Walmart shoppers rage over issue with new carts as staff caught ‘hiding them’ – customer had to ask to use one 3 times

WALMART recently announced the roll-out of new shopping carts for disabled customers and parents of children with special needs.

The chain says it plans on offering 8,000 Caroline's Carts spanned across its roughly 4,600 stores in the country by January next year.

They look like typical shopping carts in the front, but from the other side, they include a large open seat with a five-point harness facing the person pushing the cart.

The seat can hold up customers up to 250 pounds, accommodating both children and large adults with disabilities alike.

Some Walmart stores across the nation have already received their Caroline Cart.

One Walmart in Seguin, Texas just announced on their Facebook page that theirs is available in the store now.

"We're happy to share that a #CarolinesCart is now available at our store," the chain posted.

"These carts make shopping easier for families & caregivers and are designed to accommodate people with a variety of levels and types of disabilities," the store wrote.

Some customers who hadn't heard the news until the post expressed their excitement over learning the news.

"Thank you, Walmart," wrote one customer.

"My Nana has Alzheimer’s and is very physically weak, and so we’re not really able to take her shopping," she explained.

"We don’t take her out much anymore because of the mental distress it causes her, but I know that other families will benefit GREATLY from this," she wrote.

"It's about time," wrote another.

"It's very hard to bring my son in the store and I have to find stores that have Carolina carts," she explained.

But the rollout so far has left some shoppers who were looking forward to the new carts disappointed.

"Well we have one at our store, usually outside in the weather, or you have to hunt for it" shared Cyndi Knight Blevins.

"Last three times I've had to ask employees if I could use it cause they were on break sitting in it," she continued.

"And also found in-store employees using it to put stock out," she complained.

"Other than that it's a lifesaver," she wrote.

"Good luck finding one," wrote another customer, Kathy O'Donnell.

"Someone will be using it for their kids who have nothing wrong with them," she complained.

What are Caroline's Carts?

These new carts are set to be rolled out across all Walmart locations by 2025.

Caroline's Carts have been created for people with special needs and their caregivers.

This could include children or adult with disabilities or senior citizens.

These carts are different as they have a seat in the back, which faces the person pushing the cart.

They are also equipped with a number of safety features like a strap and buckle.

These carts also have two extra wheels for even weight distriution.

They were created by Drew Ann Long so she could shop with her daughter Caroline, without struggling to push a cart and wheelchair.

"Like motorized wheelchairs, our store lets anybody use them, including kids with nothing wrong with them, just playing on them," she said.

"And like someone said earlier, it is usually out in the rain," she said referring to Blevins' post.

Another customer, Eden Adams, said she personally emailed her store for them.

"I have personally emailed and gotten them at all of our local stores in Hot Springs Arkansas," she said.

"But we need more than ONE," she complained.

"You never know what entrance of the store it will be on," Adams said.

Walmart said their rollout plan includes having at least two carts at each Supercenter, while Neighborhood Market stores will have a minimum of one, though stores can request more.

The chain has already distributed between 500 and 1,000 Caroline’s Carts each month to stores since May and will continue to do so through January, according to Walmart officials.

“The decision to expand to all stores is a reflection of Walmart’s commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as responding to feedback from our associates and customers,” the company said in a statement.