‘This stuff makes shopping a drag,’ Target customer fumes over anti-theft measures – says to ‘tell Walmart as much too’

A FRUSTRATED Target shopper is fuming over a number of anti-theft measures adopted by the major retailer and other stores that they say is worsening the shopping experience.

In the last few years, rampant retail theft has forced big businesses like Target , Walmart , CVS and more to get creative in protecting their goods and employees.

Getty

Getty

While the major retailers have defended these policies, shoppers have taken to social media to air out their anger and concerns over the new measures.

Many customers have claimed the anti-theft policies are now making shopping more difficult, increasing the time it takes to access a product or purchase one.

One shopper, based in Brooklyn, New York, shared their frustrations on X, pointing their criticisms at Target and Walmart .

“Yo @Target you can’t be understaffing cashiers, and not have self checkout running,” the shopper wrote .

“You have to choose a struggle.

“And unlock the deodorants! This stuff makes shopping a drag,” the post continued.

“Tell Wal-Mart as much too.”

The shopper appeared to be extremely frustrated with the two stores’ locking of products on shelves or in cases.

The use of plexiglass and heavy-duty locks has become increasingly popular by major retailers as one way to keep their products on shelves.

Instead of being able to grab the item themselves, shoppers now must get the assistance of a store employee who can unlock the shelf and hand it to the customer.

This practice has been heavily criticized by shoppers , many of whom complain it can take a while to get the assistance they need due to the lack of staff.

In that same vein, the Target customer claimed their local store was understaffed when it came to manned checkouts.

Instead of offering more self-checkout machines to offset this, the shopper claimed the payment option wasn’t “running.”

As anti-theft measures have been adopted by these retailers, shoppers have also spotted major changes to self-checkout machines.

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

At Walmart, some customers have claimed their local stores have closed self-checkout machines during specific hours while making some lanes available only for Walmart+ members.

Other stores, like Target, have begun limiting the number of items that can be purchased in these self-checkout lanes.

Earlier this year, Target expanded its limited item policy to thousands of stores, restricting shoppers to 10 items or less if they wanted to use self-checkout.

Despite shopper complaints, major retailers have defended the changes to their checkout and security policies.

Latest self-checkout changes

Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.

Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.

Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.

While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.

One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.

However, that test run has been phased out.

At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.

Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.

As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.

Shoppers have also spotted their local Walmart stores restricting customers to 15 items or less to use self-checkout machines.

CVS , which has also faced criticism for locking products, previously told The U.S. Sun that locking products is a “last resort” for the store as they look to protect their goods and customers.

“Different products experience different theft rates, depending on store location and other factors, and our product protection decisions are data-driven,” the retailer said.

“We utilize a variety of different measures to deter or prevent theft and locking a product is a measure of last resort.”

Target and Walmart did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.