Walmart is locking up high-priced meats in wire security cages to curb shoplifting, and shoppers are stunned.
TikTok user @confusion.dac recently filmed a Walmart refrigerated section packed with premium choice ribeye steaks, each sealed inside its own wire cage.
“Y’all doing Walmart so bad, they gotta lock these steaks up,” he said in the video, adding, “Boy, they not playing with y’all now.” He then zoomed in on the price tag, which showed $20.97 per pound. That means two steaks could cost about $45.09.
According to BroBible, the TikTok user reacted to both the price and the security. “$45 for a steak, and they locking the s*** up tight,” he said. While shoplifting rates haven’t changed much over the past decade, rising inflation and viral theft videos have made retailers more cautious. Shoppers are used to seeing locked cases for clothes or medicine, but caged steaks still come as a surprise.
Walmart has locked up meat before
Despite the shock, this isn’t a new practice. Shoppers have posted videos of locked meat sections at Walmart for years, including a viral clip from 2022 showing the same setup. The security measures don’t just apply to expensive cuts either. One shopper said they even had to ask for assistance to buy Spam. These measures come as Walmart continues to deal with multiple challenges, including scams that have frustrated customers.
What is new is the price. Experts say ribeye costs have surged because cattle-raising expenses have increased and overall cattle supply has dropped. Tariffs on American beef also play a role, though they mainly affect ground beef rather than ribeye.
Shoppers looking to save money still have options. Aldi sells choice ribeye steaks for about $14.79 per pound, while Costco prices range from $16.99 to $17.99 per pound. Others opt for lesser-known cuts like Denver steak, which offers good flavor at a lower cost.
Some budget-conscious shoppers even slice certain chuck roast cuts into steaks. For those with freezer space, buying large cuts and portioning them at home can offer the biggest savings.
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