WALMART’s anti-theft measures have left customers angry after a customer had to go through multiple security checkpoints to purchase a single pair of socks.
A Walmart customer shared his experience with the retail giant on Facebook after initially finding the cheap item locked behind glass.
5
5
5
5
The customer, named James Morton, asked other Facebook users to comment on the story.
“WHAT DO YOU THINK? I was at WalMart and decided to buy some socks,” he explained.
“I walked into that area and noticed that ALL the socks were behind locked glass shelves (like liquor in grocery stores).
“I found someone to help me. She got the socks and THEN put them in this locked glass box (below) that was supposed to be unlocked at the checkout.
“So I had to go through TWO levels of security to buy these socks!” he continued.
In fact, James had to go through four security levels: the socks were locked behind glass, the employee put them back in a locked box, he was accompanied to the checkout and then had to have the cashier unlock the box.
Gold Toe Socks, the socks James purchased according to the picture he posted, normally cost around $15, according to Walmart’s website.
“Now my question to you: How did we get to this point?” asked James in his post.
“What policies, actions or social changes have brought this about? I would really like to know what you think. Thanks!”
SHOCKED REACTIONS
Facebook users were quick to comment on the exaggerated incident in the comments on James’ post.
“Thanks to the thieves,” one replied.
“Retail stores like Wal-Mart are hit hard by shoplifters. The honest customers end up paying the difference.”
“Some stores have armed security. This seems normal at some foreign banks and jewelry stores I’ve been to, but a Target in the US?! It’s an uncomfortable feeling that I hope I won’t experience again,” recalls another.
“This is crazy!” another simply said.
Anti-theft measures introduced by retailers
Retailers in the US and Canada have implemented anti-theft strategies. The US Sun has compiled a list of the measures that have been implemented in stores.
- Lock items in cupboards.
- Safety pins.
- surveillance cameras.
- Signs warn of the consequences of theft.
- Receipt scanner.
- Receipt checks.
- Cart with locking technology
“James, I am no longer shocked, surprised or disturbed by this,” said one user.
“I was at Walmart last week and looked at all the electronics the week before.
“Everything from Doug to the five-dollar headphones and the most expensive stuff was packed in plastic boxes. It took 10 minutes for anyone to even help me. I asked about headphones just to look at them. To get them off the pitch, they were in a lockable box on a railing.
“It’s a sign of the times of despair, fear, aimlessness, etc. and we have all participated in this cultural cacophony, so to speak, whether we wanted to or not, I have no answer for that.”
The US Sun has asked Walmart for comment.
The retailer has previously stated that safety measures for certain items sold at Walmart depend on the store location.
Over the past few years, the company has implemented several anti-theft protocols to curb shoplifting.
James isn’t the only customer frustrated with Walmart’s security measures. One shopper recently found her pickup items still in glass boxes after shopping.
Another shopper also tried to buy socks at Walmart, but eventually gave up and left the store after realizing that the items were locked behind plexiglass.
5
