Walmart, Target and CVS Are Locking Up Toothpaste, Deodorant and Baby Formula, And Shoppers Are Fed Up
If you’ve walked into a store lately and found everyday items locked behind glass, you’re not imagining it.
From toothpaste and deodorant to baby formula and laundry detergent, more retailers are securing basic necessities, and some shoppers say it’s turning quick errands into frustrating waiting games.
“I’m not waiting ten minutes for someone to unlock toothpaste,” one shopper wrote online. “It makes me want to just leave.”
And increasingly, some say that’s exactly what they’re doing.
Why Are Stores Locking Up Everyday Items?
Retailers say the shift is largely about theft prevention.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), organized retail crime and shoplifting losses have increased in recent years, costing retailers billions annually. In its most recent retail security survey, the NRF reported that inventory shrinkage, which includes theft, reached record levels, with retailers citing organized theft rings as a growing concern.
Major chains like Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart have publicly acknowledged rising theft concerns in certain markets.
In 2023 and 2024, Target executives stated during earnings calls that shrinkage was significantly impacting profits in some stores, particularly in large urban areas. Walgreens and CVS have also discussed locking up high-theft items in select locations as a deterrent.
Baby formula, razor blades, cosmetics, and over-the-counter medications have frequently been cited as top targets.
The Customer Experience Problem
While retailers argue the measures are necessary, customers say the experience feels inconvenient — and in some cases, embarrassing.
Many shoppers report needing to:
- Press a call button and wait for staff
- Track down an employee with a key
- Have items carried to the front of the store
- Stand in line twice — once for unlocking, once for checkout
“It makes you feel like you’re doing something wrong just trying to buy shampoo,” one customer wrote in a viral thread.
Retail analysts have warned that overly aggressive lockups can backfire. Some industry experts have told outlets like The Wall Street Journal and CNN Business that excessive security measures can reduce impulse purchases and even drive customers to competitors.
And that’s exactly what some shoppers claim is happening.
Retailers Walk a Tightrope
The issue highlights a difficult balance for retailers.
On one side:
- Billions lost to theft
- Pressure from shareholders
- Insurance costs
- Safety concerns for employees
On the other:
- Slower shopping experiences
- Frustrated customers
- Negative viral posts
- Potential lost sales
In recent years, some retailers have experimented with alternatives such as:
- Smart locking cases
- Increased staff presence
- AI camera monitoring
- Controlled access shelving
But in many stores, glass cases and locked cabinets remain the most visible solution.
Are Lockups Here to Stay?
Industry experts suggest that in high-theft areas, they likely are, at least for now.
However, retailers are also testing new store layouts and security technologies designed to reduce friction. Some chains have quietly removed lockups after seeing sales decline.
For shoppers, though, the frustration remains.
“It feels like we’re paying higher prices and getting worse service,” one customer wrote.
As inflation continues to pressure household budgets and retailers tighten loss prevention policies, everyday errands may keep feeling a little less simple.
And for some customers, that may be enough reason to shop elsewhere.
