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It may seem backward, but price isn't necessarily what determines which products end up behind glass

• Price isn't everything: Cheap everyday products can be attractive theft targets because they're small, easy to conceal, and easy to resell.

• It can vary by store: What's locked up at your Walmart may depend partly on which products are disappearing at that location.

• There's a downside: Locked cases may deter theft, but they can also frustrate legitimate shoppers and cost retailers sales.

You've probably had this Walmart experience. You need toothpaste, deodorant, or maybe razors. You wander around and find the right aisle, then reach for the product only to discover it's locked behind glass.

Now you need an employee to unlock an $8 item.

Meanwhile, you can walk two aisles over and find merchandise worth $50 or $100 sitting completely unsecured.

It seems backward, but there's a reason for it. Retailers aren't necessarily locking up the most expensive products; they're trying to protect the products that attract the most thieves.

An $8 product can be a better target than a $100 one

For someone planning to resell stolen merchandise, an ideal product is relatively small, easy to carry, readily available, and something other people will actually buy. That's why seemingly mundane products such as razors, cosmetics, laundry detergent, over-the-counter medicine, and personal-care products can end up behind glass.

A National Retail Federation study of organized retail crime groups found that they largely targeted everyday consumer goods because they offered a combination of ease of theft, decent monetary value, and are easy to resell.

For example, a bulky $100 patio chair may be worth significantly more than a package of razors. But try stuffing a couple patio chairs into a backpack.

Why toothpaste and detergent?

Those boring household necessities have another characteristic that can make them attractive for resale: People always need them.

Consumers continually buy more toothpaste, detergent, deodorant, cosmetics, and medicine.

And selling a few discounted packages of razors or bottles of detergent online may attract considerably less attention than trying to unload a suspiciously cheap $1,500 television.

The NRF found that health and beauty products, infant products, housewares, toys, and laundry products have all been frequent targets of organized retail theft.

The organization's research also found relatively few organized theft groups targeted large or heavy high-value products, such as televisions and appliances.

Why isn't the same stuff locked up at every Walmart?

This is where things can get kinda confusing: A Walmart in a neighboring city might have that same toothpaste sitting on an open shelf.

This is because retailers can monitor inventory losses and theft patterns, meaning security measures arent always consistent from one store to another.

While it would be interesting, Walmart doesn't publicly provide a formula explaining exactly when a particular item gets put behind glass, so don't assume there's a magic dollar amount that triggers a locked case.

The more important question may be whether that particular product keeps disappearing from that particular store.

Locked cases create another problem

There's a reason Walmart doesn't simply put everything behind glass. Locked merchandise can be VERY annoying. You press the call button. You wait. Nobody comes. You press it again.

Eventually, some shoppers may decide the toothpaste isn't worth the hassle and leave without buying it.

That's a problem for retailers, too. The NRF acknowledges that security barriers can increase costs, frustrate shoppers, and lead to lost sales as shoppers turn to the ease of Amazon.

Walmart has also tested electronic locks that employees can open using work phones, rather than requiring workers to track down physical keys.

What can you do if you're tired of waiting?

Besides just buying all your household necessities from Amazon, here's perhaps the easiest workaround: Pull out the Walmart app.

Then just search for the exact item and see whether it's available for pickup or shipping. You can also check the online price while you're at it. You might be able to order the same product without standing in an aisle waiting for someone to unlock a case.

Prices aren't the only factor influencing where consumers shop

• 42% of shoppers have cut back on visits to grocery stores they used to frequent as prices continue to rise.

• Long checkout lines, out-of-stock items, and frustrating in-store experiences are pushing consumers to shop elsewhere.

• Nearly half of shoppers in households earning under $50,000 say they'd pay more for a noticeably better grocery shopping experience.

Grocery shopping has become more expensive over the past year, and consumers are taking notice.

As prices continue to climb, many shoppers are rethinking where they buy their groceries and looking for stores that offer a better overall experience for their money.

A new report from Axonify found that 42% of shoppers have cut back on visits to a grocery store they used to frequent. While rising prices are the biggest reason consumers are switching stores, long lines, empty shelves and frustrating in-store experiences are also playing a role.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Axonify CEO Melissa Burghardt about what the findings reveal about changing shopper expectations and what grocery stores can do to keep customers coming back.

Methodology and key findings

The report, Eye on the Aisles: Higher Prices, Higher Stakes for Customer Experience, was conducted by Axonify and surveyed more than 1,200 grocery shoppers in the United States and Canada in August 2026. The research examined how rising grocery prices are affecting shopping habits, store loyalty, and consumers expectations for the in-store experience.

The survey found that rising grocery prices are prompting shoppers to reconsider where they shop, but cost isn't the only factor influencing their decisions.

