Loss Prevention in 2012

Well, 2011 is almost history as we are 11 days away from the end of the holiday shopping season.  Retail sales headlines have been mixed from positive sales comps to flat over LY.  If there is one number that is trending higher is online sales.  It is obvious customers are using their tablets and computers more instead of heading to the mall.

For many retailers the hard work of the year does not end in December.  Managing merchandise returns and preparing for inventory come to mind.  Many retailers complete their inventories in January, thus adding onto the work load of the season.

So what does 2012 look like?  Here are my thoughts...

*  The U.S. will avoid a recession, but sales will continue to be challenging.
*  Consumers will continue to favor "bargain" type stores.  They are looking for value.
*  Housing will continue to trend down.  The number of homes going into foreclosure is still too high.
*  Taxes are going to increase.  Sorry, we owe too much.
*  ORC will increase and become more of a focus for all.
*  More advertising will move from print to online.
*  If the unemployment rate drops below 8%, Obama will get re-elected.
*  New store concepts will open.
*  Shortage numbers will stay flat, not decrease.  Need sales increases to drive the percent down.
*  Europe will figure out their mess.  Sorry to extend their work schedules and retirement ages.

As for the stock market, it could be the bargain of the decade.  Earnings for the S and P 500 are expected at 110.00 per share.  That puts the forward P/E at 11.00.  With some good news in the World and a move up in the P/E ratio to 15, the stock market could move up to 1,500 giving investors a 25% return.  The wealth affect drives sales.

So those are my thoughts....hoping for a better 2012.

Steve

LPDT, LLC offers the only E-Learning training for Retail Loss Prevention at www.LossPreventionAcademy.com. In addition,we offer a FREE job and resume posting board for Loss Prevention at www.LPjobsFREE.com. Check out our awareness posters for shortage and safety at www.LPPosters.com. You can follow us on Twitter under LPACADEMYcom and Facebook under Loss Prevention Academy.