I have seen some wal marts do and some don't have the bars. Was there not another lot close by to park and walk over from there? I think the bars are more to keep out the truckers but I also think some have done it so no oversized vehicles are allowed. I would assume it might be a local town ordinance. I know lately I have seen signs saying NO TRUCK PARKING ALLOWED by all the entrances and when I asked the workers they said the current MGR's don't want the trucks parking there anymore some nights I have counted 20 trucks and I know a few drivers who were parking and even dropping trailers for several days and were drivers who live in town. There are still a few trucks each night but not as many but I do still see rv'ers parked overnight. So it seems that he wants the truckers to go some where else. BTW there is a campground near by and the town hasn't said anything about rv'ers staying over nor trucks so it's gotta be the MGR who doesn't want the truckers. Although I have seen a few rv'ers taking advantage of the free parking and staying several days which may lead to a total ban someday.