Shoppers at some Kroger, Lowe's, and Safeway stores may be able to unlock merchandise cases themselves — but only if they share their phone numbers first

• Retailers' efforts to curb shoplifting are increasingly spoiling shoppers' in-store experience. 
• Customers wait nearly two minutes on average to get assistance with locked-away items.
• New tech is rolling out at major brands to reduce the hassle in exchange for a cell phone number.

Shoppers across the US are increasingly forced to make an uncomfortable choice when they want to buy something — say, a vibrator — at their local drugstore: ring a bell to summon an overworked retail employee, or walk away.

More stores are locking away merchandise amid rising concerns about retail theft.