Scan Carefully: Walmart Issues Citations for Self-Checkout Mistakes

We are all human.  And the reality is, humans make mistakes.  It happens to all of us throughout life.  But, at Walmart, failing to scan some of your items could lead to a citation. These citations for self-checkout mistakes can even lead to court!

Walmart is starting to carefully watch for self-checkout 'shoplifting.' Apparently it's becoming a big enough issue, they are starting to issue citations to those who walk away without paying for all of their items. A recent report from KGUN 9 says Walmart shopper in Tucson, Arizona have been cited and sent to court over failure to scan all of their items.

One woman say two women jumped out at her, grabbing her cart, and ushering her across the store.  They brought her to a small room she called an "interrogation room." They told her she was being arrested for shoplifting.

The woman says she was in shock.  She adds she had no knowledge or intention of not paying for items. For the honest mistake, she was given a petty theft citation. And she's not the only one.

The news station spoke with three other people who had similar stories.  The Walmart on La Cholla in Tucson has given 62 cite and releases between January and April, according to Pima County Sheriff Deputies. A few other Arizona store have reported some citations as well.

While we haven't heard of this happening in our area, as always, better safe than sorry. Next time you're scanning, be careful and pay attention. It's very easy to get distracted. Especially if you have your children with you.  For future visits, make sure all items show up on the screen. If you have trouble, seek out an employee to get help.

When it comes to grocery shopping, I'll be honest... I've done a LOT of my shopping at Walmart lately. Usually it's because it happens to be really close to my house.  But I also like the convenience of getting the groceries, along with other items I might need.

When I'm not shopping at Walmart, Food Lion is a close second.  Again, because it's close.  And honestly, I probably save more money when I shop Food Lion!

If it weren't for having to make multiple stops, I'd more than likely shop at Aldi though.  The only reason I don't shop there more often is because I wind up still having to go to another store to finish my shopping. Because, I am not one to shop by sales or what's available.  I make a list based on what I want to cook and eat that week.  I know I could save more if I shopped sales, I'm just not that organized or dedicated!

So now that you know my "go-to" grocery stores... what does America think is the best place to grocery shop?

According to the USA Today Readers' Choice Poll, below are the top 10 best supermarket brands in 2022! A few of these we do have locally here in Augusta and surrounding areas.

These grocery stores are located in Washington state. They are the largest community-owned food markets in the U.S. They have 16 stores.

Trader Joe's first opened in 1967. They have a ton of unique and interesting items, and at affordable prices. They don't carry a lot of brand names you recognize, but have grown a huge following for some specific favorites (Everything but the Bagel Seasame Seasoning Blend, Mandarin Orange Chicken, Unexpected Cheddar and more).

We used to have a Trader Joe's in Augusta.  Now the closest locations are in Athens, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina.

Wegmans is a regional, family-owned chain grocer. They have over 100 stores, and are located in North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Viriginia, Maryland and Massachusetts.

This is a name that of course I recognized on the list!  The chain was founded in 1930 in Florida.  They've actually become the largest employee-owned company in the US! They have over 1200 stores throughout 7 states.  The stores have their own bakeries, dairy and fresh food manufacturing facilities.

And check out their uniforms through the years!

In business for more than a century, Market Basket is a chain grocer in the Northeast. They offer "more for your dollar."

Looks like these stores are only in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.  They started out as a small dairy. A small chain that originated in 1969, specializing in farm fresh food and family fun.

Wish we had one of these around here!  They are known for hosting costumed characters and entertainment!

Lidl carries many private label products. They have more than 3500 products and also have in store baked goods, fresh flowers and a nice win selection.

We have 2 Lidl locations in the CSRA- on Alexander Drive in Augusta and Martintown Road in North Augusta.

I still remember the first time I went in an ALDI!  I was very impressed with the amazing prices.  Of course, they don't have a lot of the name-brand stuff, but they offer a wide variety, and great prices on produce, meat, everyday essentials and more!

And of course, don't forget to bring your quarter... and your own bags!

We have multiple ALDI locations in the CSRA- in Augusta on Bobby Jones Expressway, in Grovetown on Gateway Boulevard, in North Augusta on Knox Avenue and in Aiken on Whiskey Road.

Honestly, I'd never heard of Hy-Vee.  It seems they have 240 locations but are mostly up north.  Their motto is "a helpful smile in every aisle."

This store was inspired by the food markets in Europe. The goal is to offer a more intimate and personalized experience. They have 159 locations in 22 states. The focus is on fresh, delicious food.

Our local store is at 2701 Washington Road Suite 12, Augusta.