The practice of securing certain over-the-counter healthcare items within retail stores, including pregnancy tests at Walmart, is a measure implemented to mitigate theft and potential losses. This security measure involves placing the products behind locked displays or within protective packaging that requires assistance from store personnel to access. The aim is to deter shoplifting and maintain inventory levels for consumer availability.
Implementing loss prevention strategies, such as securing pregnancy tests, offers economic benefits to the retailer. By reducing theft, Walmart can minimize financial losses and maintain consistent pricing for consumers. Historically, high-theft items have been targeted with increased security measures, reflecting an ongoing effort to balance accessibility with safeguarding store assets. This approach helps ensure products are available to customers who genuinely need them.