A recent trend at Walmart demonstrates an inventive technique for staff to gain access to protected items: through their phones. A TikToker named Lee (@leesbby) released a video demonstrating this new method in action, which rapidly went viral, garnering an amazing 2.1 million views and hundreds of comments. Although Lee sounded enthusiastic, implying that this strategy could minimize wait times, not everyone shared her enthusiasm.
In the video, Lee says, “We have a new method. “The phone,” as a Walmart clerk uses what appears to be a smartphone to open a shop cabinet. This novel technique seeks to simplify the purchasing experience.
This Walmart change poses Questions
However, this development has raised concerns regarding employee remuneration. In a text overlay, Lee inquires whether Walmart rewards employees for using personal phones in the workplace.
She inquires, “Does Walmart compensate employees for the usage of their personal phones at work? Is there a discount available for using your own phone for work? “Do they receive a check refund for using their own phone?”
Lee’s video emphasizes the change in the company’s operational strategy, noting, “UPDATE…Walmart’s new approach eliminates the need to wait for a team member as all employees now have keys.”The phone.” While this technology breakthrough intends to increase productivity, it raises questions regarding the ramifications for personnel resources and compensation.
At this point in the video, it appears like the device begins to make a beeping noise, grabbing the TikToker’s attention. “Doesn’t seem like it wants to open, huh?” she says.
Fortunately, these problems are easily resolved. The worker turns the knob and successfully disengages the locking mechanism. Finally, the cabinet opens, allowing the shopper to access the items she wants to purchase. “Okay, there you go,” she says as the worker collects the item and offers it to her.
Advertising: Can Customers Do It Too?
According to a Bloomberg Law piece from November 2024, Walmart may soon allow customers to use this functionality directly. At the start of the piece, the publication notes that “some staff can use mobile devices to unlock display cases.”
However, the large retailer’s staff may not be the only ones with this creative talent. If you are a Walmart+ subscriber, you may be able to unlock display cases on your own. Bloomberg reports that “Technology could be offered to Walmart+ loyalty members.”
According to a recent article, “a few hundred stores” now allow employees to easily unlock cases using their phones. This new strategy aims to improve the shopping experience by reducing wait times and increasing efficiency.
No More Waiting Games
According to the Daily Dot, Walmart customers frequently express annoyance when dealing with secured merchandise. One consumer expressed their desire to leave the store after an unusually long wait.
They found it difficult to imagine that a $4 battery would justify such security precautions. The absence of assistance exacerbated their aggravation, making the wait for a key seem endless.
Many people have chastised the retail titan for its apparent overuse of lock-up measures. One shopper was taken aback when he discovered the store’s laundry merchandise was behind barricades.
According to The Street, Walmart closed dozens of stores in 2023 and 2024 owing to chronic thievery. This action comes months after Walmart CEO Doug McMillon warned that if crime continued, the company might reevaluate its corporate locations.
Some customers are frustrated after learning that the phone unlock functionality is linked to a Walmart+ subscription. Many people have expressed discontent with the introduction of self-checkout “paywalls.” Because certain shops have discontinued self-service kiosks, consumers must now have a Walmart+ membership to scan and pay for their purchases independently.
Shoppers Share Their Thoughts
In reaction to Lee’s video, one commenter questioned Walmart’s selective approach to phone functionality. “But I can’t get Apple Pay,” they said.
Another buyer expressed reluctance to have things unlocked in-store, claiming that the phone verification technique would not alter their behavior. “Once I notice it’s locked, I immediately walk out and order from Amazon. “Ain’t got no time for games,” they said.