• Grocery prices are a growing concern: 92% of shoppers said grocery prices had increased over the past year, and 67% said they were extremely or very concerned about grocery costs.

• Store loyalty is slipping: 88% of respondents said they shop at more than one grocery store in a typical month, and 42% said they had reduced visits to the store they frequented most.

• Poor experiences are more frustrating: 58% said a bad in-store experience was extremely or very frustrating now that prices are higher, while 42% said they notice store problems more than they used to.

• Price isn't everything: Although 61% ranked competitive prices as the most important factor in a good grocery experience, quality and freshness, cleanliness, store atmosphere, selection, and frontline service had stronger relationships with shoppers' overall experience ratings.

• Some shoppers are willing to pay more: Among Gen Z respondents, 57% said they would pay more for a noticeably better grocery experience the highest share of any generation surveyed.

Price isnt everything

While price is a major factor in where consumers decide to shop, Burghardt explained that retailers shouldn't assume that winning back shoppers is simply a matter of offering more discounts or expanding loyalty programs.

Those things matter, but they won't compensate for a consistently frustrating shopping experience, she said. Retailers need to think about loyalty as something they earn on the store floor. Are the products shoppers came for actually in stock? Can they find someone to help them? Are checkout lines moving? Is the experience worth the time and money they're spending?

Burghardt said that not every grocer can compete on price with the large national chains, but they can earn points through experience.

The goal is to make your store the one customers can consistently count on, whether that's through knowledgeable employees, reliable product availability, or simply making the shopping trip easier, she said. Those are the experiences that turn an occasional shopper into a loyal customer.

Value wins out for many shoppers

An interesting finding from the report was that nearly 50% of low-income shoppers (those making under $50,000/year) would be willing to pay more for a better shopping experience.

That challenges the assumption that price is all that matters to budget-conscious consumers, Burghardt said. When money is tight, time is money too. A wasted trip because somethings out of stock, a long checkout line, or a second stop to finish your list are all real costs. These shoppers are still price-sensitive.

But value isnt just the number on the shelf. Its finding what you need, getting in and out fast, and having someone who can actually help.

Most cardholders say they've paid down their balances only to see them climb again

• A new survey found that 72% of credit cardholders have paid down their debt, only to see their balances rise again, while 58% report significant stress or anxiety related to what they owe.

• Shame, repeated financial setbacks, and debt-related stress can make it harder for consumers to make progress or seek help.

• Consumers are encouraged to review what they can realistically afford, exploring hardship programs, and considering debt relief options when minimum payments aren't enough.

Paying down credit card debt can feel like a major accomplishment until an unexpected expense or another tight month sends the balance climbing again. For many Americans, that cycle can make it difficult to feel like they're making any real progress, even when they're working hard to pay what they owe.

A new survey from Freedom Debt Relief found that 72% of U.S. credit cardholders have paid down their debt only to see it rise again. The financial strain can also take an emotional toll, with 58% reporting significant stress or anxiety related to their debt.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Sean Fox, president of Freedom Debt Relief, who discussed why breaking the cycle can be so challenging, how debt-related stress can affect financial decisions, and what consumers can do to start working toward a more manageable financial future.

How the survey was conducted

Freedom Debt Relief conducted an online survey in July 2026, gathering responses from 1,006 U.S. adults who carry a credit card balance from one month to the next.

Respondents had an average age of 42, with millennials accounting for 51% of the group, followed by Gen X (24%), Gen Z (16%) and baby boomers (8%). The survey explored how often cardholders get caught in a cycle of debt, what makes repayment difficult, and how carrying a balance affects their financial and emotional well-being.

What the survey found

The results suggest that paying down credit card debt doesn't always translate into lasting progress. Overall, 72% of respondents said they've reduced their balances only to see them rise again, while 60% said they feel trapped in a cycle of credit card debt.

Financial strain was particularly pronounced among lower-income households: 69% of respondents earning less than $30,000 annually felt trapped, compared with 42% of those earning six figures.

The survey also highlighted gaps in financial knowledge and the emotional toll of carrying debt. Only 29% of respondents knew the exact interest rate on their highest-balance credit card, and 58% said their debt caused significant stress or anxiety.

Nearly half (47%) felt embarrassed or ashamed about how much they owed. Despite these challenges, 57% had never considered a debt relief program, suggesting that many cardholders may be struggling to find a path forward.

The psychological barriers to paying down debt

Fox touched on the idea of shame and how that can be a driver to continuous credit card debt.

Shame can make people treat debt as a reflection of their character, he said. They feel embarrassed about what they owe or believe they should fix it themselves, so they delay asking for help even when their payments arent making a meaningful difference.

Another factor: worn down confidence from repeated setbacks. When months of repayment are erased by one unexpected expense, people can stop believing theyll ever get ahead, Fox said. Making the minimum payment becomes a way to get through the month rather than a plan to get out of debt.

