Vibrant Communities Initiative
RILA and NDAA partner to combat retail crime by connecting retailers and prosecutors, strengthening collaboration, and advancing solutions that support safer communities.
Focus Area
Retail Asset Protection
RILA works with retailers, law enforcement, and policymakers to combat organized retail crime and strengthen store safety across the industry. Our efforts focus on loss prevention, crime deterrence, and public policy solutions that protect retail employees, customers, and communities.
Our Focus
Advancing Retail’s Asset Protection Policy Priorities
Key initiatives addressing retail crime, safety, and loss prevention across the industry.
RILA Communities Foundation
The RILA Communities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening retail communities through public-private collaboration, education, and initiatives that address retail crime, support public safety, and promote vibrant local economies.
Store Walk Initiative
RILA and the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) Store Walk Initiative connects retailers with local prosecutors for a unique approach to tackling organized retail crime, habitual theft, and its impact on communities.
The Challenge of ORC: Dive Deeper
Over the past several years, retailers have seen a measurable increase in organized retail crime and habitual theft. In their hunt for a quick profit, criminals have become more brazen and violent, putting employees and shoppers in harm’s way. Explore the headlines state-by-state.
Organized Retail Crime, Counterfeits & Marketplaces
Retailers support policies that combat organized retail crime, increase transparency in online marketplaces, and stop the sale of stolen and counterfeit goods.
Retailers Report Rising Organized Retail Crime
Survey findings from retail asset protection leaders reveal a significant increase in organized retail crime incidents, including rising threats, assaults, and weapon use against store employees.
Organized Retail Crime Insights
Discover RILA insights, news, and policy updates addressing organized retail crime, including legislative developments, industry collaboration, and efforts to protect retailers and communities.
Get Involved
Asset Protection Committees
RILA’s asset protection committees bring together retail security leaders to address the safety and loss prevention challenges facing the industry. Members share intelligence, collaborate on emerging threats, and develop strategies that help protect retailers, employees, and customers.
Asset Protection Advisory Board
Senior retail asset protection executives collaborate to provide strategic guidance on loss prevention, organized retail crime, and emerging security challenges while helping shape the Retail Asset Protection Conference.Asset Protection Leaders Council
Senior asset protection executives address emerging industry challenges, share strategies, and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen retail security and operational resilience.Chief Store Officers Council
A leadership forum for senior retail executives responsible for store operations to share insights and address the evolving challenges of running retail’s front lines.Crimes Against Business Committee
Corporate and field investigation managers identify emerging criminal trends, share prevention and response strategies and risk mitigation.Workplace Safety Committee
RILA’s Workplace Safety Committee convenes retail safety professionals to share best practices, address compliance challenges, and improve workplace safety for employees and customers.Upcoming Events
RILA Committee and Council Events
Events, calls, and webinars for Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) member committees and councils. Non-members interested in joining can contact our membership team.
Industry Insights
Retail Asset Protection in the News
Media coverage, interviews, and expert perspectives highlighting the retail industry’s efforts to combat organized retail crime, improve store safety, and strengthen asset protection strategies.
"Trade group RILA says organized retail crime cost U.S. retailers nearly $70 billion in 2020. According to Brewer, retailers say it has "gotten exponentially worse" since the COVID-19 pandemic, when stores were short of staff to monitor store shelves."
CNBC spent eight months embedded with law enforcement for this piece, which includes an inside look at the takedown of a retail crime "empire" in California, orchestrated by one woman who made millions reselling her network's stolen goods on Amazon. Featuring interviews with RILA Sr. EVP of Retail Operations Lisa LaBruno
In the first in-depth interview given by a retail CEO about organized theft, Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell said e-commerce sites are contributing to organized retail crime.
"National Store Walk Month represents our next leap forward in establishing comprehensive retail crime mitigation strategies and fostering community well-being," said Lisa LaBruno, RILA's Senior Executive Vice President. "This initiative will bridge the gap between retailers and prosecutors, helping us collectively address the complex challenges our communities face."
“There is no easy solution to tackle theft and violence; we’re facing a complex, multi-faceted challenge, and it’s going to take commitments from a diverse group of stakeholders to better understand the root causes in various communities and implement solutions that acknowledge and address those larger issues,” remarked NDAA Executive Director Nelson Bunn.
"As prosecutors, we must protect the safety of retail employees and customers by holding the individuals who commit thefts, violence, and other retail-related offenses accountable for their crimes. I look forward to continued discussions with the RILA on how to uncover the criminals who profit from stolen merchandise, prevent thefts and enhance public safety for all who shop and work at our nation’s retailers,” said Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn, President of NDAA.
Get Informed About the New INFORM Consumers Act
The INFORM Consumers Act requires online marketplaces to implement major new initiatives to verify their third-party sellers and imposes significant liability for failing to take appropriate action against bad actors. The Federal Trade Commission and state enforcers are charged with enforcing the Act. Read RILA’s analysis of the INFORM Act as well as a short “cheat sheet” outline of the provisions.
CNBC Interview
How The Shadowy World Of Organized Retail Crime Works
CNBC spent eight months embedded with law enforcement for this piece, which includes an inside look at the takedown of a retail crime "empire" in California, orchestrated by one woman who made millions reselling her network's stolen goods on Amazon. Featuring interviews with RILA Sr. EVP of Retail Operations Lisa LaBruno and Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimball.
Retail Works for All of Us
Our Public Policy Priorities
Supporting Free Markets & Fair Trade
RILA advances policies that promote global trade, fair competition, supply chain resilience, and innovation across the retail industry.
Investing in People
Retailers invest in people through workforce innovation, career development, and policies that expand opportunity for workers while strengthening communities across the country.
Ensuring a Safe, Sustainable Future
Retailers support policies that strengthen product safety, protect consumer privacy, and promote responsible environmental stewardship across the retail industry.
Leading in Communities
RILA advances policies that strengthen communities, support public safety, and promote responsible environmental stewardship while helping retailers contribute to local economic growth.
Our Centers
Strategic initiatives advancing retail leadership
Through the Retail Litigation Center, Retail Compliance Center, and Retail Communities Foundation, RILA advances compliance, legal advocacy, and community impact across the retail industry.
News & Insights
Asset Protection Insights & News
Blog Post
Organized Retail Crime Is a Federal Issue—Not Just a Store Level Problem
Blog Post
Retail Crime Crackdown Steps Forward But Far from Over
Blog Post
Retail Leaders Discuss Top Product Safety Regulations
Blog Post
Combatting Retail Crime Keeping Communities Safe
Blog Post
Eleventh Circuit Vacates OSHA General Duty Clause Citation for Forklift Under-Ride Hazard
Blog Post
Retail Asset Protection conference its a wrap
