Frank Johns is the senior vice president of stores, audit, ethics, compliance and loss prevention at A.C. Moore. Recently, RILA had the chance to interview him. Find out what Frank views as challenges to the loss prevention field and what technology he believes has the most potential to change the way retailers view loss prevention.
1. What is the biggest challenge your department faces right now?
Our biggest challenge is driving down our shrinkage numbers in an environment of diminishing sales volume. We have a need to focus more on dollars versus percent, which is being deleveraged during the recession.
2. What new technology has the potential to change the way retailers view loss prevention?Integration of CCTV, POS exception reporting, EAS, traffic counters, etc. The technology to bring all of these tools together into an integrated "dashboard" is what the LP executive needs now and in the future to have the ability to manage an ever increasing store count.
3. Who do you feel is the most influential person in the loss prevention field, and why?Brad Brekke at Target. I think Brad has been very influential on many issues that affect retailers in the areas of shrink reduction and the technology to reduce it. Also, public/private partnerships, Target has led the way in this area in law enforcement, charities, colleges, etc. Also, in driving legislation that benefits the retail LP community.
4. What was your first job in retail?
It was selling sewing machines and vacuums at Montgomery Ward.
5. What books are you reading now?
Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer and Bold Fresh by Bill O'Reilly.
6. What is your favorite quote?"Speed is life."
7. What is your favorite non-job-related pastime?Golf.
8. What is the one thing your co-workers do not know about you?I like to play Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
9. If you could invite any four people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would you invite and why?
Jesus Christ - I would like to know why he created us.
George Washington - I would like to know his opinion on what our country has become.
My Mom and Dad - Both are deceased, and I would love to have dinner with them one more time.