Walmart is the world‘s largest retailer, with over 10,500 stores across 24 countries. The company‘s massive scale and influence means that safety is a top priority, both for the millions of customers who shop at Walmart every day and the 2.3 million associates who work there.
But just how safe is it to shop at Walmart? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a deep dive into Walmart‘s safety policies and procedures, examining everything from in-store precautions to online security to product recalls. Whether you‘re a long-time Walmart shopper or considering making your first purchase, you‘ll come away with a clear understanding of the steps Walmart takes to protect your health, data, and overall wellbeing.
In-Store Shopping Safety
For many people, shopping at Walmart means taking a trip to their local supercenter or neighborhood market. These massive stores, which average around 180,000 square feet, see a tremendous amount of foot traffic on a daily basis. To keep shoppers safe, Walmart implements a range of cleaning and sanitization procedures.
According to the company‘s official COVID-19 response, stores are cleaned daily, including "sanitizing surfaces like checkouts, carts, and stations." High-traffic areas may be cleaned even more frequently. During the height of the pandemic, Walmart took additional steps such as placing social distancing markers on the floor, installing plexiglass barriers at registers, and limiting store capacity.
Customers concerned about COVID-19 transmission also have the option of using contactless payment methods like Walmart Pay. This feature within the Walmart app allows you to scan a QR code at checkout to pay from your phone, avoiding the need to touch pin pads or exchange cash. According to Walmart, Walmart Pay is not only more convenient but also more secure, as it doesn‘t store your card number on your device.
For those who wish to avoid going inside the store altogether, many locations offer curbside pickup. Customers can place an order online or through the app, select a pickup time, and park in a designated spot when they arrive. An associate will then load the items into your car, often without you needing to leave the vehicle. Walmart has rapidly expanded this popular service in recent years, with curbside pickup now available at over 3,700 locations.
Online Shopping and Delivery Security
Of course, many customers now prefer the convenience of shopping Walmart.com or using the Walmart app. But is it safe to enter your personal and financial information on these platforms? Walmart employs a number of safeguards to protect customer data.
First and foremost, Walmart uses secure encryption technology to protect sensitive information like credit card numbers during transmission. The company also has strict privacy policies in place governing how customer data can be used. Notably, Walmart does not sell personal information to third parties.
For added peace of mind, online shoppers can opt to have items shipped to their local Walmart for pickup rather than directly to their home address. Those who do choose delivery can take advantage of the contact-free option, which allows them to have items left at their doorstep to avoid interacting with the driver.
Frequent Walmart.com shoppers may also want to consider a Walmart+ membership. In addition to free same-day delivery on thousands of items, Walmart+ offers additional security benefits like free identity theft protection from LifeLock.
Product Safety and Recalls
No matter how rigorous a retailer‘s safety protocols are, problems can arise with individual products. Defective merchandise, contaminated food, or other unforeseen issues can put consumers at risk. When this happens, Walmart acts quickly to get potentially dangerous products off the shelves.
Walmart has a dedicated recalls page on its corporate website that allows customers to search for and track recalled items. The company works closely with suppliers, regulatory agencies, and its own Product Safety & Compliance team to identify problems and execute recalls as efficiently as possible.
In the event of a recall, Walmart notifies customers through multiple channels including email, its website, and in-store signage. Customers can typically return recalled merchandise to any Walmart store for a full refund, even without a receipt. Walmart also uses its extensive supply chain network to quickly remove recalled products from distribution centers and stores nationwide.
It‘s worth noting that as a retailer, Walmart is not directly responsible for the safety of the products it sells. That obligation lies with the manufacturers and suppliers. However, Walmart does have strict requirements that suppliers must meet in order to do business with the company. These include complying with all applicable laws and regulations, maintaining appropriate insurance, and granting Walmart the right to audit their facilities for compliance.
Crime Prevention and Security
Like any large retailer, Walmart stores can be a target for criminal activity like shoplifting, fraud, and even violent acts. To combat this, Walmart invests heavily in security personnel, surveillance technology, and employee training.
Most Walmart locations have uniformed security officers on site, often stationed near the entrance and exit. These individuals are typically off-duty police officers or trained security professionals. Their visible presence can deter potential criminals and provide immediate response in the event of an incident.
Walmart stores are also equipped with extensive camera systems to monitor the sales floor, back rooms, parking lots, and other areas. These high-definition cameras provide a valuable investigative tool in the event of a crime. Video evidence has helped Walmart partner successfully with law enforcement to identify and prosecute countless offenders.
But perhaps the most important crime prevention asset is Walmart‘s own associates. The company provides active shooter training to all employees, teaching them how to protect themselves and customers in the rare event of a violent incident. Associates are also trained on how to safely respond to shoplifting and other common store crimes.
Outside the stores, Walmart works to keep parking lots and walkways safe and well-lit. Many locations have roaming security patrols and emergency call boxes. The Walmart app even has a Safe Walk feature that allows customers to summon assistance if they feel nervous walking to their car at night.
Of course, no amount of security can completely eliminate the risk of crime. And certain store locations may be more prone to incidents than others. But overall, Walmart takes a proactive and comprehensive approach to protecting the safety of its customers and associates.
The Bottom Line
So, is it safe to shop at Walmart? Based on our extensive research, the answer is a resounding yes. While no store can guarantee a 100% risk-free environment, Walmart goes to great lengths to protect the health and security of everyone who passes through its doors or uses its online platforms.
From enhanced cleaning protocols to strict product recall procedures to state-of-the-art crime prevention technology, Walmart has developed a multi-layered approach to safety. And with options like curbside pickup, contactless payment, and delivery, customers have more choices than ever to shop in whatever manner makes them most comfortable.
At the end of the day, millions of people put their trust in Walmart every single day – to provide essential goods at affordable prices and to do so in a safe, responsible manner. Based on our findings, that trust is well placed. So the next time you‘re looking to stock up on groceries, pick up a prescription, or treat yourself to something new, you can feel confident shopping at your neighborhood Walmart store or on Walmart.com.
