A Walmart customer says that he had to go through multiple levels of security to buy a cheap pair of socks.
This comes as the use of anti-theft measures in retailers has risen in the US in recent years in a bid to tackle losses to theft.
James Morton took to social media platform Facebook to share his shopping experience at the retail giant.
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“I was in WalMart and decided to buy some socks,” he said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? I was in WalMart and decided to buy some socks. I went to that area, and found ALL the socks were...
Posted by James Morton on Saturday 10 August 2024
“I went to that area, and found ALL the socks were behind locked glass shelves (like liquor in grocery stores).
After finding someone to help him, James described how the store employee then placed them inside a glass box which was to be unlocked at the checkout.
“I had to go through TWO levels of security to buy these socks!” he said.
The pair of ‘Gold Toe Socks’ which he purchased typically cost around $15, as per Walmart’s website.
James invited users on social media to weigh in on the issue.
“How did we get to this point?” he asked.
“What actions, policies, or social changes brought this about? I really would like to know what you think.”
Users responded to the post with a mix of similar experiences at Walmart and beyond.
One user described how they had even experienced “armed security” at other US retailers, which was “an uncomfortable feeling” they “hope to avoid revisiting”.
While not one of the retailers accused of employing armed security, Walmart has previously said that security measures in place at their stores, such as locked cabinets, depend on the store and the item sold.
