10 Precautions Floridians Should Take When Shopping at Walmart

Shopping at Walmart is an adventure—where else can you grab a gallon of milk, a fishing pole, and a set of new tires all in one trip?

But like any big store, there are things to watch out for.

Whether you’re a seasoned Walmart warrior or just popping in for a quick item, these tips will help you shop smarter, stay safe, and avoid some of the most common pitfalls that Floridian shoppers fall into.

Be Smart About Clearance Items

Walmart’s clearance section is full of deals, but not all of them are as good as they seem.

Some items are marked with “Rollback” or “Clearance” tags, but they may not actually be discounted much.

Walmart sometimes uses tricky pricing where clearance items cost just a small amount less than regular-priced ones. They’ve received customer complaints about using the term “clearance” too liberally when “discount” is more accurate.

To make sure you’re getting a real deal, use the Walmart app to scan the barcode and check the current online price.

Sometimes, an item is actually cheaper online, and Walmart may price-match it for you if you ask at customer service.

Pricing Errors and Scams

Prices at Walmart don’t always ring up correctly at the register.

In 2023, an investigation by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture charged three Walmart stores with fines for having excessive price-scanning errors that led customers to overpay.

Always check your receipt before leaving the store to make sure you were charged correctly.

Gift card scams are another problem. Scammers sometimes place fake barcodes over real ones, redirecting your money to their accounts.

This isn’t a Walmart-only problem, so it pays to keep an eye out for this in any store.

If you’re buying a gift card, inspect the back carefully to make sure nothing looks tampered with. When in doubt, ask an employee for a new one from behind the counter.

Stay Aware in the Parking Lot

Walmart parking lots can be busy, and unfortunately, they can also attract crime. Thieves are known to target shoppers who are distracted while loading groceries or using their phones.

Approximately two million parking lot crimes happen each year throughout the U.S.

So, always lock your car, park in a well-lit area, and be aware of your surroundings.

Another thing to watch for is people approaching you with a story or asking for help. Scammers often use distraction tactics to get into your car or steal your belongings.

If someone seems suspicious, keep moving and head into Walmart or alert security.

Be Cautious With Self-Checkout

Self-checkout is convenient, but it’s also a hotspot for mistakes and fraud accusations.

Walmart has been cracking down on theft, and some shoppers have reported being wrongly accused of not scanning items.

To protect yourself, always scan items carefully and keep your receipt as proof of purchase.

Also, watch out for skimming devices. Thieves sometimes place fake card readers over real ones to steal your credit card information.

Before swiping, tug on the card reader to make sure it’s secure. If anything looks suspicious, alert a store employee.

Sanitize and Avoid Germ Hotspots

Walmart receives thousands of customers a day, which means lots of germs land on carts, self-checkout screens, and product packaging.

According to the Mayo Clinic, viruses that cause the common cold and flu can live on surfaces outside the body for several hours to days.

Needless to say, it’s wise to wipe down your cart handle before touching it.

Hand sanitizer is also a good idea. After using touchscreens, handling cash, or picking up items from shelves, sanitize your hands before touching your face.

Walmart provides wipes and sanitizer stations, but bringing your own ensures you’re always protected.

Keep an Eye on Your Personal Items

Pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in big stores like Walmart, especially when you’re distracted looking at products.

According to data, over 550,000 shoplifting incidents occur daily in the U.S., and approximately 66% of shoplifters are under 30 years old.

So, it pays to be cautious. If you carry a purse, keep it zipped and worn across your body rather than hanging from your cart.

For wallets, store them in a front pocket instead of a back pocket. If you use a backpack, make sure the zippers are closed and secure.

Avoid Impulse Buys at Checkout

The checkout line is designed to get you to spend more. From candy to small gadgets, these last-minute items can add up quickly.

A study from the Center for Science in the Public Interest found that impulse purchases at checkout contribute to unhealthy eating habits and unnecessary spending.

To avoid falling for these tricks, make a shopping list and stick to it.

If you see something tempting at checkout, ask yourself if you really need it. More often than not, you can find a better deal elsewhere in the store or online.

Be Wary of Online Order Pickups

Ordering online and picking up in-store can be a great time-saver, but mix-ups and missing items are common complaints.

Walmart customers reported numerous issues with long wait times, missing groceries and incorrect substitutions, leading to frustration and wasted time.

When picking up an order, check your bags before leaving the store or parking lot. If something is missing or incorrect, it’s much easier to fix the problem while you’re still there.

Also, be cautious about accepting substitutions—sometimes, they may not be worth the price.

Check Expiration Dates and Packaging

Walmart’s high turnover rate means fresh products are constantly being restocked, but sometimes, expired items still make it onto shelves.

NewsChannel 7 investigated 32 Wisconsin stores, including Walmart, for expired baby formula. Walmart was among the stores where they found one or more expired bottles.

Before buying perishable items, always check the expiration date. Also, inspect packaging for signs of damage or tampering.

Dented cans, ripped boxes, or items with broken seals could be spoiled or unsafe to consume.

Avoid Peak Shopping Hours

Walmart can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and during evening hours.

Shopping during these peak times means longer lines, more stress, and a higher chance of bumping into empty shelves.

The best time to shop at Walmart is typically between 7:00 am and 8:00 am.