Walmart's New Lockdown: Why Customers Need a Phone Key to Access Certain Items?

Walmart’s New Lockdown: Why Customers Need a Phone Key to Access Certain Items?

A Walmart shopper recently shared a surprising new way Walmart employees can unlock secured cabinets—by using a phone instead of a traditional key. The shopper, Lee (@leesbby on TikTok), recorded the process and shared it online, where it quickly went viral, racking up over 2.1 million views.

The footage shows a Walmart employee using a smartphone to unlock a display cabinet. In her video, Lee explains, “Walmart has a new system—no more waiting for a team member with a physical key; now, they all have phone keys.”

At first, there’s a slight hiccup, with a beeping sound from the phone. But after a moment, the lock disengages, and the worker is able to open the cabinet and hand over the item. Lee’s reaction? “Ope, there you go!” signalling her approval.

Will Customers Get Access Too?

According to a November 2024 article by Bloomberg Law, Walmart may soon extend this phone-unlock feature to Walmart+ subscribers, allowing certain customers to unlock display cabinets on their own. The report mentions that some Walmart stores are already testing the phone key system, with employees able to use phones instead of waiting for a key.

This potential new feature is part of Walmart’s larger trend of using technology to improve the shopping experience and reduce theft. The use of phone keys in cabinets may also free up employees to assist more customers, making shopping faster and more efficient for everyone.

The End of Waiting for a Key?

Walmart shoppers have long voiced frustrations about waiting for locked items. Some customers have even left the store in frustration after waiting too long. Locking up low-cost items like batteries has also puzzled shoppers, especially in busy stores where finding an employee with a key can take time.

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In recent years, Walmart has increased security measures across its stores, with some products like laundry detergent and cosmetics locked behind glass. The retail chain has also closed certain stores in response to increased theft. Last year, Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon warned that ongoing theft could force the company to make even more drastic changes to store policies.

Mixed Reactions from Shoppers

Lee’s video sparked varied responses. Some viewers saw the phone unlock system as a positive change that could reduce wait times.

Others weren’t as convinced. One viewer remarked, “I’ll still order from Amazon if it’s locked. I don’t have time for games.” Another viewer was quick to question Walmart’s priorities, saying, “They can have phone keys, but they don’t support Apple Pay?”

One Walmart employee in the comments shared their experience, saying they preferred traditional keys, noting, “Not all employees have phones. Different security levels apply, and sometimes the phone system has issues. Keys work better for us.” Another employee clarified that Walmart phones are for work only and that only a select group of employees has phone access to unlock items.

As Walmart tests this technology in more stores, it’s clear the phone-unlock system could change how customers shop. However, only time will tell if this new approach is effective or if traditional keys will still have a role in Walmart’s security strategy.

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