WALMART shoppers are locked in a heated debate over the purpose of so-called bumpers in the refrigerated section of stores.
Some customers even admitted they felt dumb after learning the real function of the store feature.
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A viral Reddit thread sparked confusion after someone posted a photo of a metal shelf that runs the length of the refrigerated section.
It borders the coolers where things like ready-to-eat salads and vegetables are stored.
“I thought the purpose of these were for standing on if you needed to reach the top,” the Reddit user wrote.
“I got in trouble for standing on this.
“Was told it goes against the safety policy damn for the longest time I thought these were for standing on.. I feel dumb.”
The post, shared in a Walmart-related subreddit, led to a flurry of comments from other stunned shoppers and workers.
“Ngl, I stand on those things all the time and only got told to be careful, lmao,” one person wrote.
Another added, “Everyone stands on them.”
And a third person said, “I don’t care if that’s not what it’s used for, I need to reach the top shelf!”
However, other shoppers and even some employees insisted the shelf serves a different purpose.
“They are there to prevent damage to the cooler if someone bashes their cart against it,” one user said.
“Those are anti-cart bashers to protect the coolers from kids or irresponsible customers,” another added.
A third person insisted there is no way the store would’ve installed a step on top of a cooler.
“It’s a cart bumper. Why on earth would anyone put this in a public place as a step?” they wrote.
“That would just be asking for a lawsuit.”
Multiple people questioned the design of the shelves, insisting it was a clue about what they’re meant to be used for.
“Ok, to be fair, no one ever said to us when they were installed,” one wrote.
“I don’t even think the management in my store thought twice about it.
“My main thing is, why are they structured/textured like you’re able to stand on them?? Why give grip to something that you aren’t supposed to be on?”
A second person agreed with the analysis of the design.
“If they weren’t for standing on, they wouldn’t be diamond plate. Everyone stands on those things at my store.”
And a final worker shared how they hated the shelf at first but eventually started using it as a step too.
“I didn’t like those when they first put them in. We spent a month stubbing our toe on the invisible pegs underneath and tripping,” they wrote.
“Now I love them and stand on them to stock/reach.”
Walmart did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
What is Walmart’s Scan and Go?
Walmart’s Scan and Go was made to save time for shoppers
Walmart’s Scan and Go system was created to help customers scan items as they shop, pay, and leave without waiting in long checkout lines.
The retailer describes the new system to be done in a few easy steps:
- Customers first need to have the Walmart app downloaded on their phones with their location access enabled.
- On the Store Mode landing page, shoppers must click the Scan and Go option.
- Customers can scan each item and place them in their carts as they shop.
- At the end, they’ll be prompted to view the cart to make sure the quantity on the app matches the ones in their carts.
- Shoppers will press “Check Out” and head to a self-checkout kiosk.
- They’ll be prompted to scan the provided QR code at the register and confirm their payment method.
- Once the transaction is complete, shoppers can leave the store without worry.