I honestly was in shock when I saw a news report about stores- Target, Walmart, CVS locking things up in Manhattan? I really had no idea this was happening, as we live in a rural area and trends take a while to hit us.
I just started after 3 years now post covid of going back into stores to wander around.
I’m good at online orders and pickup, so that may be the way to go totally. We don’t live in an area where Amazon does a same day delivery.
Do you have stores near you where things like toothpaste are locked up?
Our Target does have a bunch of stuff under lock and key. The most surprising to me was when I needed keyboard cleaner. Apparently it’s a much stolen product because it can be huffed. Who knew!?!
As far as I know, stores mostly just put the OTC meds that need ID (like some allergy meds) behind pharmacy counter. Well the Walmart does lock up ipads etc.
Stores in my area are not locking up things even OTC medication that requires an ID (the cashier just does the ID check). But in other areas, I’ve been surprised that items like face moisturizer and deodorant are behind locked cabinets.
Target stores in my area (HCOL Seattle suburb) are locking up many items now, seemingly whole sections of aisles. Things like toothpaste, deodorant, teeth whitening strips, I’m sure there’s more. I find it infuriating and I am generally a patient and tolerant person. Honestly, it’s driving me to choose online shopping even more than previously for the sake of convenience. It feels utterly ridiculous to wait for a sales associate to unlock a case so I can buy toothpaste.
It does make me wonder if stores want us to shift to habit of online order / curbside pickup. More work for clerks if they have to select order, but there is no cash register steps.
What you should be most concerned/upset about is that he’s people are stealing things like laundry soap and toothpaste - everyday essentials for themselves or a family - because they cannot afford to buy it.
Doesn’t make it ok but it’s different than stealing high priced items
I recall watching a documentary that discussed how Tide, in particular, is currency in the drug trade. That could explain the lockdown on laundry detergent.
I ran into a Walgreen store in NYC to get some makeup because I forgot to put on my face before I walked out. eye liners were locked up, but not blush. Go figure.
I also recently had to buy some cold medicines and they were all locked up.
Stuff locked up or behind the counter is mostly stuff commonly used for illegal activity (e.g. pseudoephedrine containing drugs, spray paint) or high value small items (e.g. small expensive electronics like mobile phones).
The only thing especially odd is that a Walmart seems to consider batteries to be in the latter category, even though other stores in the area do not.
Locking up items are common at stores in my town. I know one super market that closed one of its automatic doors because of shoplifting. That same store has a closed-off section for personal hygiene items and alcoholic beverages with its own cashier. You pay for those items as you leave that section.
“The shelves are inside the CVS store at 6th Street and H Street NE, (Washington D.C.)
where pictures of paper towel and toilet paper products line the shelves and there’s a buzzer-button shoppers press to summon a store clerk to retrieve the product from a backroom, where they are safely stored.Those familiar with the situation, who ask not to be named, said that people experiencing homelessness have been running off with the products without paying.”
eye liners were locked up, but not blush. Go figure.