Washington, D.C. – The National Retail Federation (NRF) has released the results of a survey on organized retail crime (ORC) for retailers, law enforcement and public policy makers. Conducted throughout May, the report surveyed 77 retail loss prevention executives from department/big-box stores, discount, drug, grocery, restaurant and specialty retailers.

REI has finally decided to adjust its return policy, which has achieved notoriety among gear hungry consumers who often refer to the retail chain as “Return Everything Inc.” and “Rental Equipment Inc.”. Until now, the policy allowed REI members and customers to return any piece of gear purchased in-store or online at any time—now or thirty years down the road—for a full refund, no-questions-asked.

Kings Beach, Calif. – Boreas Gear, maker of outdoor travel and lifestyle packs, has partnered with local specialty retailer, Tahoe Mountain Sports, to get feedback on its latest travel backpacks. The brand has charged Tahoe Mountain Sports with finding three adventurers who will function as gear testers and submit reviews (500 – 1,000 words) and at least three pictures of themselves using the Boreas Pack by August 6.

On 8^th Avenue and 9^th Avenue in Manhattan are the first protected bike lanes in the United States. According to a study by the New York Department of Transportation, the dedicated bike lanes have decreased injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists and other “street users” on both streets. But beyond the public safety enhancements added to the city’s transportation infrastructure, the lanes have also increased retail sales for local businesses to the tune of 49 percent.

South Shields, England - Starting this Autumn, cyclists in the UK will be able to purchase rainwear and outdoor gear from Showers Pass in their local specialty retailers. The Oregon-based company opened a UK headquarters in South Shields, a coastal town in Northern England.

Company CEO, Kyle Ranson, said that Showers Pass had seen increasing interest from European cyclists over the past several years, and a growing number of online sales were from that area. Ranson has relocated to South Shields, and his brother, Fraser Ranson, will become Showers Pass UK's managing director.

The UK line of products will include jackets, pants and Crosspoint gloves.

Katy, Texas – Katy, Texas based sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer Academy Sports and Outdoors is set to open a new store in Portland, Texas and renovate its 110,000 square-foot Corpus Christi store. The Portland location is slated to open its doors in spring of 2014.

Denver, Colo. -- ExOfficio, the adventure travel apparel brand, is opening a new flagship store in Denver's Cherry Creek North shopping district. This will be the company's fifth retail location. The store will offer technical apparel designed for travel, trekking and fishing.

Oro Valley, AZ – Outdoor retailer Summit Hut has two locations in Tucson, Ariz., but come late June or early July will close the Wetmore Road location to open a store in Oro Valley. The Oro Valley store will be located in the Oracle Crossings Shopping Center, occupying 10,669 square feet.

Build out of the new facility is underway and includes a possible area for customers to test out products. The new facility is roughly equal in size to the Wetmore store, with slightly less backend storage space. The Speedway location will remain in Tucson.