Lowe's to sell power tools that won't work if they're stolen, as retailers take increasingly desperate measures to prevent theft

Jan 10 2023 by Business Insider

 
Lowe's "Power Unlock" initiative uses RFID chips and scanners to keep power tools from working if they are stolen.

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Lowe's is combining RFID and blockchain technologies to ensure stolen products are rendered inoperable. The move comes as theft has ballooned into a nearly $100 billion problem for the retail industry. Home Depot instituted a similar initiative in 2021 to sell power tools with point-of-sale activation.

Lowe's isn't messing around with shoplifters.

Through...

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