Loss Prevention Going Digital - In Person Meeting Agenda

Over time, the work of those in loss prevention has evolved from merely being regarded as thief catchers to now being viewed as essential business partners, often helping their organisations effectively implement and manage key changes, such as the introduction of self-checkout, ensuring that business profitability remains protected.

However, and despite the considerable growth of e-commerce, many loss prevention leaders claim not to be that heavily involved in the management of what are believed to be the considerable and growing losses associated with this type of retailing: from the payment [or not] of goods, despatch problems, goods lost in transit, forwards and backwards, through to the exit of returned products that cannot be re-sold.  

In October 2023, ECR Retail Loss will host a unique in-person meeting, bringing together senior leaders from loss prevention teams representing retailers from around the world, to explore the changing nature of loss prevention and its future role in the management and control of e-commerce.

Delegates, via case studies, an innovation showcase, and brainstorming sessions, will have the opportunity to leave the meeting with a more detailed and comprehensive overview as to how they might shape and invest in their digital loss prevention capabilities and indeed, overall future loss prevention priorities. In addition to the core agenda, there will also be plenty of time for informal catch ups, including an evening networking event.

Meeting Objectives

Ultimately, the purpose of the meeting is to give delegates clear and actionable outcomes from attending, including:

1)      Gaining unique insights from case study reviews, benchmarking, and brainstorming sessions that can inform how they can build and improve their e-commerce loss prevention capability.

2)      Acquiring a clearer understanding of new innovations in technology, data analytics, tracking, etc can support the digital loss prevention team.

3)      Establishing new contacts with an effective and trusted network of loss prevention leaders.

Meeting Agenda

Wednesday October 18th    

From 11.30am: Arrivals & Coffee

12.00 Start: Introductions, Expectations & Agenda (includes light working lunch)

To set the scene, and start conversations early, each participant will be expected to share their top two most recent loss prevention ‘successes’ offline and / or online, together with their top two ambitions for the next 12 months.

1.00pm: E-commerce Research Update (Professor Adrian Beck)

Professor Beck will share key learnings from recent ECR research focused upon developing a better understanding of the types of losses associated with e-commerce retailing.

1.30pm: Coffee

2.00pm: THG Business Overview and Digital Loss Prevention Capability overview.

The Hut Group will share a strategy overview of their business strategy, and introduce their capabilities to help ensure profitable ecommerce sales.

3.30pm: Coffee

3.45pm: Reflections on Ecommerce Loss Prevention Capability - What are the Key Learning Points?

Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss the key learning points from the site visit.

4.45pm: E-commerce Loss Innovation Showcase – Speed Dating

Small groups of 3-4 retailers will each ‘speed date’ with representatives from ten of the hottest start-ups/innovators in e-commerce loss prevention.

6.00pm: Informal Networking Evening

A chance to relax, enjoying drinks and pizza with peers in an informal setting.

8.00pm: Close

Thursday October 19th

8.00am: Coffee and Light Breakfast

8.30am: Day One Review

Participants will have the opportunity to share their learnings from the first day.

9.00am: Evolution of Loss Prevention (Retailer Case Studies)

In this session, loss prevention leaders will share highlights and key achievements from both their strengthened offline and online loss prevention programme

10.00am: Coffee

10.45am: Brainstorm – Priority Setting

In small groups, loss prevention leaders will be asked to think about both their ‘offline’ and ‘online’ businesses, and brainstorm what they believe should be the top 2-3 loss prevention priorities for each, sharing back their findings with the rest of the group.

12.30pm: Reflections, Benefits, Concerns and Next Steps

Participants will be given the opportunity to reflect upon their original expectations for the meeting and their own ambitions for the management and control of e-commerce activities over the next 12 months, including how these may have changed in light of the topics covered and discussions held as part of the meeting.

1.00pm: Close

Meeting Location

The Hut Group (THG) Studios, 7-9 Sunbank Lane, Altrincham WA15 0AF.

Costs

There will be no cost to participate and attend, other than the participants’ own travel and accommodation costs. 

Next Steps

If your business is interested in sending participants, please send confirmation to colin@ecrloss.com