• Walmart loses billions of dollars every year due to theft
  • Walmart has implemented preventative measures, but it's not enough
  • The most commonly stolen items are easily concealed

With Arizona Walmarts on the brink of ripping out the self-checkout kiosks, many have wondered why they would abruptly pivot.

Most Common Items Stolen from Walmart in Arizona
Canva
loading...

For years, stores across Arizona have transferred the work that was once done by store employees onto customers. Many people have expressed anger, annoyance, and irritation about having to perform this duty as they face rising prices and decreased customer service.

Walmart Faces a Serious Problem: Theft

Walmart admits it loses billions of dollars every year. The problem: shrinkage, as it's known in business. Theft or shoplifting, as it's known to the rest of the world.

K101 logo
Get our free mobile app

In parts of Arizona, incidents of shoplifting and theft are not rigorously or consistently prosecuted. Studies have shown that these places have higher rates of shrinkage, which includes theft, damage, and errors.

How Walmart is Taking Action Against "Shrinkage"

Theft detection devices, like merchandise tags that activate security, is one-way stores work to prevent shrinkage. Big ticket items like televisions and cameras not only have theft deterrents attached but an employee is required to release the item. The customer then has to pay in the department where the item is displayed, like electronics, for example.

Most Common Items Stolen from Walmart in Arizona
Canva
loading...

Deterring Theft at Self-Checkout Kiosks in Arizona Walmarts

Self-checkout machines are most often exploited by thieves, so measures are in place to prevent theft.

Most Common Items Stolen from Walmart in Arizona
Canva
loading...

Barcode scanning, weight comparison, camera and video analysis, security personnel, and random audits are a few ways stores try to keep merchandise from walking out of the store unpaid. As you can guess, these measures don't always work.

Most Common Items Stolen from Walmart in Arizona
Canva
loading...

Some of The Most Commonly Stolen Items from Walmart

  • Small Electronics
  • Cosmetics
  • Food
  • Personal Care Items
  • Over-the-Counter Medications
  • Clothing, Accessories, and Jewelry
  • Toys
  • Alcohol
  • Baby Formula
Most Common Items Stolen from Walmart in Arizona
Canva
loading...

Some of these items are stolen because they're high-ticket items, easily concealable, and in high demand.

Original Sources: 13 Walmart Theft Statistics You Need To Know In 2023, Walmart Self-Checkout Theft: Detection, Implications & Most Stolen Items

LOOK: 50 Famous brands that no longer exist

Stacker compiled a list of more than four dozen famous consumer brands that no longer exist, consulting sites such as TheStreet, Good Housekeeping, and Eat This, Not That!, along with numerous throwback sites dedicated to consumer brands.

Gallery Credit: Liz Barrett Foster

LOOK: Baby names that are illegal around the world

Stacker scoured hundreds of baby name databases and news releases to curate a list of baby names that are illegal somewhere in the world, along with explanations for why they’re banned.

Gallery Credit: Annalise Mantz

More From K101