WALMART is continuing to see backlash from shoppers for one of its controversial anti-theft measures.
With the big-box retailer losing billions each year solely because of theft, it is turning to new systems to cut down on such losses.
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However, in doing so, Walmart is unintentionally punishing innocent shoppers and pushing loyal customers to its rivals.
Shopper Victoria Damor took to TikTok to share her frustration with the retailer saying it “sucks” after she was faced with one of its more controversial measures.
“This is the future of Walmart. I can’t even walk into Walmart and pick up a nail file for $1.50 because it’s locked up,” the 22-year-old said in a video.
In the clip, Damor pushes a shopping car around the cosmetic aisle that is entirely locked up with all merchandise behind cabinets.
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The shopper continued her rant explaining that the store has an employee stationed in the aisle ready to unlock he cabinet for those who need to buy one of the products.
However, Damor claimed that the store associate was “rude” to shoppers who needed assistance “like it’s an inconvenience to him.”
She further claimed that he followed her around the cosmetics department and would “sigh” if she stopped to look into a cabinet and ask if she needed anything.
“Like Sir, I don’t want it anymore. I don’t want to inconvenience you,” she said.
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“Sorry I need to shop.”
“Walmart, you can lock your s*** up but it’s not the customer’s fault that you don’t stop people from stealing from you,” the shopper added.
SHOPPER FURY
Fellow shoppers joined the backlash in the comments with some saying that the situation is worse at their local store and that they are going elsewhere as a result.
“You’re lucky you even get someone….. I push the button for help and wait 20 minutes or just give up and leave after waiting forever,” one wrote.
Echoing this sentiment, another commenter noted that “Half the time you have to wait forever to find an employee to unlock the door.
“One time I waited 20 minutes for 1 item that took 2 seconds to get.”
Sorry I need to shop.
Victoria Damor
The U.S. Sun has previously reported on a Walmart shopper waiting almost half an hour to access an essential product.
“It’s not just Walmart. Target and Walgreens too. At least here in NYC,” another comment read.
BOYCOTT
Meanwhile, Amazon and other retailers are benefitting from customer frustration.
“When you ask for someone with the key they give you such an attitude and they said they’ll get there when they’re available. But they’re never available,” one Walmart shopper said in the comments.
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
“Like okay lose out on sales I’ll go to Amazon.”
Another suggested boycotting the retailer and Damor agreed saying, “Yes I’m so down.”
The pushback from shoppers comes just weeks after retail expert Molly Burke spoke to The U.S. Sun warning retailers of such backlash from ‘going too far’ with certain in-store systems.
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The senior retail analyst at Software Advice warned that “draconian” anti-theft measures will ruin the shopping experience and cause shoppers to flee.
Walmart has been contacted for comment.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/11544526/walmart-shopper-despairs-locked-up-item/