A customer has criticized Walmart for the latest anti-theft measures implemented in its stores.
Shocked shoppers took to X (formerly Twitter) to find all their basic household items behind glass.
“This is so sad. All of Walmart is locked up,” she exclaimed in the video.
Users displayed locked aisles with items such as dish soap, detergent, and fabric softener.
Customers claimed they waited for employees to help, but to no avail.
“Do I have to wait for someone to bring me dish soap?” she asked.
“That’s ridiculous!”
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only time Walmart customers have been offended by anti-theft policies.
Another X user posted a photo of jugs of canola oil locked together so customers would need help getting it.
“I had to go to Walmart,” the post read.
“They locked up all the cooking oil.
“This country is doomed to destruction.”
Such extreme anti-theft policies drive people to other retailers.
According to a Harris Poll published by Fast Company, a recent survey revealed that 71% of shoppers would be more likely to shop elsewhere because of theft protection.
The survey found that younger shoppers are more averse to these policies than older generations.
89% of Gen Zers are more likely to stop shopping at stores that have aggressive policies against shoplifting, compared to just 77% of Millennials who share the same sentiment.
Despite the backlash, there are no signs that these anti-theft measures will be stopped anytime soon.
Doug McMillon, the retailer’s CEO, believes crime is a big problem for the store.
“It’s higher than it’s been in history,” he explained on CNBC’s Squawk Box.
He also warned that increased shoplifting could lead to worse outcomes than simple anti-theft policies, such as price increases and store closures.
Jim Cormier, RCC’s Atlantic director, added that shoplifting is “not a victimless crime.”
“This has real consequences for retail workers who have to deal with brazen theft happening in their stores.”