Last Friday, November 19, marked a significant milestone for asset protection professionals across the country when Walmart promoted nearly 4,000 asset protection assistant store managers to the new role of asset protection operations coach.
“This team has been on the front lines leading health and safety efforts in our stores through the pandemic, and I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough for the job they’ve done,” says Joe Schrauder, vice president of asset protection and safety at Walmart. “We’ve asked a lot, and they’ve delivered time and time again. This elevated position reflects our commitment to protecting people, ensuring products are available for customers and delivering a great in-store experience. I’ve never been prouder to be part of the AP and Safety team here at Walmart.”
The past 24 months have posed tremendous challenges for professionals across the retail industry as we’ve looked for creative ways to safely adjust to the many hurdles that have directly influenced the way we do business. Consumers around the world have been forced to adjust their buying habits and mindset in light of the many changes. Illicit activity and organized retail crime have spiked, forcing loss prevention departments to do more with less. Supply chain logistics must be appropriately managed to ensure a successful plan to deliver goods to customers. There is a heightened need to track and manage goods to meet customer demands. A sustainable business model is necessary to ensure it all runs smoothly. And all of this must be accomplished as customers ride an emotional roller coaster as they endure the rapid pace of change and the ongoing adjustments that impact our lives in so many ways.
Yet through it all, we’ve had those who have stepped up, making the transition and taking on additional responsibilities to support the business and our customers when we are needed most. Loss prevention/asset protection professionals have been a critical part of that change. Considering the difficulties and tragic complications that have changed life on a global scale, this gives us yet another example of how so many have met the challenge, protected our businesses, and helped keep us all safe.
Please join us in congratulating the entire team at Walmart for a job well done, and to the leadership at Walmart for taking this important step!