Canadian Retailer - Store 2017 - 8

UNDER THE BANNER

PROTECTING
THE BUSINESS
Retail LP veteran overseeing
protection of Rexall assets
BY SEAN C. TARRY

ANDY Buchanan has amassed nearly 25 years of

experience within the discipline of loss prevention, beginning his career in the Canadian Armed
Forces where he was fortunate enough to have been
chosen for a four- year NATO Tour in Europe.
Buchanan began his private sector career with
Argosy Investigations in 1989. He was named Vice
President of Canada Security Corporation in 1993.
He entered the hallowed halls of retail with Home
Depot where he spent more than a decade. During
his time at Home Depot he was also proud to have
been dispatched as the only ex-pat on the ground
as Director at The Home Depot China.
In 2010, Buchanan accepted the daunting challenge of building a department from the ground up
as AVP at Mark's Work Wearhouse, a subsidiary of
Canadian Tire Corporation.
In January of this year he accepted the role of Director of Profit Protection with the Rexall Pharmacy Group where he enjoys the benefit of a seasoned
and professional team with whom he can continue
to collaborate and deliver.
While with Mark's, he was twice honoured (2012
and 2015) with the Retail Council of Canada Excellence in Retailing Award for programs developed under his leadership. He has served within the
industry and his profession at the most senior levels
on related councils, associations and organizations,
including the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) Loss
Prevention Committee, Board member of Peel Regional Crimestoppers and as a member of ASIS.

CANADIAN RETAILER

| THE LOSS PREVENTION ISSUE

GET TO KNOW ANDY BUCHANAN
Candid questions from Canadian Retailer elicit candid
responses from Rexall Pharmacy Group's Director
of Profit Protection and speaker at RCC's 2017 Loss
Prevention Conference.
What makes a great leader?
The ability to objectively and honestly self-reflect and a
willingness to course correct when needed.
What's your favourite getaway locale?
Palm Springs. My fiancé and I have a place down there and
are always marking the calendar until our next flight.
What's more important-education or experience?
I think a balance of the two makes the strongest
performers. But, if I had to choose, I would take
experience over education every time.
What's your favourite mobile device?
I would be lost without my iPad.
Do you shop in-store or online?
I am a very tactile shopper so I do prefer in-store. I want
to feel the merchandise and experience the brand.
Which do you prefer-fiction or non-fiction?
Definitely non-fiction. True Crime is the only genre for me.
How would you describe your management style-
hands-on or hands-off?
I like to think I'm a mix of both. I love being engaged and
involved but am also a strong believer in empowerment.
What's the next big game-changer in retail?
Product Immediacy. The process from purchase to return
or retain is a shorter cycle today, and one that will only
become shorter as technology and new service models
are developed and exploited.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Retailer - Store 2017