The National Retail Federation (NRF) has voiced its strong support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, a legislative initiative introduced by key figures in Congress: Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Representative Dave Joyce (R-Ohio). This bill addresses the growing and multifaceted crisis of Organized Retail Crime (ORC), which is having a severe impact on retailers, their employees, and customers across the nation.
David French, Executive Vice President of Government Relations at the NRF, expressed the urgency of tackling this issue. He emphasized that ORC has become a multibillion-dollar problem, infiltrating every corner of the retail sector, from supply chains and physical stores to warehouses and e-commerce platforms. Stolen goods are often resold for profit, sometimes to fund further criminal activities. This widespread problem threatens not just the financial well-being of businesses but also the safety and security of communities.
To combat ORC, the new legislation proposes the establishment of an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center. This center will foster collaboration between local, state, federal, and private-sector partners, ensuring a robust sharing of resources and intelligence. The goal is to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of organized theft rings that cause widespread disruption and economic damage. French believes this approach is crucial for halting the expansion of ORC into local communities, which are often left vulnerable to these crimes.
The NRF's support for this bill underscores the importance of swift congressional action. French and the NRF leadership have praised Chairman Grassley, Senator Cortez Masto, and Representative Joyce, along with their bipartisan co-sponsors, for their continued dedication to addressing one of the retail industry’s most pressing challenges. The NRF has called on Congress to fast-track the approval of this critical legislation.
According to NRF's 2024 report, The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence, the situation is growing more severe. A staggering 73% of surveyed retailers report that shoplifters are showing increased aggression and violence compared to the previous year. Furthermore, an overwhelming 94% of retailers believe that federal legislation is essential to effectively combat the escalating threat of ORC. These statistics highlight the urgency of the matter, with retailers demanding stronger legal protections to help curb theft and protect their employees and customers.
The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 is seen as a vital step in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the retail industry. By bringing together a coordinated national effort to tackle ORC, it aims to restore order and prevent further harm to the retail sector and its stakeholders.