To get around this they had the entire beauty section cordoned with a scanner you had to walk through to get in and out. You had to pay for anything from that area before you left.
This is very simple. Retail theft is not prosecuted in many states. Also, the police are trained as to what/whom to pursue. Watch the retail stores burn once again when the weather improves.
Therefore, Walmart has to do what is appropriate for thier business model.