Walmart shoppers were left stunned when a viral TikTok video revealed an unusual new anti-theft measure: steaks locked in metal wire cages.
The video, shared on April 8, shows Angus ribeye steaks, priced at $20.83, sealed inside the makeshift cages at a Florida store, sending waves of surprise across social media.
With over 1.9 million views, the clip sparked conversations about the increasing lengths retailers are going to protect their products from theft.
A viral clip posted by TikTok user @oakwood19136 captures the shocking scene, with a man exclaiming, “Yo, you gotta be kidding me. Walmart now has the steak locked up. Holy sh-t. It’s come to this.”
The video resonated with viewers, many of whom expressed disbelief over the extreme security measures being employed for what was once a simple grocery item.
“This is getting bad now,” the man adds in the video, highlighting growing frustrations with retail anti-theft policies.
The TikTok video is reminiscent of a similar incident from 2022, showing how long Walmart has been clamping down on shoplifting in its stores.
While Walmart did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the footage continues to raise eyebrows as shoppers wonder whether these measures will become the norm for grocery stores nationwide.
While the cages are drawing ire from consumers, they are part of a larger trend among major retailers like Target, Walgreens, and CVS, who are increasingly locking up merchandise to combat the rising tide of theft.
This trend isn’t limited to high-end items—stores in New York City began locking up even inexpensive products like Spam as part of their anti-theft efforts.
Retail giants, including Walgreens, have faced backlash for these measures, with some executives admitting that locking up items has negatively impacted sales.
Tim Wentworth, CEO of Walgreens, recently acknowledged that restricting access to products like toothpaste and other essentials has led to a decrease in sales, a reality that many retailers are still grappling with.
The growing trend of locking up everyday products highlights the ongoing challenge retailers face in balancing security with customer experience.
As Walmart shoppers continue to express their shock, it remains to be seen whether these new anti-theft measures will continue to spread or spark further controversy.
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