Takeaways From NRF Protect 2015
By Erin Harris, Editor-In-Chief, Cell & Gene
Follow Me On Twitter @ErinHarris_1
Long Beach, CA was the sunny setting for this year’s NRF Protect 2015 Loss Prevention Conference & EXPO. Retail loss prevention and asset protection (AP) professionals gathered to learn about and combat today’s — and tomorrow’s — top security and safety concerns. From the significance of the Internet of Things (IoT) to cybercrime to return fraud to securing the supply chain, NRF Protect left no timely topic untouched. The aisles of the Expo floor were packed with technologies and solutions that can help retailers protect their people and their profits. In case you missed it, here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s event.
One of the most important takeaways from this year’s event was the need for LP/AP professionals to keep pace with the rapid rate of change in retail. I talked with various industry executives, presenters, attendees, and solutions providers who all stated in one form or another that loss prevention is finally ready to absorb and implement innovative technologies that benefit not only people and profits but also the entire enterprise. Another was the critical nature of hiring the right people and training them well. Loss prevention technologies are critical to protecting the brand, but without a properly trained workforce, the brand simply will not be as secure as it should be.
After the event, I checked in with some of our esteemed partners to determine their takeaways from the event. Here’s what they had to say.
“This year’s NRF Protect was one of the best attended shows to date. The eclectic mix of retailers and solution providers offered a diverse yet targeted experience for those sourcing solutions, answers, products, and innovative approaches to managing loss in today’s environment. Our retail environment has become intertwined with information technology, and as such, AP/LP leaders need to embrace and prepare to be immersed in the digital age in every way imaginable. Attending various educational sessions and walking the NRF Protect Expo floor provided glimpses of the new era of technology will be commonplace tomorrow. My hope is that retail LP/AP leadership and practitioners took note and used this event to better stock their toolbox.”
— Keith Aubele, president and CEO, Retail Loss Prevention Group
and Integrated Solutions For Retailers editorial board member
“The big takeaway was the need to apply technical talent and capabilities in the pursuit of driving results. As an example, the loss prevention professionals were open to taking home some disruptive ideas, such as return fraud management solutions (The Retail Equation) and facial recognition (FaceFirst). Both traditionally controversial at first but now viewed as probable next steps with technology. It’s an exciting time to be a part of an industry that’s changing before my eyes.”
— Joe LaRocca, VP and senior advisor, RetaiLPartners
“The NRF is trying to rebrand the annual event to make it fresh. And while I was cautiously optimistic, I felt they succeeded this year! Many of the format changes were refreshing and I heard many positive comments. The need for Loss Prevention to get involved in brand protection is even more critical in today’s environment due to ongoing cyber attacks.”
— Gene Smith, president, The Loss Prevention Foundation
What were some of your takeaways from NRF Protect 2015? Share them with us by emailing me at erin.harris@jamesonpublishing.com.