Rory Walsh’s Post

My feelings about self-checkout in retail stores tend toward the negative side. -I find they seldom speed my check-out and, forget about it with large grocery orders. -All too often, someone has to intervene anyway because the system becomes stuck, doesn't like how I've placed something in the bag, or an item doesn't scan at all. -I'd rather deal fully with a live human. On the other hand, forcing retailers to act on the whim of state lawmakers seems to risk job loss or even a decision we've seen all too often to exit communities or neighborhoods because they can't operate profitably or safely. Now, the California Senate is considering a measure that purportedly could force stores to close self-checkout lanes. In the words of one lawmaker supporting the bill: "This act will protect workers and the public by ensuring safe staffing levels at grocery and drug stores and regulating self-checkout machines in a way that’s being smart on crime." We know retail theft is out of control. The reasons for that are complicated and multifaceted. So my question: Is this a good solution to crime, customer safety, and staffing issues? I spoke with Christine Romans of NBC News to express my concerns for her reporting on The Today Show. Please share your comments below. https://lnkd.in/e6nt5QSf

A proposed bill in California is looking to regulate self-checkout. The bill would make it the law that employees monitor no more than two self-checkout stations at a time and that self-checkout lanes are limited to purchases of 10 or fewer items. This is an astonishing case of government overreach. Politicians should absolutely not involve themselves in the intricacies of how grocery stores are run. Indeed, that they even think this is an area they should focus on is concerning. Retailers are more than capable of determining the self-checkout policies that work for them and their customers. Ironically, one of the aims of the bill is reducing theft. Here's an idea: perhaps increase the consequences of stealing rather than trying to regulate the problem away. Thanks to USA TODAY for including my thoughts in this article... https://lnkd.in/gP_dGQtn #retail #retailnews #regulation #selfcheckout #theft

Great news for retailers! If you've been grappling with theft, relief is on the horizon. New York State Governor Hochul has proposed $5 million in tax credits for retail businesses investing in commercial security. What does this mean for you? Dive into our blog to uncover the potential benefits!

Retail crime is a fraught subject, with sensational headlines and confusing numbers and terms. It's also a real problem for retailers and their customers. California Gov. Gavin Newsom just signed a suite of legislation that beefs up retail crime laws in the state, with a LOT of input from retailers themselves. Here's more information about the new laws, and as well as a ballot initiative that California voters will consider in November. Still missing from the discussion and even the policymaking? Concrete numbers about the impact of retail crime on the industry. https://lnkd.in/e8dDkdxU

Let’s talk about California. In my interview with Fox Business Network, I talk about how the CA Senate Bill 1446 could impact businesses across the state.   It aims to eliminate self-checkout options in grocery and retail drug stores. We advocate for consumers and businesses to choose how they service their customers.   If #SB1446 becomes law, retailers would need to assign one employee for every two self-checkout stations. This could inadvertently tie up valuable team members, leaving them less available to assist store guests.   #VYX Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eDsajsj9

Retailers face a difficult dilemma when deploying AP solutions. If they are perceived as doing too little they not only risk increased criminal activity and financial losses but also the potential ire of some politicians and law enforcement who have not been educated on the full impact that implementing these solutions can have on a retailer. If a retailer goes overboard in deploying AP strategies this can prove costly in the form of capital expenditure as well as a loss in sales and pushback from their honest customers who don't want to be inconvenienced and shop in what they perceive as a non-customer friendly environment. https://lnkd.in/guMhzYBm

*Thank you to the Governor for signing this legislation on December 14, 2024!* Important update from the Pennsylvania Capitol on Organized #Retail Crime. A special thanks to Senator Argall for sponsoring this important legislation and the Senate and House leadership for their help along with the committees and all the members who supported this bill. Also, our coalition partners who helped push this over the finish line, thank you! #PFMA LAUDS PASSAGE OF #LEGISLATION TARGETING ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME 12/14/2023   Following the passage of SB 596 in the General Assembly today, #Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association President and CEO Alex Baloga released the following statement: “PFMA was proud to lead a #coalition in support of SB 596, legislation which provides needed updates to Pennsylvania's laws to address this increasingly pervasive and dangerous form of retail theft carried out by criminal organizations for profit. “The fact is, organized retail crime represents almost a $100 billion issue for the retail industry, and PFMA’s retail members, chiefly groceries and convenience stores, are in the crosshairs. We are grateful for the leadership of Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill), sponsor of the legislation, and the other lawmakers, businesses, trade associations and stakeholders who shared our support for this measure. I urge Governor Shapiro to sign this important piece of legislation into law.” In addition to updating Pennsylvania’s organized retail theft statute, SB 596 establishes a new task force under the authority of the state Attorney General to target and prosecute the individuals coordinating and leading this criminal activity. The bill now goes to the desk of Governor Josh Shapiro for his signature. #stores #foodindustry #business #news https://lnkd.in/dRGaqPxg Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association Pennsylvania State Senate Office of Governor Josh Shapiro Pennsylvania House of Representatives The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia PA Chamber of Business and Industry Pennsylvania Retailers Association

If you have a retail business and are struggling with theft, we have good news! The New York State Governor recently proposed $5 million in tax credits for retail businesses that invest in commercial security. What could this mean for you? Find out by reading our blog below. https://lnkd.in/eDS6MBSn 

Retail crime has a profound impact that extends far beyond financial losses. Recently, I have heard many distressing stories from retailers who are facing the consequences of this criminal behavior, not just in their businesses but in their personal lives as well. We are talking about dedicated individuals who contribute positively to their communities yet find themselves subjected to alarming and unjust behavior far too frequently. It is important to remember that this issue affects not only independent retailers; larger chains are also grappling with this epidemic. No one, regardless of their location or the size of their business, should have to endure such abuse while simply trying to do their jobs. To all members of the retail community, I urge you to prioritize your well-being and not hesitate to seek support when needed. There are resources available, including excellent organizations like NewsTraid and GroceryAid, among others within our community. Together, we can navigate through this challenging time. Achieving meaningful change requires our collective strength, and it's crucial that our voices are amplified to reach government, law enforcement, the judiciary, and society at large. This was a vital message that Fiona emphasized at the recent Labour Party conference. Let’s unite in the fight against retail crime and advocate for the respect and safety that everyone in our profession deserves.

Although an older story, I'm sharing due to recent personal experience. Most major grocery store chains in Virginia ask to scan the bar code on the back of your DL for purchase of age-restricted items such as alcohol. While the the code contains extensive personal info and varies state-by-state, this is an over collection of sensitive personal info. The only data the merchant needs is whether you were born after a certain date. https://lnkd.in/evhdZW52