ASHEVILLE – Today’s burning question is about the Walmart on Tunnel Road locking up underwear. Curious about something? Email the newsroom at news@citizen-times.com. Your question and answer could appear in an upcoming issue.
Question: Why has Walmart on Tunnel Road locked up all tees and underwear in secure cases? Are people actually pilfering under garments now?
Answer: High-ticket items may seem like the obvious target items for thieving bandits, calling for increased security measures. However, don’t discount the appeal of a pair of knickers to a person with sticky fingers.
Yes, undershirts and underwear get swiped, too.
An Asheville shopper was surprised to find underwear and undershirts in security cases in the Walmart Supercenter at 125 Bleachery Blvd.
In February, the Walmart Supercenter at 125 Bleachery Blvd., near Tunnel Road, reopened after sustaining significant flood damage from the Swannanoa River during Tropical Storm Helene. The extensive renovation, a part of the company’s “Store of the Future” project, involved installing new fixtures and specialty displays, as well as restocking inventory. A new floor plan and fashion brands were rolled out, too.
More than 650 locations were announced to be remodeled in 2025, including the East Asheville store.
This may be why you’re just now noticing the security cases in the men’s department at this location, although they were previously introduced to Walmart stores.
Mariel Messier, communications director for Walmart’s U.S. East region, told the Citizen Times in an email on Sept. 8 that the Arkansas-based company doesn’t disclose specific security measures but that “some products have additional security, as determined by the needs of each store and its community.”
Walmart unveiled its new layouts after the remodel in East Asheville.
Data on the volume of theft, total revenue losses due to theft, and the most frequently stolen items were not provided when requested. However, Reuters reported in 2015 that Walmart had made it a priority to reduce theft. The media company cited Greg Foran, the former head of Walmart’s U.S. operations, to say that theft typically makes up 1% of retailers’ sales. Walmart reported nearly $300 billion in revenue for the fiscal year, at the time, which would mean about $300 million may have been lost to theft and other forms of “unknown shrinkage.”
“Unfortunately, retail crime remains a challenge in communities nationwide. We are focused on doing everything possible to keep our associates and customers safe while keeping prices low and products in stock,” Messier said.
The added protection to reduce theft can be burdensome for customers, particularly when a button must be pushed, calling for assistance, or a Walmart associate must be located, asking them to retrieve an item from a locked display.
Other enhanced security methods, such as additional cameras, are also visible to the public in other departments, including those for skincare products and medications.
“Hundreds of associates are working hard in our stores each day to assist customers. Customers are encouraged to ask an associate for help when needed,” Messier said.
Walmart oversees a department of Asset Protection specialists to monitor their stores, distribution centers and corporate facilities. According to the company’s website, the job duties entail ensuring compliance and preventing “shrink” ― an industry term for inventory lost due to theft.
Walmart isn’t the only retailer in an ongoing battle to stop shoplifters, which could be carried out by customers or an inside job with employees taking home more than an earned paycheck.
In December 2024, the National Retail Federation reported that surveyed senior loss prevention and security executives at mid-size to large retailers across 164 retail brands attributed $1.52 trillion in annual sales in 2023, or 30% of total retail sales, were lost to theft. A 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 versus 2019, and a 90% increase in dollar loss due to shoplifting during that same time period, was reported.
Items the surveyed respondents reported that their companies kept locked away due to theft, in addition to big-ticket items like electronics and designer handbags, included cosmetics, fragrances, infant formulas, razors, laundry detergent, pregnancy tests and contraceptives, personal hygiene products, beverages, baby clothes and children’s toys.
More: Asheville Citizen Times staff recognized for journalism excellence in Helene coverage
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram. Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Answer Woman: Why is the Walmart on Tunnel Road locking up underwear?
