4 questions for J.Crew’s vice president of loss prevention

J.Crew Vice President of Loss Prevention Nicole Accardi

Nicole Accardi, vice president of loss prevention at J.Crew, has been with the retailer for nearly two decades, following stints at Gap, Marshall’s and Lord & Taylor. Her longevity in the field of loss prevention is noteworthy, and she has plenty of stories to share about cases she’s worked on and challenging encounters.

Still, what stands out about Accardi is her commitment to advancing the role of women in loss prevention and asset protection, and her dedication to mentoring those who are just beginning their careers.

She is a member of the NRF Loss Prevention Council, where she leads its Leaders and Achievers Committee and the Women in Loss Prevention Network. Accardi will conduct a panel discussion at the upcoming NRF PROTECT conference during a Women at PROTECT program; she is also part of a feature stage panel set to explore managing business through crises.

Susan Reda, vice president, content at NRF, recently spoke with Accardi about her career and where the industry is headed.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen over the years you’ve worked in loss prevention/asset protection?

Over my 30-plus-year career, the role of the LP/AP professional has evolved from theft deterrence to a sophisticated, tech-driven discipline centered on safety, shrink and strategic risk mitigation.

One of the most significant shifts has been the increase in organized retail crime and violent theft. What was once limited to platforms like eBay has exploded into anonymous online marketplaces, enabling ORC groups to quickly and profitably resell stolen goods. These groups are now more aggressive, organized and violent, often using strong-arm tactics and staying just below felony thresholds to avoid prosecution. And despite ongoing efforts to strengthen legislation and law enforcement partnerships, meaningful support remains limited.

With this heightened aggression, protecting employees and customers has become a top priority. Retailers are adopting non-confrontational policies, training teams in de-escalation and investing in deterrents like uniformed guards, off-duty officers and enhanced CCTV. Today, LP/AP is as much about safety as it is about theft prevention.

The rise of ecommerce has expanded the loss prevention landscape. Digital fraud ranging from stolen credit cards and return abuse to “friendly fraud” and ORC-fueled resale requires a seamless integration of physical and digital strategies, real-time data and strong cross-functional alignment.

As a result, technology has fundamentally transformed how we manage shrink. We’ve moved from reactive tactics to predictive, intelligence-led models. AI-powered video analytics detect suspicious behavior in real time. RFID enables item-level tracking and benefit denial. Exception reporting uncovers theft trends, training gaps and operational breakdowns. Emerging tools like biometrics and facial recognition are already on the horizon.

What trends or emerging threats do you foresee impacting the retail industry in the next few years?

First, organized retail crime will continue to escalate in both scale and sophistication. We’re already seeing coordinated, tech-enabled theft operations, some with international ties, and I expect these groups will further exploit legal loopholes, digital payment systems and online resale platforms to move stolen goods faster and with more anonymity.

Second, cyber-enabled fraud and omnichannel exploitation will grow. As retailers expand into ecommerce, digital theft will increase in quantity and complexity. LP/AP will need to be just as fluent in data analytics and cybersecurity as in physical deterrence.

Third, employee safety will remain a central concern. The increase in violent encounters such as flash mobs, aggressive theft and even active shooter incidents will continue to push us toward non-confrontational policies, deeper investments in training and more robust physical security measures.

On the technological side, AI and predictive analytics will become core tools, helping us detect suspicious behavior, identify threats and act proactively rather than reactively to safeguard people and physical assets.

Lastly, resource constraints will continue. Fewer LP/AP staff, tighter budgets and rising shrink will force us to become more strategic and prioritize smarter with measurable and scalable solutions. Collaboration across departments, industries and law enforcement will become even more essential.

Thinking about the technology of the moment — AI — do you consider it a blessing or a curse? And why?

AI is both a blessing and a responsibility.

From a loss prevention/asset protection standpoint, artificial intelligence is a powerful tool. It will help us do more with less. It will continue to allow us to flag suspicious behaviors and transactions, identifying patterns that could take a human team days or weeks to uncover. It enhances our ability to act proactively, prioritize high-risk areas and ultimately protect both people and product more effectively. In that sense, it’s amazing.

But with that power comes responsibility and risks. AI is only as good as the data behind it, and if we’re not careful, we risk over-relying on it or using it in ways that raise privacy, ethical or legal concerns. It can never fully replace human judgment, field experience or instinct, especially in a field like loss prevention/asset protection, where context and nuance matter.

While I believe AI is a game-changer for our industry, I also believe it must be used thoughtfully, ethically, and with trained professionals. If we get that balance right, it’s an incredible asset. If we don’t, it could create unintended consequences such as liability and reputational damage to our organizations and our industry.

What’s the most important thing you learned from a mentor/colleague as you came up through the ranks?

One of the most important lessons I learned early in my career is that you must bring it every single day. Show up, stay focused and never cut corners, especially when no one’s watching. Consistency, integrity and how you carry yourself matter. Over time, those around you will take notice. Respect is earned through the standards you uphold, not just the results you deliver.

For those new to the industry, understand that leadership is critical, and it isn’t defined by title. It’s reflected in your actions, attitude and accountability. Again, how you carry yourself sets the tone for how others see you.

Just as important is loyalty. It builds trust, strengthens relationships and shows that you're committed to something bigger than yourself. In this industry, leadership and loyalty aren’t just values — they’re your foundation.

Frankly, this is the advice I learned and continue to share with anyone new to the LP/AP industry. I launched and will lead the Leaders and Achievers Committee because when I started in LP, diversity was often synonymous with the inclusion of women. That was the focus because that was the reality. Today, the focus must be broader, addressing everyone new to the profession, and we must be just as intentional.

The next generation is smart, driven and highly educated. With the right support, guidance and opportunity, they’ll take this industry to new heights. We owe it to them and to this incredible profession that continues to evolve and grow.