Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting in the US is a costly epidemic, with retailers losing over $120 billion last year. The trend focuses on easily concealed, high-demand products at major retailers like Walmart and Target, posing a nationwide challenge for store owners and law enforcement. Electronics, health and beauty products, and food items are among the most commonly stolen goods, Capital One Shopping reports.  Small gadgets such as headphones and phone chargers, alongside over-the-counter medications and cosmetics, are frequent targets.  Alcohol, baby formula, and packaged meats are also popular …
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme is bringing back its annual “Day of the Dozens” promotion, offering a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $1 with the purchase of any dozen doughnuts or a 16-count of Minis at regular price.  The offer is available for in-shop and drive-thru purchases, as well as online orders. The promotion will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12, at participating locations.  Customers can redeem the offer twice in-store or via drive-thru, while online orders are limited to one redemption using the promo code “DOZEN.” The promotion coincides with Krispy Kreme’s “Elf” Holiday Collectio…
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys.  Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…
Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide
Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide Wendy’s has started planned closures of 140 restaurants across the US. The closures are part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations amid rising operational costs and stiff competition. Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner said the restaurant selected for closure are “outdated and located in underperforming areas,” according to CEO Today. The closures are expected to end by year's end. Two Ohio locations were among the first to close, according to the Dayton Daily News. Other locations of scheduled closures have not been released. Customers voiced frustr…
Healthcare Companies Boost Executive Security After CEO's Manhattan Slaying Healthcare Companies Boost Executive Security After CEO's Manhattan Slaying
Healthcare Companies Boost Executive Security After CEO's Manhattan Slaying Healthcare companies are intensifying security measures for their executives following the targeted fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan this week. The incident prompted security officials at major companies to hold a conference call on Wednesday, Dec. 4, the day of the shooting, to assess risks for their senior leadership teams, according to the Financial Times. “Could this happen to us? What are we not doing today that we could be doing?" Dave Komendat, founder of a risk management service told the outlet. "These were the questions chief sec…
McComeback! Elusive Snack Wrap Returning To McDonald's Menu After Nearly Decade McComeback! Elusive Snack Wrap Returning To McDonald's Menu After Nearly Decade
McComeback! Elusive Snack Wrap Returning To McDonald's Menu After Nearly Decade Get your dipping sauces ready. McDonald’s is bringing back its elusive Snack Wrap nearly a decade after the cult-favorite menu item flew the coop. “The Snack Wrap will be back in 2025,” McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger teased during an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Thursday, Dec. 5. “This has a cult following," he added. "I get so many emails into my inbox about this product.” When pressed for an exact date by host George Stephanopoulos, Erlinger opted to keep things under wraps, citing “competitive reasons.” The original Snack Wrap debuted in 2006, featuring a tender p…
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's Where, What's Inside Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's Where, What's Inside
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's Where, What's Inside Whole Foods Market has unveiled its first-ever 'Daily Shop,' a smaller-format store designed for urban convenience. The debut location is in New York City, in Manhattan’s Lenox Hill neighborhood. The 9,101-square-foot store at 1175 Third Avenue is tailored to meet the fast-paced needs of Upper East side residents with its compact size and curated offerings. “New York City has been home to Whole Foods for over 20 years, and we’re excited to expand our presence with this innovative new format,” said Christina Minardi, executive vice president of growth and development at Whole Food…
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down Meta is admitting that harmless content gets taken down amid criticism for its handling of moderation. “Too often, harmless content gets taken down, or restricted, and too many people get penalized unfairly,” the company's president of global affairs, Nick Glegg, told reporters on Monday, Dec. 2, according to a report in The Verge. Meta's platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. Despite advancements in AI moderation, Clegg acknowledged there is still “work to do” in ensuring fair and accurate enforcement, the report said. Meta has promised to refine its…
Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees
Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees Global hotel chain Marriott International is planning to lay off hundreds of employees by the start of the new year. According to a Maryland Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing, the company, based in Bethesda, listed 833 people slated to lose their jobs by Wednesday, Jan. 3. Despite the development, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano said business is solid. "Our business momentum is excellent, and as a company that embraces change, we continue to evolve our business to support our global growth," Capuano said in a third-quarter earnings call late last month,…
Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division
Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division Hearst Magazines has just fired around 200 employees, most of whom were assigned to the company's midtown Manhattan headquarters, according to multiple reports. Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Men's Health, Popular Mechanics, Town & Country, and Harper's Bazaar are among the titles the division of Hearts Communications publishes. Affected employees were notified in a private meeting days before Thanksgiving, according to New York Magazine. Some of the Hearst publications :were already run by a skeleton crew" after years of downsizing, the report in New York said.