A constant cycle of stress

While debt alone can feel like a burden, Fox explained that consistent credit card debt can also impact how consumers feel about making other financial decisions. One bad decision can sometimes feel like every choice after that will be catastrophic.

Debt stress can make it harder to weigh options because so much attention is consumed by the immediate pressure of paying bills, Fox said. People may focus on whichever choice gets them through the next due date, even if it leaves them with higher costs or a payment they cant sustain.

Anxiety can also make people put their head in the sand and ignore important account details. Checking a balance or opening a statement can feel overwhelming when they dont have the money to address it. That can delay action until their choices are more limited.

Breaking the cycle

Low-income consumers were the most likely to feel trapped by a never ending cycle of credit card debt. Fox offered some advice for those trying to break out of that trap.

For someone with limited income, a debt repayment plan has to leave enough for daily life, he explained. If making a payment means putting groceries back on the card, that payment isnt producing lasting progress. Start with take-home income, subtract essential, fixed expenses, and determine what you can consistently afford to put toward debt.

If that amount wont cover the minimums, ask your card issuers about hardship programs that could reduce interest or payments. But if the balance itself is more than you can realistically repay, its worth exploring an approach that addresses the amount owed.

Fox also recommends that consumers look into debt settlement, which can be particularly helpful for people facing financial hardship.

Reducing the debt itself can put getting out of debt within reach when cutting expenses and making minimum payments havent been enough, he said. A professional assessment can help you understand whether that approach fits your circumstances and what an affordable program could look like.

Ask for help

Foxs biggest piece of advice: dont wait to ask for help.

You dont have to wait until you miss a payment to ask for help, he said. The purpose of seeking advice is to understand what could work from here, without being judged for how you got here.

Seeking help can make debt feel less isolating and give people a clearer sense of what they can do next.

Prices are softening, but affordability remains elusive

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Home sellers are cutting asking prices, giving buyers more room to negotiate but discounts may not offset higher borrowing costs.

• The average 30-year mortgage rate reached 7.40% on October 8, up from 6.30% a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.

• The softer market can benefit buyers with cash or substantial equity, while households dependent on financing still face steep monthly payments.

The housing market is in a rare position. Buyers have an increasing level of bargaining power but many still lack the money to make the purchase. A combination of high prices and rising mortgage rates are keeping homeownership beyond many household budgets.

While sellers are becoming more willing to negotiate, the payment needed to close the deal may still exceed the buyers budget.

That gap between bargaining power and purchasing power helps explain why a softer market does not automatically translate into more affordable homeownership.

Realtor.coms September report found that the median asking price was $419,250, down 1.4% from a year earlier. Meanwhile, 20.8% of listings had price reductions, the highest share since October 2022. The stock of listings under contract fell 4.1% from September 2025. Those figures describe asking prices and listing activity, rather than a uniform decline in completed-sale prices.

Rising mortgage rates

Borrowing costs are moving in the opposite direction. Freddie Mac reported that the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage reached 7.40% on October 8, compared with 7.28% the previous week and 6.30% a year earlier.

For buyers, those competing trends can mean a cheaper house comes with a more expensive payment.

Consider a hypothetical $400,000 home purchased with a 20% down payment and a 30-year mortgage at 6%. Monthly principal and interest would total about $1,919.

Heres an example

Now suppose the seller reduces the price by $20,000, to $380,000, but the buyers mortgage rate is 7.4%. With the same percentage down payment, principal and interest would rise to about $2,105 a month.

The buyer saves 5% on the purchase price but pays approximately $186 more each month. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any mortgage insurance or association fees would add to the bill.

Selling times also require a closer look. Realtor.com reported a national median of 61 days in September, one day longer than August but one day shorter than a year earlier. However, homes were taking longer to sell in 27 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas, including Baltimore and Charlotte.

The result is a market whose opportunities depend heavily on the buyers finances. A cash buyer can benefit directly from a price reduction without facing a higher mortgage rate. A homeowner carrying substantial equity into the next purchase may also need a smaller loan.

Problems for first-time buyers

For a first-time buyer financing most of the purchase, the same discount may provide much less relief. A lender evaluates whether the borrower can support the payment, and a sellers willingness to bargain cannot make an unaffordable payment fit a household budget.

Buyers who can proceed may be able to negotiate help with closing costs, repairs, or a mortgage-rate buydown. But temporary payment relief should be evaluated against the payment that takes effect when that assistance ends.

Freddie Mac also encourages borrowers to obtain multiple mortgage quotes, saying comparison shopping can potentially save thousands of dollars over a loans lifetime.

For sellers, the challenge is that an attractive discount must ultimately translate into a payment someone can manage. For buyers, the key question is whether the full cost of ownership fits their income even after the seller lowers the price.