The recent cyber attack targeting pharmacies and grocery stores has sent shockwaves through the industry, highlighting the urgent need for robust digital defenses. According to this filing by United Natural Foods, operations at multiple locations were disrupted, leading to inventory shortages and unhappy customers. As a grocer, safeguarding your business against such threats is essential. Building a strong cybersecurity framework can ensure your store's data and operations remain secure. Start by conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities in your system. Employ secure payment processing methods and regularly update your software to mitigate the risk of breaches. Investing in employee training is also crucial. Educate your staff about recognizing phishing attempts and other online scams. Establish protocols for reporting suspicious activity to prevent breaches before they escalate. Stay vigilant and proactive to protect your business from f...
Retail Sales Jumped 1.4% in March — and it wasn’t just spring fever. Shoppers across the U.S. raced to stock up on big-ticket items li ke electronics, vehicles, and sporting goods — not because they needed them right away, but because they feared what was coming: tariffs. The Big Picture: Consumers, anticipating higher prices from Trump’s expanding tariffs , rushed to make major purchases. Auto sales jumped 5.3%. Electronics rose 0.8%. Sporting goods? A solid 2.4% boost. Even restaurants saw a 1.8% gain — a rare lift when economic anxiety is brewing. The Details Retailers Should Know: Grocery stores saw a modest 0.1% increase , but this may not hold: rising costs could soon shift shopper behavior. Furniture and home goods were down 0.7% , indicating that not every category benefited. Analysts warn that once shoppers finish this round of “buy now, beat the tariffs,” sales may drop — sharply. Why This Matters: Consumers expect prices to rise...