Recall Issued For Produce Sold In NY, CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Recall Issued For Produce Sold In NY, CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination
Recall Issued For Produce Sold In NY, CT Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products sold in the parts of the Northeast are being recalled. Connecticut-based Gracie’s Kitchens Inc., located in New Haven, has issued the recall due to potential contamination with Listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious health risks, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves products manufactured between Monday, Nov. 4 and Wednesday, Nov. 13, and sold under the Gracie’s Kitchens, King Kullen, and Wild By Nature brands.   The products were distributed to grocery stores in New York and Connecticut. Items …
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers distributed throughout the US and Canada and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in several states have been recalled due to the risk of Salmonella contamination. Cucumber recall SunFed Produce, LLC (SunFed) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V." The recalled cucumbers were sold between Saturday, Oct. 12, through Thursday, Nov. 26, 2024. The whole fresh America…
Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US
Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US Amid the busiest shopping weekend of the holiday season, workers for Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, have gone on strike. Protesting under the banner of “Make Amazon Pay.” employees have walked off the job across six continents in 20 countries, including the United States. The strike is scheduled to last from Black Friday on Nov. 29 through Cyber Monday, Dec. 2, the UNI Global Union announced, saying protests will be held in majors cities in the US, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, India, Brazil and elsewhere. The strike could cause customers' holiday deliveries …
Popular Brand To Open New Store Celebrating 'Local Pride' In CT Popular Brand To Open New Store Celebrating 'Local Pride' In CT
Popular Brand To Open New Store Celebrating 'Local Pride' In CT A beloved brand is set to open a new retail store in Connecticut where it will offer community-inspired merchandise to residents and visitors alike. Hey Stamford!, a popular local brand known for its neighborhood pride and community spirit, will celebrate the grand opening of its new Fairfield County retail store at the Stamford Town Center at 100 Greyrock Pl., on Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m.  The store will feature a curated collection of exclusive Hey Stamford! merchandise, including branded apparel and accessories that "celebrate Stamford’s unique neighborhoods and local pride," store…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
From Gymnast To Ninja Gym Owner: How CT Coach Builds Obstacle Courses For All Ages From Gymnast To Ninja Gym Owner: How CT Coach Builds Obstacle Courses For All Ages
From Gymnast To Ninja Gym Owner: How CT Coach Builds Obstacle Courses For All Ages Thomas Alberti is on a mission to redefine fitness, transforming workouts into challenges that are as rewarding as they are fun. The former gymnast-turned-entrepreneur has opened three gyms in Hamden, Windsor, and Stamford since 2015, inspired by a chance encounter with a popular NBC show that sparked his passion for a new sport. Alberti discovered the sport after catching an episode of "American Ninja Warrior" in 2014. The show features contestants competing on grueling obstacle courses that test strength, endurance, all-around athleticism, and contestant's problem-solving skills.  “…
Spilled Water to Millions: How 2 CT Moms’ Bags Became Oprah-Approved Best-Sellers Spilled Water to Millions: How 2 CT Moms’ Bags Became Oprah-Approved Best-Sellers
Spilled Water to Millions: How 2 CT Moms’ Bags Became Oprah-Approved Best-Sellers It’s often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and two Connecticut moms have proven that true. What started as a soggy laptop bag disaster has grown into a thriving business, twice featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things and becoming an Amazon best-seller. Westport neighbors and best friends Katie Hill and Lisa Watkins founded WanderFull in 2022 to create a stylish, functional bag that could hold everything from a water bottle to a phone and other essentials. Click here to see WanderFull's Amazon page The idea stemmed from Hill, a former buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue, who noticed w…
Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says
Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says A Macy’s employee misstated up to $154 million in delivery expenses over several years, the company just said. The development forced the retailer to delay its third-quarter earnings report. The employee, whose name has not been released, has been fired. According to the company, the employee responsible for accounting small package delivery expenses made erroneous accrual entries to conceal the costs from the fourth quarter of 2021 through the most recent quarter. During that time, Macy’s reported a total of $4.36 billion in delivery expenses. The company conducted an independent investi…
McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When
McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When McDonald’s will ring in the new year by serving more for less. The fast food giant will unveil its new “McValue” menu nationwide starting on Tuesday, Jan. 7. McValue will include current fan-favorites, like the $5 Meal Deal, and a new “Buy One, Add One for $1” offer, allowing customers to mix and match their order. Breakfast options include classics like the sausage McMuffin and hash browns, while lunch offerings feature the 6-piece chicken McNuggets and double cheeseburger. McDonald’s is also extending through next summer its $5 Meal Deal, a combination of a McDouble or McChicken sandwi…
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts Along East Coast Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts Along East Coast
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts Along East Coast Imagine strolling through your local supermarket, scanning items, calculating your total, and then, skipping the checkout line? Thanks to an AI-powered "smart cart," that's now possible. This futuristic shopping experience is now a reality in select ShopRite locations in the East Coast as the supermarket chain introduces technology designed by Instacart to save shoppers time and make grocery runs smoother than ever. The so-called "Caper Carts" are designed to make grocery shopping faster, smarter, and more interactive. To date, about a dozen ShopRite stores have added the carts as another…
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products An E. coli outbreak linked to bagged organic carrots has prompted an expanded recall as the number of cases grows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 39 people across 18 states have been sickened.  Click here for a new, updated story - Here's What To Know Now About Food Illness Outbreaks, Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving The outbreak has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death. The recall initially began earlier this month when reports of illnesses linked to Grimmway Farms’ bagged carrots surfaced. The recall now covers multiple brands of orga…
Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users
Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users Apple has just issued what it calls an urgent update for iPhone and iPad users that it says provides protection two critical security vulnerabilities related to exploits of user data while browsing on these devices. The download to iOS 18.1.1 fixes issues in JavaScriptCore and WebKit that could allow attackers to execute malicious code through crafted web content.  Apple says users should install the update promptly. You can do this by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on your device. For more information on the updates from Apple, click here.
Iconic Anchor Chuck Scarborough Retiring After Record-Setting Run At NBC 4 New York Iconic Anchor Chuck Scarborough Retiring After Record-Setting Run At NBC 4 New York
Iconic Anchor Chuck Scarborough Retiring After Record-Setting Run At NBC 4 New York Iconic anchor Chuck Scarborough will step down from his role at NBC 4 New York after a 50-year career, concluding his run as the longest-serving local television news anchor in the New York City area on Thursday, Dec. 12, during the 6 p.m. newscast. The 81-year-old Scarborough, who joined the station in 1974, described his plans on the station's evening newscast on Thursday, Nov. 21 as “retirement with an asterisk,” noting he will continue contributing to special station projects and programming.  “There is only one word: gratitude,” Scarborough said. “Our WNBC viewers welcomed me into…
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk A major, nationwide recall is underway for more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef due to possible contamination with E. coli. Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, issued the recall, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced late Wednesday night, Nov. 20. The affected products include fresh ground beef with a “use by” date of Nov. 14 and frozen products marked with a production date of Oct. 22. The items, bearing establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA inspection mark, were shipped to restaurants nationwide. View the full product …
CT Frontier Customers Will Get $860K In Bill Credits Over Service Failures CT Frontier Customers Will Get $860K In Bill Credits Over Service Failures
CT Frontier Customers Will Get $860K In Bill Credits Over Service Failures Connecticut consumer protection authorities have reached an agreement with Frontier Communications to reimburse customers $860,000 for repeated failures to meet state customer service standards, officials said. The settlement between the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel and the Texas-based telecommunications firm follows the company’s failure to address out-of-service repairs promptly and to meet scheduled maintenance appointments from January 2015 to December 2023, according to a release. The money will be issued to customers as bill credits. However, it remains unclear how much each…
