In a recent incident captured on TikTok, a disgruntled Walmart shopper found herself in a heated confrontation with store employees who insisted on checking her receipt before leaving the premises. The shopper, visibly angered, argued with the staff who demanded proof of purchase, leading to her being ordered to leave the store.

The viral video prompted a wave of support for the shopper, with viewers expressing frustration over Walmart’s receipt-checking practices. Comments on social media ranged from criticism of the retailer’s security measures to personal decisions to avoid shopping at Walmart altogether.

The incident is just one example of the ongoing debate surrounding Walmart’s anti-theft measures, including receipt checks at self-checkout kiosks. Some shoppers question the purpose of the “no receipt” option at self-checkout if they still face potential stops by employees.

Walmart’s receipt-checking policy has faced criticism from both customers and employees. Anonymous staff members revealed that the increased security measures, including receipt checks, have led to confrontations with aggressive customers. Some employees reported instances of shoppers becoming physically aggressive, highlighting safety concerns.

The legality of refusing a receipt check also came into question, with legal experts suggesting that while Walmart cannot physically prevent shoppers from leaving, resistance may raise suspicions. False accusations and reports of physical detainment have fueled the controversy surrounding the retailer’s approach to shoplifting prevention.

Walmart, grappling with increased shoplifting rates since December 2022, has not escaped scrutiny. CEO Doug McMillon acknowledged a “historic high” in theft incidents, prompting the company to explore various strategies to address the issue. Some Walmart locations experimented with removing self-checkouts, while others maintained a focus on improving the overall shopping experience.

Despite concerns and experiments in a few locations, Walmart’s press office director, Joe Pennington, confirmed that there are no plans to remove self-checkouts nationwide. He stated, “We continually look at ways to provide our customers with the best shopping experience, and that includes adjusting the checkout area in stores. There are no current plans for self-checkout removals nationwide.”

As the debate on Walmart’s security measures continues, shoppers, employees, and the retail giant find themselves at the center of a conversation about the balance between preventing theft and ensuring a positive shopping experience.