Many Walmart shoppers are not pleased with the new design, and some even blame it for encouraging poor consumer behavior as the retailer upgraded its shopping carts and introduced them to all 4,600 US locations.
Walmart's Larger Carts Linked to Increased Spending
A Walmart shopper is concerned that the store's larger carts promote excessive shopping habits. The U.S. Sun reported that they remarked on the size of the overflowing carts, questioning the need for such wasteful consumption, which they described as unappealing.
Shopping carts have grown significantly since 1975, evolving from two small baskets on wheels to today's much larger versions. This increase in size aligns with a strategy to encourage shoppers to buy more than they might originally intend.
Retailers have recognized that a bigger cart can lead to increased spending. Marketing expert Martin Lindstrom explained that if a shopping cart's size is doubled, customers spend about 40% more, often without realizing it.
Walmart has also responded to customer feedback by setting aside special shopping hours at 403 locations, helping reduce anxiety among shoppers as they adjust to these changes.
Walmart has redesigned its shopping carts to enhance functionality and add convenience for its shoppers. According to Franchise Herald, the updated carts feature a taller frame and improved child seats with a cup holder and a smartphone slot.
The new carts stand about 43.3 inches high, 3.5 inches taller than previous models. The Daily Mail reported that the child seats are also positioned nearly 8 inches higher than before, providing better comfort and accessibility.
Over the past year, these taller carts have been introduced across Walmart stores nationwide. A Walmart spokesperson explained to Business Insider that the new design aims to improve the shopping experience.
Typically, a standard Walmart store holds between 600 and 800 shopping carts, while larger Supercenters can accommodate up to 2,000 carts.
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Taller Shopping Carts at Walmart Spark Criticism and Calls for Boycott
According to Daily Mail, Walmart has introduced taller shopping carts nationwide over the past year, aiming for improved functionality. However, the change has not been well received by all customers. Many have voiced their discomfort and dissatisfaction, particularly those of shorter stature.
One shopper expressed physical discomfort due to the size of the carts, stating that pushing the larger cart caused their arms and shoulders to ache. Another customer remarked on social media that the carts were unsuitable for shorter people, echoing a sentiment of exclusion.
The dissatisfaction has escalated to the point where some customers are considering boycotting the retailer. On a Facebook thread discussing the issue, one person declared they had stopped shopping at Walmart, criticizing the new carts for seemingly mocking shorter individuals.
Furthermore, some parents have reported that the new cart dimensions make it difficult to see while pushing their children. A shopper highlighted this issue in a TikTok video, explaining that the cart design did not consider shorter people, making it hard to navigate the store.
Introducing these taller carts has led to a mix of backlash and calls for reconsidering the design to accommodate all customers better.
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