The Worst Omens for Walmart in the United States Are Coming True: Message to Its Members

Walmart now faces a real threat that could change its business model. The dreaded fines and changes in its self-checkout policies are closer than ever. A recent bill in Long Beach, California, could force Walmart to make significant adjustments.

The Long Beach City Council approved a proposal that will directly affect stores with self-checkout systems, like Walmart. The new law requires these stores to increase the number of employees supervising the self-checkout terminals. In short, each worker will not be able to monitor more than two terminals at a time.

Additionally, stores are required to keep at least one traditional checkout lane open, attended by a worker. This move responds to the growing concern over shoplifting, especially in areas with high commercial activity.

Walmart Knows It Must Take Action

The proposal is not just a recommendation. If Walmart and other chains do not comply with these regulations, they could face fines of up to $2,500 for each violation. This change would not only affect daily operations but could also impact the shopping experience for customers.

Supporters of the measure claim it is a way to ensure greater security. According to them, the presence of more staff in stores will not only reduce theft but also offer more protection to employees. The goal is to make stores safer places to work and shop.

In Long Beach, petty thefts increased by 16% between 2023 and 2024, according to local police data. This has put more pressure on retailers to take stricter measures. The workers' union supports this proposal. They believe it is necessary to have more staff to prevent theft and improve working conditions.

Linda Molina, a union delegate in Long Beach, stated: “More staff is the best way to prevent theft and make stores safer.” The measure could also create new jobs in a sector facing a growing shortage of employees.

However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Some critics of the proposal, including business groups like the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and the California Retailers Association, argue that the new rules will be detrimental. According to them, increasing the number of employees at self-checkout lanes will raise operating costs, which could result in higher prices.

Walmart Breaks the Silence

In their defense, Walmart and other large retail chains have invested in technology to make shopping more efficient. Self-checkout stations were introduced to reduce wait times and the number of employees needed in each store. The law, opponents say, penalizes companies for using technology to stay competitive against online commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce also argues that the measure will not solve the problem of theft. “This law only increases costs and doesn't really address shoplifting,” commented Celeste Wilson from the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, they mention that large chains are already taking measures, such as advanced security cameras and weight sensors at self-checkout terminals.

The Long Beach City Council remains firm in its stance, defending that more staff is key to improving security. According to the council members, technology alone is not enough; a balance between the use of machines and human employment is necessary.

The future of Walmart in Long Beach and other cities could depend on how it responds to this new law. If the proposal extends to other areas of the country, retail chains will have to adapt to new demands. The self-checkout policies, which have been one of their most profitable solutions, could face changes that affect their costs and way of operating.