Shoppers have been left fuming after customers were forced to wait for up to 40 minutes for basic groceries.
Goods were locked away in a bid to thwart skyrocketing rates of theft.
Inside Edition visited five Targets, five Walmarts and five CVS stores in New York and New Jersey.
Reporters recorded how long it took for employees to retrieve different products from glass ceilings.
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Journalist Lisa Guerrero, who visited a Target in Manhattan, said: “Everything’s locked up.”
Baby formulas, razors and cleaning products were among the items kept under lock and key.
She added: “They locked up the underwear and the socks.”
Reporters were left waiting for up to 40 minutes just to receive a toothbrush, vitamins and razors.
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A woman pushes shopping carts during a sales event on Thanksgiving day at Walmart in Westbury
REUTERS
People vented on social media about retailers locking away products.
However, a doctor from Boston uploaded a video to TikTok complaining about Target’s decision to use new methods to crack down on crime.
A Target spokesperson revealed earlier this year why retail crime was becoming an increasing concern to the company.
“We’re taking proactive measures to keep our teams and guests safe while deterring and preventing theft,” the spokesperson said.
“These mitigation efforts include hiring additional security guards, adding third-party guard services at select locations, and using new technologies and tools to protect merchandise from being stolen.”
View of Walmart's newly remodeled Supercenter, in Teterboro, New Jersey
REUTERS
Target later unveiled plans to shut nine stores across the United States amid soaring crime rates and safety concerns.
The retailer said: “We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance.
“We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”
Target CEO Brian Cornell in May admitted to costing the chain millions.
The company predicted $500million more in losses from theft this year on top of the $750million in losses it incurred during its last fiscal year.
