The surge in organized retail crime is significantly impacting consumers, retailers, workers and the communities they serve. In response to this crucial issue, NRF has designated Oct. 26 as Fight Retail Crime Day — an annual event that mobilizes the entire retail business community to advocate for effective solutions in combating this problem.
According to NRF’s 2023 National Retail Security Survey, internal and external theft accounted for nearly two-thirds (65%) of retailers’ shrink. Even more concerning, 67% of retailers also noted an increase in ORC-related violence and aggression compared with the previous year.
It’s clear that addressing these crimes requires a collective effort — which is why NRF is uniting the industry to call for action and raise awareness. Here are three ways you can join NRF and the retail industry to help fight retail crime.
During Fight Retail Crime Day, NRF is empowering all retail advocates to take action in support of policies that enhance community safety and address the growing issue of retail crime, including the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. This bipartisan, federal solution would establish a national coordination center, combining expertise and resources from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and retail industry representatives to curb organized retail crime.
NRF will also be advocating for passage of CORCA during a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol at 9 a.m. ET on Oct. 26. Remarks will be provided by NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay, as well as CORCA co-sponsors Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio; Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev.; and Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev.
The NRF 2023 Fight Retail Crime Day Fly-in will see over 50 retail leaders representing nearly 30 brands taking to the halls of Congress to meet directly with lawmakers, urge them to support CORCA and share stories on how rising retail crime affects their stores, associates and communities directly.
NRF has also named nearly 90 lawmakers as “Retail Crime Fighters” in recognition of their commitment to fighting retail crime by sponsoring CORCA. These lawmakers will receive a digital "Proud to be a retail crime fighter" badge to post on their social media accounts as a visible symbol of appreciation and support.
Fight Retail Crime Day will rally thousands of retail advocates in a collective grassroots call to action with the aim of delivering a significant volume of messages supporting CORCA to Capitol Hill. Last year, we sent more than 800 messages to Congress on Fight Retail Crime Day and our goal is to far exceed that number. We encourage anyone interested in joining our effort to take action through our grassroots alert and share the link with their networks.
Learn more about Fight Retail Crime Day and sign up to receive all the latest news here.