[4] The idea of having dedicated greeters at the front door of a store may have come from an employee of the company, Lois Richard.

[3][5] The Walmart store in Crowley, which had opened in 1980, was experiencing shoplifting and had a significant "inventory shrinkage" after two years.

[6] After a shoplifting sting conducted by the local police showed that piles of merchandise could have been taken away, Lois Richard pitched the idea the next day to her manager and it was accepted.

This new position will require that hosts be able to climb up ladders to get products, lift packages weighing 25 pounds, and stand for long periods of time.

[8] During the COVID-19 pandemic Walmart greeters gained increased importance due to the fact they had to enforce and remind customers of store mask mandates.