Walmart shoppers divided as stores reveal new ‘family’ carts – customers fear they won’t last long due to ‘difficulties’

THE RETAILER introduced a new cart design that has left consumers divided.

Walmart shoppers said the new carts are aimed at helping those with disabilities, but consumers asked if these carts will actually be available countrywide.

"We here at Leitchfield Walmart are excited to share the fantastic news that we now have #Carolinescart available in store to shop," the retailer announced on Facebook.

"This cart makes shopping accessible to all family members with different levels and types of disabilities. Stop in today and see the difference our new cart will make for your family trips."

The post garnered a lot of traction on social media with over 200 Facebook reactions and nearly 40 comments from locals.

"Hopefully they will have enough," commented one user.

"There are a lot of us that really liked the small shopping carts. They sure went away quick. Some of us have difficulty with the large carts."

"We use these often and are so glad to see another one. I wish there were more," said another.

The retailer announced that Caroline’s Carts will be available at all Walmart locations in 2025.

The carts are produced in North Carolina and have special features like a seat built into the cart for seniors and those with limited mobility or a disability.

The seat comes with a 5-point harness and can seat 35–250 pounds, as reported by Yahoo! News.

Others are concerned that consumers without disabilities will misuse the carts unknowingly. Shoppers wondered if there would be enough of the new carts for everyone who needs them.

"They're NEVER available when we come," raged one Facebook user.

"If there's only 2, there needs to be one on both sides of the store and people who don't have special needs kids need to stop using them."

"That’s awesome! Now to keep the ones that abuse absolutely every situation from using them," echoed another.

Caroline’s Carts is named after Caroline Long, an 11 year-old-girl who had Rett syndrome, a disorder of the nervous system that only affects women. It is generally considered a "severe form" of autism, according to a non-profit called Easter Seals.

Walmart's New Caroline Carts

The retailer announced that Caroline’s Carts will be available at all Walmart locations by early 2025.

Caroline’s Carts is named after Caroline Long, an 11 year-old-girl who had Rett syndrome, a disorder of the nervous system that only affects women. It is generally considered a "severe form" of autism, according to a non-profit called Easter Seals.

Long's parents David and Drew Ann created the new shopping carts to better service families like theirs who need specific services within the retail industry.

The carts are produced in North Carolina and have special features like a seat built into the cart for seniors and those with limited mobility or a disability.

The seat comes with a 5-point harness and can seat 35–250 pounds.

Walmart announced that carts will debut in North Carolina stores in October 2024, but are already available at some stores around the US.

Stores will be able to request more carts based on community needs.

Long's parents, David and Drew Ann, created the new shopping carts to better service families who have specific needs that the retail industry doesn't always consider.

Walmart announced that carts will debut in North Carolina stores in October 2024, but are already available at some stores around the US.

Within a year, every Walmart in the country will have at least two carts available for use.

Stores will be able to request more carts based on community needs.

“Caroline’s Carts are a significant step towards ensuring that caregivers and individuals with disabilities have a seamless and comfortable shopping experience,” said Cedric Clark, Executive Vice President of Store Operations for Walmart.

Meanwhile, one shopper waited 15 minutes to checkout only to be sent to another line.

And shoppers called out the retailer after spotting Christmas items on shelves.