Oh...how the times have changed...

by Kevin Larson, CFI
Manager, Loss Prevention Training & Investigations
The Kroger Co.

The Loss Prevention roadmap has taken many turns over the past 5-10 years... not only in technology, leadership, philosophies, strategies and theft trends, but especially when it comes to being a LP manager and leader.

I remember when I started in the business; all I was required to do was apprehend shoplifters, build safety/shrink programs and locate dishonest associates and exit them from the business. In a nutshell, I was only required to be the Loss Prevention SME (subject matter expert).

As we have seen from the great presentations at recent conferences like, NRF and RILA this is no longer enough. We need to be a better business partner and an overall business leader. We need to not only worry about theft deterrent devices, ORC operations, access control systems, we also need to have knowledge of what makes the heartbeat of our stores tick.

I recently gave a presentation at my companies Loss Prevention Managers Conference, in which I talked to our Division Loss Prevention Managers and retail Ops Managers about what makes a successful LP store walk. In other words, when we as LP leaders walk the stores with Zone VP’s, Regional Ops Managers, District Managers and Store Managers, we need to talk know the business and talk the business before we talk about any Loss Prevention topics. Our Director of LP recently coined a phrase within our department. It is simply... bananas versus boosters or you could also say bananas before boosters. The point of his message was that we need to not only talk about LP during store visits, but we also need to talk about every other aspect of our business.

• Recap of store sales
• Current promotions, events
• Store conditions
• Customer Engagement

By doing all the above and more, when we walk each store or talk to each leader that we have contact with, we will help continue build and strengthen the bridge between Loss Prevention and leaders within our business. You need to move away from compliance-driven visits only focusing on Loss Prevention issues.

It is imperative in today’s retail world to have a holistic approach to the business. You need to drive the message of LP through the needs of your customers. And when I say customers, I mean your internal customers.

Give it a try and let me know your experiences and your partnership building success stories.