A SIMPLE transaction at Walmart left a shopper raging over his rights as anti-theft measures continue to ramp up.
Self-checkout has been a much-debated topic since retailers began to embrace the practie during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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When the number of thefts began ticking up, the retail industry lost more than $112 billion in inventory in 2022 alone.
To fight against the crime, several measures have been put in place, including associates overseeing transactions at self-checkout and workers placed at exits to check receipts.
But shoppers say they’re being treated like criminals and don’t appreciate the supposed hoops they have to go through to buy their items.
One shopper recounted a troublesome experience they had at Walmart.
“A @Walmart employee just stood over me, watching me scan my items, and then put a hold on my transaction and demand to check my bags,” the man wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I refused to surrender my right to be searched. Converting to self-check machines and personal shoppers and locked cases has completely redefined shopping and not in a good way.
“Our rights are being attacked and on multiple fronts. No, you may NOT search my bags.”
Another shopper shared similar feelings while criticizing the retailer for its use of anti-theft glass.
Several stores have resorted to locking up items to keep theft low, but shoppers say it’s an added hassle.
To retrieve their items, a shopper has to flag down an employee and wait while they unlock the case.
Sometimes, entire aisles are locked behind this glass.
“Hi @GavinNewsom, visiting from Texas…just wondering why is half the stuff in your @Walmart stores locked behind glass doors?” asked one shopper, mentioning the governor of California.
Along with the tweet were several photos of products such as laundry detergent, socks, toiletries, hair products, clothes, and baby formula locked behind glass.
“Are you doing that bad of a job people can’t freely buy things like socks and hair ties without asking for a key? Yikes. We don’t do this in my state.”
One person called the photos “deeply saddening.”
“Imagine needing assistance just to get deodorant,” wrote another person.
“Wait…I’m in Texas and some of the stuff at our local Walmarts are locked up too…crazy times,” wrote a third person.
A fourth wrote, “That would keep me from ever shopping.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Walmart for comment.
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