Walmart announces drastic new measures to stop shoplifting as customers say move is ‘dystopian’ but necessary
A WALMART store will install a drastic feature to combat retail theft.
One location in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, will have an in-store police station upon reopening.
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This substation was added to reduce the risk of theft and violence Fortune magazine.
The Vine City store burned down last December and has remained closed, but is scheduled to open in May 2024.
It is believed the fires were deliberately set to allow thieves to steal more goods Atlanta Fire Department.
Their statement said: “Investigators believe the suspects intentionally set the fires to create a distraction so that the perpetrators could steal items and escape while customers rushed from the burning stores.”
This closure turned the area into a food desert, meaning it became difficult to purchase affordable and nutritious food.
The format of the store will also change as the company has decided to build a smaller store.
This location only carries essential items such as groceries and medications, not extras that Walmart supermarkets typically offer, such as electronics or clothing.
Jessica Howel, director of real estate at Walmart, said, “One of the biggest changes you’ll experience when shopping here versus shopping at the supercenter is that you’ll see the grocery selection as soon as you walk in the building.”
“We will also have a full-service deli counter and a prepared foods department.”
Kelvin Buncum, a grocery store representative, added, “This is something we’re going to do in Atlanta that we haven’t done anywhere else.”
“So it will be one of the first wellness stores we will build, and simply put, it will be a grocery store.”
This downtown Atlanta store is in a low-income neighborhood, and residents say they’ve struggled due to the lack of grocery stores nearby Fortune magazine.
Viewers took to comments from Fortune Magazine TikTok video on the story to share her mixed thoughts.
One person said: “This dystopian af.”
Another viewer recalled the large Walmart supermarket he used to go to, pointing to the store’s decor where he was limited to only essentials.
“When I was a kid, Wal-Mart had arcades, salons, McDonald’s and sometimes a Claire’s.”
Another TikToker said: “This is nothing new, we have one that literally has a shed in the parking lot that is a substation.”
One user responded and said, “It’s new in Atlanta.”
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