Walmart and Target Are Locking Up Toothpaste in Some Stores, And Shoppers Say It Feels Like “Shopping in a Prison”
If you’ve walked into certain Walmart, Target or CVS locations lately, you may have noticed something surprising: everyday items like toothpaste, deodorant and baby formula are sitting behind locked cases.
And some shoppers are not happy about it.
Across parts of the country, retailers have expanded the use of locked cabinets and security measures in stores they say are experiencing high levels of theft. While not every location is affected, in some areas customers now have to press a button and wait for an employee just to grab basic household essentials.
On social media, frustrated shoppers have described the experience as inconvenient, slow and, in some cases, “like shopping in a prison.”
Why Are Stores Locking Up Toothpaste?
Retailers say the changes are tied to rising theft and what the industry calls “shrink” — inventory lost to shoplifting, organized retail crime and other factors.
During earnings calls in recent years, both Walmart and Target executives have discussed the financial impact of shrink. Target’s leadership previously warned that theft was cutting into profits and forcing operational changes in some locations.
CVS has also expanded locked cabinets in select stores where theft has been persistent.
In some cities, stores have even reduced hours or closed locations altogether, citing safety and theft concerns.
Not Every Store, But It’s Growing
It’s important to note: not all Walmart, Target or CVS locations lock up toothpaste. These measures are typically implemented store-by-store based on local conditions.
But in areas where security cases are in place, shoppers say the inconvenience adds up — especially for parents grabbing baby formula or customers making quick errands.
Some customers argue the extra steps slow down shopping and increase wait times if employees are stretched thin. Others say they understand the reasoning but wish there were better solutions.
Retailers Say They’re Balancing Safety and Access
Retail chains maintain that the goal is to protect merchandise while keeping stores open and accessible. Industry groups say organized retail theft has become more coordinated in recent years, prompting stores to experiment with more visible security measures.
Whether these locked cabinets remain temporary or become more common nationwide remains to be seen. But for now, in certain communities, buying toothpaste isn’t quite as simple as it used to be.
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