Many things have been disappearing from Walmart, and the change may not be evident to you, but we’ve got the information you need to notice what’s not there. Policies are changing, safety guidelines are stricter, and it affects the way we shop. Check out our list to see what you won’t find at Walmart anymore.
No Closing
We no longer have 24-hour stores. Now, the stores will only be open until 11 p.m. This ensures that the store is handled correctly, including restocking and cleaning. The stores then open at 6 a.m. While that’s still a significant amount of time, if you have a busy schedule, you’ll need to make some adjustments.
Returns
Walmart changed its policy but has now returned to a standard one. This means that you can exchange items within 3 months or return them without any issues. Their store rule does not apply if you are in a state still under COVID specifications. You’ll need to call your store.
E-Cigarettes
When vaping first came out, it was branded as a way to help smokers. With concerns rising about vaping, Walmart announced that it’s halting the sale of all e-cigarettes. That includes stopping the sale of dessert-flavored or fruit-flavored liquids that go with them. If you want to find them now, go to a mega-store like Costco.
Naughty Clothing
There has been a rise in clothing styles that many consider overly provocative for our little ones, prompting significant parental concern. Wholesome, loveable characters like Elmo have gotten this treatment, and eventually people began complaining—particularly about the naughty leopard costumes. Due to the public outcry, the store pulled the costumes from the shelves.
More Guards
Sneeze guards, that is. The pandemic may be considered over, or at least under control, but we still limit contact between cashiers and customers entering the premises. As such, plastic barriers are already in place at some stores, and the goal is to have them in every store throughout the country.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations will be leaving as well. This is because Walmart Health is closing. This will change things for many people, as the pharmacy, optical center, and vaccinations were extremely helpful to low-income families and individuals who lacked other options. Due to this closure, people are seeking alternative methods to address their health needs.
Shopping Carts
The shopping carts are staying, but filth is not. How often have we gone to the store and cringed because the carts were filthy—not just the handlebars, but the whole thing? Because the store recognizes that customers want to feel more comfortable, they already have wipes available at the entrance. However, there have been promises to thoroughly clean and sanitize shopping carts to prevent illness.
No Masks
If you are fully vaccinated, you’ll no longer be required to wear a mask. This is based on an honor system; however, employees complete a health assessment to further ensure honesty and everyone’s safety. Employees who complete this requirement will also receive a bonus for getting vaccinated. There may be a few locations that still have local mask mandates, but most have moved past them.
No Sickness
After the pandemic, Walmart began taking stricter measures to care for its employees and ensure that no one came in sick. Because it’s a company that cares, it ensures that each employee is safe and doesn’t come into work if they’re not feeling well, as it doesn’t want to put its customers at risk of illness. If you go into Walmart now, you’ll see bright, happy faces instead of coughing.
White Stag
Slowly phased out for other store brands, such as Faded Glory or Terra and Sky, White Stag is no longer available anywhere except on shopping apps. While some of the older brands are still on the site, you’ll no longer find this beloved brand. While this was once the store’s favorite personal brand, moving into different sizes and labels seems to have worked well for them.
Ammunition
After concerns started rising about ammunition and the increase in shootings, Walmart long ago decided not to sell handguns anymore. However, the availability of ammunition has also decreased slowly. They’re not out of the gun business altogether, but you will see that many guns and ammunition options they once carried are no longer available.
Underwear
Now, this doesn’t mean all underwear. However, the teenage underwear with extremely inappropriate and suggestive language had parents outraged. Walmart immediately backtracked, and those panties have been removed from the shelves. The underwear seemed to suggest that girls needed sugar daddies or inappropriate relationships with Santa Claus. Due to the backlash, Walmart has been far more cautious about slogans.
Small Spaces
Stores are no longer running at half capacity, and there has been a rise in Walmart’s efforts to rearrange its stores and make more space. Foot traffic is now back, and you’ll notice that it’s been far more crowded. It’s because business is back, and Walmart wants to ensure that you can get what you need.
Fishing Gear
Not all fishing gear is affected, but specifically products found to be harmful—such as Water Gremlin—were pulled because they were found to contain lead, which elevated blood levels. Since this incident, the store has been ensuring that its fishing products are safe, so you don’t have to worry. However, you may notice that some brands haven’t returned.
Inappropriate Clothing
Similar to the underwear issue and costumes, inappropriate clothing is also being pulled. In particular, clothing featuring Santa doing things he shouldn’t or phrases on children’s clothing that don’t belong there. Companies realize that people don’t want their children exposed to these elements and don’t find it funny. Walmart has listened and taken action.
Change Is Coming
All stores must adapt to the times, and change is inevitable. Now that you’ve seen 15 things you won’t be able to find or the changes that are coming, you’ll be better equipped when shopping. Not to mention that these changes are all for the better, ensuring improved customer safety and happiness.
