A woman has hit out at Walmart for "inconveniencing legitimate customers" with its efforts to prevent shoplifting.

Stores in the U.S. lost an estimated $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023, according to data compiled by Capital One Shopping. As America's largest retailer, Walmart needs to be vigilant of the threat posed by these thefts and take necessary action.

However, Alexandra Nicole believes the retail giant may have taken things a little too far. In a June video posted to her TikTok, @opie_petsitting, she documented the difficulties she had during a visit to a Walmart store in Spring Valley, Las Vegas.

Nicole had only gone in to buy deodorant and contact solution but quickly found herself waylaid by the current Walmart security measures.

In the clip, she showed how Walmart now keeps both items in a locked glass cabinet. That cabinet has to be unlocked by a member of staff who then places the items in a small lock box in the customer's cart, which can only be opened at the register.

Nicole told Newsweek she was so surprised when the second smaller lockbox was introduced, branding the store's approach "dystopian."

She also highlighted what she sees as another major flaw to the system. "It is typically pretty difficult to purchase these items because you have to track down an employee to open the glass doors," she said. "Only certain employees even have a key, so most will just say they can't help you."

What made matters worse was that they then had to repeat the process all over again when picking up the contact solution she needed.

Newsweek made multiple attempts to contact Walmart for comment on its security measures but received no response.

Though Nicole said that she did end up buying the items, she added that it could put others off in the future. "If they have to ask someone to unlock it, they will just go home and buy it on Amazon instead," Nicole said.

She added that she posted the video documenting her experience to highlight the "total absurdity of the situation."

"It was comical," Nicole said. "I hope these corporations read the comments on the video and realize their approach to this problem is all wrong. There are much more effective solutions to their problem."

Nicole added that there are similar systems in place in stores like Target but said that alternatives should be explored.

"There are many other systems that could be put in place that would prevent shoplifting without inconveniencing legitimate customers," Nicole said. "They could opt for requiring an ID scan and facial recognition to enter the store."

She also felt harsher penalties could also serve as a deterrent. "Walmart should be spending its money in efforts to lobby for policy that would actually incarcerate shoplifters," Richie said.

For now, though, she and other customers like her are going to have to adjust to Walmart's current approach.