CT Eatery That Considers Hot Dogs An Art Form Named To Fast Food 'Bucket List' CT Eatery That Considers Hot Dogs An Art Form Named To Fast Food 'Bucket List'
CT Eatery That Considers Hot Dogs An Art Form Named To Fast Food 'Bucket List' If you're dying and dying for a hot dog, there's a Connecticut restaurant that you must try, according to a new ranking of the best fast food restaurants in the nation.  Dogtown at 664 New Haven Ave. in Milford was named one of MSN's "Bucket-List Fast Food Restaurants." The report noted the restaurant's assortment of toppings as one of the eatery's main selling points.  Dogtown is loved by Milford locals thanks to the speedy service, quality ingredients, and wide range of dogs and toppings available. Diners can either get a ‘freestyle’ hot dog and customize it with their choi…
What Spirit Airlines' Bankruptcy Means For Holiday Travelers What Spirit Airlines' Bankruptcy Means For Holiday Travelers
What Spirit Airlines' Bankruptcy Means For Holiday Travelers Spirit Airlines, the no-frills budget carrier, announced it would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy a week before a record number of people are expected to fly during the Thanksgiving holiday, reports said.  The Florida-based airline announced Monday, Nov. 18, that its debt, growing losses, and increased competition have kept the company in the red for four years, and it would need to restructure its bills to keep it in the air, NBC News reported.  However, despite its financial troubles, the airline promised passengers they would not feel any of that pain in the air.  "Guests …
Star Wars-Themed Hallmark Christmas Ornaments Recalled Due To Mold Exposure Risk Star Wars-Themed Hallmark Christmas Ornaments Recalled Due To Mold Exposure Risk
Star Wars-Themed Hallmark Christmas Ornaments Recalled Due To Mold Exposure Risk The Force is not with this one. This week, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that there is a nationwide recall of thousands of Hallmark Keepsake Christmas tree ornaments of Cad Bane, who is featured in several Star Wars shows on Disney+.  Cad Bane first appeared in the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," then in "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" before being played in the live-action series by Dorian Kingi in "The Book of Boba Fett."  According to CPSC, "the brown paint on the exterior of the recalled Christmas tree ornaments did not fully dry befo…
Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy
Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Two months after exiting bankruptcy, restaurant chain Red Lobster is unveiling a revamped menu. It features these seven new items: Lobster Pappardelle Pasta Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops Lobster Bisque Lemon Basil Mahi Simply Prepared Mahi Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Roasted Asparagus In addition, a pair of old fan-favorites that had been discontinued are back:  Popcorn Shrimp, Hush Puppies  Red Lobster is now giving guests the ability to customize their seafood favorites with the launch of "Create your Own Ultimate Feast." Customers can mix and match two premium picks such as …
Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores
Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores A nationwide auto parts retailers says it will close over 700 stores as part of “a strategic plan to improve business performance.” Advance Auto Parts, which has about 4,800 total stores, and locations in almost every state, made the announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14. The affected outlets will close by May 2025 and are made up of 523 corporate stores, and 204 independently owned locations. In addition, four distribution centers will also close. Specific locations to be closed have not yet been announced. In announcing the move, President and Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Kelly said…
'Enough Is Enough': Food Service Workers At CT Hospital Announce Plans For Strike 'Enough Is Enough': Food Service Workers At CT Hospital Announce Plans For Strike
'Enough Is Enough': Food Service Workers At CT Hospital Announce Plans For Strike Food service workers at Connecticut Hospital will go on strike later this month for what they said is a long pattern of unfair treatment and broken promises.  Represented by Connecticut Health Care Associates 1199, the workers at Norwalk Hospital have given their employer Morrison Healthcare a 10-day notice of their intent to strike beginning on Monday, Nov. 25.  The union unanimously voted for this action in September after what they allege is "bad faith bargaining," CHCA 1199 leaders said in a news release.  The dispute stems from Morrison Healthcare's decision to revoke a…