WALMART has turned to a raft of techniques designed to combat retail theft – but not all shoppers have been impressed by particular strategies.
Some even feel that the retail giant is treating some like criminals because of what they are implementing.
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Walmart shoppers have shared photos taken inside supermarkets that show some items that have been wrapped in wiring.
One customer shared an image of two Angus beef tenderloins that have alarm-like devices bolted onto them.
What appears to be wiring is holding the alarms in place.
“My local Walmart decided to beef up their security,” the shopper quipped.
“I thought I lived in a good area.”
But scores of shoppers were left questioning why the items were wrapped up.
Some believe that the alarms would just slip off the product.
Critics lashed out at the retailer, believing they were treating shoppers like thieves.
“F**k Walmart for treating its customers like thieves,” one scoffed.
TikTokers have documented the moment they stumbled across meat products that were wrapped up.
The strategy has been widely mocked by shoppers, but some pointed out that it’s an alternative compared to putting items under lock and key.
Retailers, not just Walmart, have put items in cabinets.
Items under lock and key range from medications and bathroom essentials to underwear.
The fact underwear has been locked away has left shoppers feeling awkward.
Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.
- Locking items in cabinets
- Security pegs
- Security cameras
- Signs warning about the impact of theft
- Receipt scanners
- Receipt checks
- Carts with locking technology
“Too embarrassed to ask to try and some on,” a customer admitted.
Last fall, it was reported that Walmart was trialing alternatives to locking items away.
Hundreds of Walmart stores were trying out technology where workers could unlock cabinets without using keys, per Bloomberg.
It was claimed that Walmart+ members would be allowed to unlock cabinets using the software.
In January, CVS announced plans to try out a new concept where shoppers could unlock cases via their cell phone.
Previously, shoppers had to try and grab the attention of a staffer, who would then unlock a case, as reported by the ABC affiliate WABC-TV.
CVS chiefs said they would continue to refine the technology after customers encountered issues.
“I downloaded it like three weeks ago, it only worked for me once and I come here like three times a week,” Janaye Day told WABC-TV after going to an Upper West Side location.
The retailer has admitted shoppers do not like the idea of locked cases.
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