Get ready to scan and unlock, Walmart fans.

The retail giant is testing a new technology that allows employees (and eventually, maybe you) use their phones to unlock those boring cases that house everything from beef jerky to the socks.

Yes, the same cases that make buying a tube of toothpaste feel like trying to break into Fort Knox.

But here’s the kicker: this “innovation” isn’t about making your life easier. It’s about Walmart transferring its anti-theft tactics onto customers as if that will make anyone feel more appreciated or excited to shop.

Instead of hiring more employees to actually run the ledgers or having enough staff to help customers find what they need in the aisle, Walmart seems determined to you part of their security team.

According to a recent Bloomberg reportnew “unlock with your phone” technology is available in hundreds of stores, allowing employees to open boxes without fumbling with keys.

This test may eventually roll out to Walmart+ loyalty members, allowing customer do the unlocking se. Because, hey, why not turn the store into a digital escape room?

Now, I understand…retail theft is on the rise, and companies lose money.

But when 2/3 of shoppers admit they stop shopping because of blocked productsdoesn’t that say more about how these companies prioritize security over customer experience?

If Walmart wants loyalty, maybe it’s time to ditch the excessive locks and bring back good human cashiers and store associates ready to help without your phone doing all the heavy lifting.

Instead of releasing technology that feels like another hoop to jump through, Walmart could actually invest in this country with enough staff to improve customer service, not security measures that treat paying customers like potential thieves.