WALMART shoppers have discovered the difference between the retailer and one of its biggest rivals, Target.
Shoppers have said that “the struggle is real” in various social media clips showcasing a system that Target seems to have mastered.
Shoppers have said that “the struggle is real” in various social media clips showcasing a system that Target seems to have mastered[/caption]
Many have highlighted the difference between Walmart’s and Target’s cart system[/caption]
It’s often the case when going shopping that you’ll need a cart to put everything into.
But many have highlighted the difference between Walmart‘s and Target‘s cart system, and one thing in particular.
In several videos posted to Facebook, shoppers have shown how difficult it is getting Walmart carts out versus how easy it is at Target.
The clips show shoppers gently sliding out a cart at Target to use, while being forced to yank out a Walmart one.
One shopper captioned their video: “The struggle is real!”
And another captioned theirs: “A BIG difference.”
The US Sun has contacted Walmart and Target for comment on the clips, but did not hear back right away.
NEW CART LAW
Shoppers at retailers like Walmart and Target are now subject to heavy $2,500 fines if they steal a shopping cart.
On an annual basis, two million shopping carts are stolen.
Per The Food Marketing Institute, this costs US retailers roughly $175 million in annual replacement and repair costs.
Globally, it costs retailers around $800 million, with one shopping cart stolen every 90 seconds, according to Supermarket News.
Shoppers are not allowed to take carts off of store premises, as this constitutes theft.
It is also illegal to leave a shopping cart on sidewalks or roadsides or at apartment buildings.
Modifying a cart for personal use is also against the law.
Key Considerations
- Intent: In many states, the intent of the person taking the cart is a key factor. For example, if they have no intent to steal the cart and accidentally take it a short distance, the penalties may not apply.
- Signage: Some state laws require clear signage on the carts that indicate ownership and that unauthorized removal is illegal.
- Local Ordinances: Cities and counties can have their own laws regarding shopping carts, which may add further regulations or penalties.
- Abandoned Carts: Many cities have laws addressing abandoned shopping carts, with retailers often facing fines for unretrieved carts.
- Civil vs Criminal Penalties: Shoppers who take a cart may face a civil fine for violating a local ordinance even if they are not charged with a crime.
States punish these crimes differently and with varying severity.
For example, in New York, you could be fined up to $100 if you take a shopping cart without the store’s permission.
In Texas, it is typically filed as a Class C misdemeanor, with consequences including a fine of up to $500.
If it isn’t the thief‘s first offence, the crime could be punished more severely.
Cities in Washington impose a $50 fee for removing a shopping cart from a store’s property without permission.
Residents in Illinois may face fines of up to $2,500 for a misdemeanor or even imprisonment.
In several videos posted to Facebook, shoppers have shown how difficult it is getting Walmart carts out versus how easy it is at Target[/caption]
