Institutional Investor Urges Retailers to Stop Appeasing Criminal Activity

WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / The American Conservative Values ETF (ACVF) implores US retailers to stop appeasing criminals and take immediate, aggressive action to combat organized theft.

As institutional investors, we believe the lack of aggressive response is hurting shareholder value. In our opinion investing in better security promises both long-term benefits for investors and, of greater significance, an improvement in the safety of customers and employees.

Recent corporate communications and financial reports from leading US retailers persist in spotlighting a troubling trend, commonly referred to as 'shrinkage.' Historically, loss prevention has posed a challenge primarily attributed to employees and individual shoplifters. However, the landscape has shifted, with organized out-the-door theft emerging as the predominant source of losses.

Retail management's reaction has been surprisingly passive, and the results are predictable. "Appeasing the criminals and not actively addressing the issue has created a self-reinforcing cycle, which inadvertently encourages theft," said ACVF's CEO and co-founder William Flaig, adding, "When criminals perceive that a store's policies are lax or that they can get away without repercussions, they are more inclined to steal. The negative results from appeasement are all too familiar to parents and students of history."

What was once individual "shoplifting" has become an organized criminal enterprise. Organized to such a degree that a thriving illegal market now exists for consumer staples. (FYI: knowingly purchasing stolen merchandise is also a crime.)

Retailers have justified their non-response with the rationale of prioritizing employee and customer safety and cost-benefit analysis.

"Debate surrounds whether their response has genuinely improved customer and employee safety. As one might expect from appeasement, the criminals have grown more audacious and violent," said ACVF's President and co-founder, Tom Carter. He added, "Management has created a demoralizing workplace environment in which employees fear both criminals and their superiors. Some employees have been terminated for instinctively reacting to thieves, in violation of the 'do not engage' policy established by management."

They further defended their inaction with a flawed cost-benefit analysis. "They believed theft was a temporary issue, deeming increased security unjustified. Once again, they failed to recognize the potential negative feedback loops and their impact on slippage," said Flaig.

ACVF's priority is shareholder returns and providing an investment alternative for politically conservative investors. Simply put, ACVF seeks to boycott as many companies perceived as hostile to conservative values as possible without sacrificing performance.

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About ACVF

The American Conservative Values ETF (ACVF) is based on the conviction that politically active companies negatively impact their shareholder returns, as well as support issues and causes which conflict with our conservative political ideals, beliefs and values.

*Performance data vs. the S&P 500 as well as a list of excluded companies is provided on ACVF's Current Factsheet.

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (888) 909-6030. The funds Gross Expense ratio is .75%

To schedule an interview with Mr. Flaig or Mr. Carter, please contact them at

wflaig@ridgelineresearch.com 301-685-7121
tcarter@ridgelineresearch.com 301-685-7122

www.InvestConservative.com

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SOURCE: American Conservative Values ETF