This statement must be qualified. Stores experience shoplifting of formula due to cost. The locked cabinets protect expensive stock.

WIC programs specifically include X amount of baby formula as part of the program. Especially in low-income areas (and increasingly higher level income areas) formula has become a form of currency and an easy way to launder drug money. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/05/02/magazine/mone...

The amazing part is the inefficiency of the WIC program made the formula black market possible.