The retail industry has long been a cornerstone of our communities, providing essential goods, jobs, and economic vitality. However, in recent years, a dark shadow has loomed over this sector: the surge in organized retail crime (ORC). This criminal activity not only impacts retailers but also affects consumers, employees, and the communities they serve. In response to this growing challenge, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has taken a bold step by designating today, October 26th, as "Fight Retail Crime Day." This event serves as a rallying cry to mobilize the entire retail business community in advocating for effective solutions to combat retail crime.
Before delving into the significance of Fight Retail Crime Day, it's crucial to understand the gravity of the issue at hand. The NRF's 2023 National Retail Security Survey reveals that retailers reported an 88% increase with shoplifters. Even more alarming is the fact that 67% of retailers reported a surge in ORC-related violence and aggression compared to the previous year. 53% reported an increase with repeat offenders, and a 41% increase with juvenile shoplifters. This underscores the urgent need for a unified response.
The Goals of Fight Retail Crime Day is a call to action.
It aims to achieve several critical objectives:
Advocate for Change: On this day, NRF empowers retail advocates to support policies that promote community safety and address the rising tide of retail crime, most notably the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). This bipartisan legislation seeks to establish a national coordination center that brings together resources from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and the retail industry to curb organized retail crime.
Connect with Leading Policymakers: The NRF 2023 Fight Retail Crime Day Fly-in sees industry leaders from almost 30 brands taking their concerns directly to Congress. They will urge lawmakers to support CORCA and share personal stories that shed light on how retail crime affects their stores, employees, and communities.
Take Action: Individual involvement is vital. On Fight Retail Crime Day, you can contact your representative in Congress and request their support for CORCA. NRF has recognized lawmakers as "Retail Crime Fighters" for their sponsorship of CORCA, offering a badge to display on their social media accounts as a symbol of appreciation.
Activate the Retail Community: The ultimate goal of Fight Retail Crime Day is to mobilize thousands of retail advocates in a collective grassroots call to action. The aim is to deliver a substantial volume of messages supporting CORCA to Capitol Hill, far exceeding the previous year's efforts.
Fight Retail Crime Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It's a critical opportunity to address the pressing issue of organized retail crime, which affects us all. By joining the NRF and the retail industry in this effort, you can make a real difference in enhancing community safety and protecting the retail sector. Whether you're a retailer, consumer, or concerned citizen, your support on October 26th can contribute to meaningful change in the fight against retail crime.
Until real change happens, retailers and brands can use Apollo Retail for our device security solutions. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, these solutions provide retailers with the tools they need to safeguard their valuable devices and inventory. With features like secure locking mechanisms, alarms, and real-time tracking, Apollo Retail's device security solutions not only act as a strong deterrent to potential thieves but also enable swift recovery in case of theft. By integrating these innovative solutions, retailers can reduce the financial losses associated with theft, enhance store security, and ultimately provide a safer shopping environment for their customers and employees. For more information, reach out to marketing@apolloretail.com.
As always, stay informed, get involved, and be part of the solution to fight back against retail crime. Together, we can create safer and more prosperous communities for everyone. Click here to reach out to congress and have your voice heard!