Walmart recently introduced a new procedure that seems more like a chapter straight out of a dystopian novel. Grabbing deodorant or shampoo will soon feel like you’re trying to break into a high-security vault.
Walmart has officially decided that your deodorant and shampoo needs to be as secure as Fort Knox. Apparently, theft’s gotten so out of hand that now, just trying to smell halfway decent requires you to channel your inner spy. So be forewarned that the next time you head to Walmart for some basic self-care, you might find your favorite body wash locked up like the crown jewels.
Walmart’s answer to this lock-up chaos involves testing out a new tech where you can unlock those glass cases yourself using… your smartphone! Because nothing says “simple” like fumbling with an app to prove to Big Brother Walmart that, yes, you’re just here for some soap, not plotting an Ocean’s Eleven heist in aisle six. Currently, this “fancy” feature is being tested by Walmart employees, but if it works, it might roll out to loyal customers who will then get the privilege of… digitally unlocking their deodorant.
Just a heads-up—Walmart isn’t the only one going all fortress-mode. Target’s also gone full lockdown on essentials like body wash and underwear. Oh, and self-checkout limits—don’t think you’re scanning more than ten items, or the system might get huffy. Home Depot, CVS, and Walgreens have all reported serious theft surges in 2023, so don’t be surprised if buying toothpaste soon involves passing a retinal scan.
Welcome to the future, where the basic act of buying body wash might soon involve a phone app and a whole lot of unnecessary hoops to jump through. If Walmart expands this mobile-unlocking “convenience” (yes, heavy quotes here) across all 4,600 of its U.S. locations, we’re looking at a whole new shopping reality. Forget just tossing items in your cart—get ready for a retail experience that’s part grocery trip, part digital escape room.
