As we move into a new decade of the 2020s, the magazine is looking forward to not only continuing our editorial focus on “all things asset protection” as we say in our masthead tag line, but also expanding our editorial as the scope of loss prevention and retail evolves.
Supply Chain
Several years ago, we increased our content of articles on supply chain given the growth of omni-channel retailing with its dependence on accurate inventory and multichannel delivery and returns. The emergence of buy-online, pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) and buy-online, return-in-store (BORIS) has made supply chain logistics an integral player in the success of retail. While some LP professionals may not have direct responsibility for corporate supply chain security, most all will be impacted by the success (or not) of their company’s supply chain efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to understand supply chain operations. See our January–February 2020 cover story “The Long and Winding Road: LP Looks to Help Better Control the Supply Chain” and our Supply Chain column on “LP Russia Style.”
Cyber Security
The same is now true for cyber security. Yes, while information technology departments typically “own” the responsibility for cyber security, the gap between IT and AP is rapidly narrowing as loss prevention and asset protection teams partner internally to provide physical security protections for customer and corporate data networks and aid in investigations of data breaches. Thus, traditional LP associates and executives must have at minimum a working understanding of cyber security tactics and strategies.
You will find a new Cyber Security column in our print magazine going forward to increase our editorial on this subject. This topic in this first column is “Cyber vs. Physical Security: What Do CEOs Care About?” While we’ve covered cyber security and data protection for some time on our digital channel, LossPreventionMedia.com, we will begin more coverage in our print edition with this column and feature articles throughout the year.
Shoplifter Education
Educational diversion programs for first-time and low-level shoplifters have been in place for years. However, increasing felony levels in many states and overwhelmed law enforcement and criminal justice systems have negatively impacted retailers’ response to misdemeanor offenders.
A coalition of retailers and solutions providers has partnered with the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) to work toward a solution. Every retail asset protection executive needs to read this article and consider joining in this effort.
Recruiting College Students
It is amazing how many university students, even those in criminal justice programs, do not have an understanding of the role of loss prevention in retail nor the career opportunities in our industry. While some retailers visit career days at various universities, most do not have programs to bring interns into their organizations to offer them a close up and personal experience with loss prevention.
Longtime LP executive Karl Langhorst, now an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati, explores how to start an internship program and the benefits it accrues for both the student and the company. Check out his article here.
Sandy Kennedy Retires
Sandy Kennedy, president and CEO of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, retired from RILA effective December 31, 2019, after 17 years. During her tenure, the industry has changed dramatically, and retailers have evolved to meet consumers’ demands. Sandy shared her thoughts with LPM on the retail industry and the asset protection profession.
This is just a glimpse of the content contained in this first print issue of 2020. We are considering other ways to expand our editorial to give our readers wide-ranging insights into the multitude of topics that impact your personal and professional lives. Let us know if you would like to see content on topics we are not currently addressing. Contact us at editor@LPportal.com.
All the print content is available online here or you can see our flipbook PDF version of the print magazine here. If you would like to receive a free subscription to our print magazine, request it here.
January–February 2020 Table of Contents
Magazine Features
A Long and Winding Road: LP Looks to Help Better Control the Supply Chain
A National Shoplifting Prevention Coalition: Driving Change Together as an Industry
Incident Reporting Best Practices: The Key to Moving Unknown to Known Shrink
How to Set Up a New Team for Success from Day One
Interviewing
The Words Matter
LPM Excellence
LPM Magpie Awards: Read Hayes, Excellence in Partnerships
LPM Magpie Awards: Shane Sturman, Excellence in Partnerships
Diversity & Inclusion
Leveraging Diversity to Enhance the Customer Shopping Experience
Certification
Expanding Your Loss Prevention IQ
Cyber Security
Cyber Security vs. Physical Security: What Do CEOs Care About?
Future of LP
2020 Retail Trends That Will Impact Asset Protection
Evidence-Based LP
Signature Alerts Help Deter Offenders to Minimize Losses
Supply Chain
Loss Prevention Russian Style
Parting Words
Closing Thoughts from Sandy Kennedy