designed to combat. The data is staggering: a single retailer's top 102 offenders generated over 9,500 probable face match events in just 60 days. Managing that volume manually isn't just difficult, it's impossible.
FaceFirst®, now including the leading Western NIST-tested facial recognition algorithm from ROC, is changing the equation. Built specifically for retail environments, FaceFirst® delivers AI-enabled face matching with independently verified accuracy, helping investigators identify and act on repeat offenders faster than ever before. However, with the massive amount of information on FRT, it’s easy to get lost in the amount of data coming in from multiple channels. That’s why Gatekeeper Systems is hosting an exclusive Retail Only Webinar - that allows you to hear from your peers that are using the system. This is not a sales webinar, but a safe forum for teams in LP to engage and ask questions to retailers already using FRT.
Rise in violent retail crime in UK linked to repeat offenders
The new statistics show the top 10% of retail crime offenders were responsible for 68% of total crime in stores, and those repeat offenders were 3.6 times more likely to use a weapon, and 3.1 times more likely to be violent.
Amazon, US Postal Service reach delivery deal
Amazon.com on Monday announced it reached a new agreement with the U.S. Postal Service on package deliveries, and sources said the cash-strapped mail system would retain about 80% of its existing deliveries from its biggest customer.
Labour rejects calls to arm shop security despite surge in retail crime
Labour has dismissed proposals to allow shop security guards to carry defensive weapons, despite mounting concern from retailers over rising levels of theft and violence.
Menomonee Falls CVS retail theft; $1,200 in items stolen
Menomonee Falls police are asking for help identifying a suspect accused of stealing more than $1,200 worth of merchandise from a CVS pharmacy. Police said an unknown man concealed $1,259.83 worth of allergy medication and eye drops before leaving the store without paying.
Investigators said the suspect then entered a white Jeep Compass, believed to be a 2022 to 2026 model, and drove southbound on Appleton Avenue. Police said the license plate is unknown.
AI use as shopping tool gains traction
Artificial intelligence tools are being used for shopping, especially among the Gen Z consumer as consumers are seeing value in AI's ability find deals, do comparisons on price and features and provide inspiration for meals and brand research.
Those are top findings from Numerator's "2026 Visions Report," that provides insight into U.S. consumer trends for the year ahead, according to a press release.
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