PUBLISHER’S LETTER

LP Research Needs Your Support

How does a loss prevention executive make choices about what programs and technologies to implement in his or her company? It used to be mostly determined by trial-and-error based on their own experience or the experiences of their peers—so-called “gut feeling.” Although personal experience and networking with peers are still important considerations to contemporary professionals, more and more decisions are being influenced by research.

For the past fifteen years, ECR Europe has conducted loss prevention research through their Shrinkage and On-Shelf Availability group. We have published some of the results from their studies over the years. Currently, our sister publication, LP Magazine EU, is publishing a series of articles by Colin Peacock that shares some of the findings. His articles “15 Years and 15 Best Practices That Can Help Retailers Sell More and Lose Less” in the Autumn edition and “The 11 Habits of Low-Shrink Retailers,” in the current Winter edition are both well-worth your reading. You can check them out at LPportal.eu.

For almost the same length of time, the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) based at the University of Florida has been conducting research for its retailer and vendor members. Dr. Read Hayes, the LPRC managing director and chief scientist, has been an ongoing contributor to our magazine with his Evidence-Based LP column.

I have been associated with the LPRC as an advisor for most of the past ten years. I recently attended the organization’s tenth annual conference where both members and guests not only hear about some of the research results, but actually contribute to determining what research is conducted each year. The information available through the LPRC is definitely contributing to better decision-making and return-on-investment by LPRC members. It’s an organization worth checking out at LPresearch.org.

The University of Florida’s Dr. Richard Hollinger, also a magazine contributor since 2001, continues to publish the well-known National Retail Security Survey in conjunction with the National Retail Federation. You can request a copy of the latest NRSS study by contacting Dr. Hollinger at rhollin@ufl.edu. The Retail Industry Leaders Association, Food Marketing Institute, and other associations are also engaged in studies that support the LP industry.

One of the only worldwide studies of LP trends is the Global Retail Theft Barometer, which is conducted every two years. In early November the magazine hosted a webinar that presented the highlights of the 2013–2014 study. You can access the archived webcast at our website, LPportal.com. You can also visit GlobalRetailTheftBarometer.com to request a copy of the study.

I mention all these various studies and research organizations to encourage you and your company to get involved. While great strides have been made over the past ten to fifteen years, there is much more to be done. Research requires a long-term commitment of both time and money to achieve results. It can only be done successfully as an industry-wide effort. While the commitment is a significant one, the positive impact to the retail industry is even more significant.

Jack Trlica Editor and Publisher

LossPrevention, LP Magazine, and LP Magazine EU are service marks owned by the publishers and their use is restricted. All editorial content is copyrighted. No article may be reproduced by any means without expressed, written permission from the publisher. Reprints or PDF versions of articles are available by contacting the publisher. Statements of fact or opinion are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the publishers. Advertising in the publication does not imply endorsement by the publishers. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any article or advertisement.

MAGAZINE

700 Matthews Mint Hill Rd, Ste C Matthews, NC 28105 704-365-5226 office, 704-365-1026 fax EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Jack Trlica JackT@LPportal.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR James Lee, LPC JimL@LPportal.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, DIGITAL Jacque Brittain, LPC JacB@LPportal.com CONTRIBUTORS Robert L. DiLonardo Dave DiSilva Read Hayes, Ph.D., CPP Richard C. Hollinger, Ph.D. Walter Palmer, CFI, CPP, CFE Gene Smith, LPC Shane G. Sturman, CFI, CPP David E. Zulawski, CFI, CFE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Kevin McMenimen, LPC KevinM@LPportal.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Merek Bigelow MerekB@LPportal.com DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL OPERATIONS John Selevitch JohnS@LPportal.com SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGERS Kat Houston, LPQ Justin Kemp, LPQ Karen Rondeau DESIGN & PRODUCTION SPARK Publications info@SPARKpublications.com 704-844-6080 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Larry Preslar

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING MANAGER Ben Skidmore 972-587-9064 office 972-692-8138 fax BenS@LPportal.com EAST COAST REP Kristie Thymes 972-782-9841 office 972-692-8138 fax KristieT@LPportal.com

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES NEW OR CHANGE OF ADDRESS myLPmag.com POSTMASTER Send change of address forms to Loss Prevention Magazine P.O. Box 92558 Long Beach, CA 90809-2558

LossPrevention aka LP Magazine (USPS 000-710) is published bimonthly by Loss Prevention Magazine, Inc., 700 Matthews Mint Hill Rd, Ste C, Matthews, NC 28105. Print subscriptions are available free to qualified loss prevention and associated professionals in the U.S. and Canada at www.myLPmag.com. The publisher reserves the right to determine qualification standards. International print subscriptions are available for $99 per year payable in U.S. funds at www.LPportal.com. For questions about subscriptions, contact circulation@LPportal.com or call 888-881-5861. Periodicals postage paid at Matthews, NC, and additional mailing offices.

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