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 …
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 Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner said the restaurant selected for closure are “outdated and located in underperforming areas,” according to CEO Today.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,…
27-Year-Old Builds Beauty Empire, Takes NJ Lash Game To The Next Level 27-Year-Old Builds Beauty Empire, Takes NJ Lash Game To The Next Level
27-Year-Old Builds Beauty Empire, Takes NJ Lash Game To The Next Level For Dominique Sandu, eyelashes are more than just a beauty accessory. They’re a confidence booster and a lifelong passion. The entrepreneur and Wayne Valley High School graduate has turned her love for lashes into a thriving business, D.Sierra Lash Co., with three successful salons, a celebrity client list, and plans for national expansion. Oh, and she's only 27 years old. Sandu opened her first studio in Little Falls in 2021 at 24 years old, a leap of faith that proved to be life-changing.  “I’ve been obsessed with lashes since high school,” Sandu said. “I believe in it, I love…
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.
Gen Z Leads Black Friday Frenzy At Garden State Plaza, Smashing Sales Records Gen Z Leads Black Friday Frenzy At Garden State Plaza, Smashing Sales Records
Gen Z Leads Black Friday Frenzy At Garden State Plaza, Smashing Sales Records Shoppers flocked to the Westfield Garden State Plaza this Black Friday, making it the mall's most successful event since 2018, mall officials said. The center opened its doors at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, but eager crowds had already formed long lines outside popular stores like UGG, Sephora, Lululemon, Aritzia, and Macy’s, according to Wesley Rebisz, senior general manager of Westfield Garden State Plaza. Extended hours, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., gave shoppers more time to score deals, with the mall remaining packed well past 9 p.m. Rebisz attributed the record turnout to effective promoti…
Lidl Store Replacing Shuttered NJ Toys 'R' Us Sets Opening Date Lidl Store Replacing Shuttered NJ Toys 'R' Us Sets Opening Date
Lidl Store Replacing Shuttered NJ Toys 'R' Us Sets Opening Date Lidl is adding another North Jersey store to its fleet at the site of a shuttered Toys 'R' Us store. The budget grocery store is set to open at 599 W Mt. Pleasant Ave. (Route 10) in Livingston on Dec. 11. This new location replaces the former Toys “R” Us that closed in 2018. The grand opening celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:40 a.m., with doors opening at sunrise. Early birds can enjoy freshly baked croissants and coffee before exploring the store’s offerings. For those unable to attend, the new Lidl will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lidl promises a one-of-a-k…
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 …
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…
Two NJ Restaurants Make OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List Two NJ Restaurants Make OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List
Two NJ Restaurants Make OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List Two celebrated New Jersey dining destinations have earned spots on OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 Restaurants list, chosen entirely by diner reviews. Stella Restaurant in Ventnor and The Saddle River Inn in Saddle River represent the Garden State in this year’s rankings, which are driven by insights and reviews from verified OpenTable users. Stella Restaurant carries a rich legacy. Founded by Chef Nicholas LoBianco and his late wife, Stephanie, the Ventnor gem is the latest in a series of acclaimed LoBianco restaurants in South Jersey. Known for exceptional food and personable service, the restau…
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 In NJ, Along East Coast Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NJ, Along East Coast
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NJ, 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…
'Was This Leaked?' Popular NJ Deli Reacts To Rumored New Location 'Was This Leaked?' Popular NJ Deli Reacts To Rumored New Location
'Was This Leaked?' Popular NJ Deli Reacts To Rumored New Location Jersey City is about to get a taste of Millburn Deli. The local legend had its plans leaked — here’s what they said next. Millburn Deli, the beloved sandwich institution known for its iconic Sloppy Joes, has officially confirmed it will be opening a location in Jersey City — but not without a twist. In a cheeky Facebook post, the deli responded to leaked details of its expansion plans with humor and surprise on Thursday, Nov. 21: "Guess this is our official announcement… Jersey City coming 2025," the post read, referencing how the news had surfaced ahead of their intended reveal. The leak…
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 …
Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights' Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights'
Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights' Jersey Mike’s Subs, a Garden State icon that grew into a national sandwich powerhouse, is set to sell a majority stake to private equity giant Blackstone, officials said. The Manasquan-based restaurant chain has agreed to sell the stake in the company, Blackstone said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO Peter Cancro will keep a significant equity share and continue leading the business. When he was 14 years old, Cancro began working at the original location in Point Pleasant that opened as Mike's Subs in 1958. At 17, he bought the restaurant in 1975 and…
End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years
End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years A popular Wildwood staple is saying farewell after nearly two decades. Goodnight Irene’s, the iconic restaurant and bar at Pacific Avenue and East Poplar Avenue, announced that this weekend will be its last after 17 years. "AND THAT’S A WRAP FOLKS!" the owners shared on Facebook. "We appreciate you all more than you know." The final days of service, running through Sunday night, Nov. 17, promise to be filled with goodbyes and nostalgia. "We hope to see as many of you as possible," the Irenes family wrote, signing off with "LOVE." For countless locals and visitors, Goodnight Irene’s has b…
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 …
Popular Bergen County Brunch Spot Expanding With New Location Popular Bergen County Brunch Spot Expanding With New Location
Popular Bergen County Brunch Spot Expanding With New Location A favorite among Bergen County foodies is expanding its reach with a brand-new location. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Willow & Whisk (@willow.and.whisk) Willow & Whisk, a Wyckoff-based eatery known for its stellar brunch menu, has announced it will open its second location in Millburn later this month. Since its debut over four years ago, Willow & Whisk has become a go-to spot for brunch enthusiasts, earning an impressive 4.5 stars on Yelp from more than 500 reviewers.  The new location, set to open at 35 Mai…
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…
Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall
Look Inside NJ's First Eataly: Sprawling Store, Restaurant Open At High-End Mall Eataly is now open in the Garden State. The Italian marketplace opened its first New Jersey location at The Mall at Short Hills on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The 17,000 square foot store aim to give patrons a taste of the "authentic Italian lifestyle," according to a release. Eataly Short Hills features a 230-seat restaurant and bar, Eataly Ristorante, which offers traditional antipasti, pasta dishes, Pizza Napoletana, and main courses like chicken Milanese, alongside an extensive wine list. The store also hosts several quick-serve counters that offer grab-and-go items including coffee, pastries,…
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports A developer is planning to bring a new purpose to a shuttered and iconic amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, according to reports. Wonderland Pier owner Eustace Mita said he wants to create a 252-room hotel on the site of the theme park that closed in October, abc6 Action News reported. Mita is also the developer and CEO of ICONA Resorts. The $135 to $155 million proposal would preserve Wonderland's famous Ferris wheel and carousel. "Our thought was we will rehab it, keep it, and actually raise it by 10 feet," Mita told abc6. "That will be a $1.5 million project." A renderi…