What is the Walmart Boycott? Why is it happening?

After months of boycotts, activists are now targeting Walmart for their next spending freeze. The People’s Union USA , the group that organized the nationwide economic blackout on February 28, is now organizing a boycott of Walmart from April 7 to 14.

There is also a call for a second economic blackout on April 18-20.


Before the boycott starts on April 7, let’s take a look at what the Walmart boycott is and why it is happening.



What is the Walmart Boycott?

America has seen rounds of consumer-driven outages since President Donald Trump was reelected, and consumer activism , which challenges businesses for their choices on matters like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, is on the rise.

The Walmart blackout, set to take place April 7-14, targets not just retail Walmart stores, but also its online platforms, pharmacy and health services, and private label brands like Great Value and Parent’s Choice.

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It also includes Warehouse Clubs like Sam’s Club, financial services like Walmart+ or MoneyCard, and grocery delivery and pickup.

John Schwartz , leader of the People’s Union USA, wrote on his website, "Now it’s time to hit even harder. Walmart is one of the biggest beasts in the game. A mega-corporation that has swallowed up local economies, crushed small businesses, underpaid their employees, and helped fund the same political machine that keeps us all stuck.”

In February, the People's Union USA planned a 24-hour economic blackout across the country, affecting retailers in different ways. Walmart experienced a 5% decrease in site traffic, but this was more akin to overall consumer buying patterns than a consistent change.

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Why is it happening?

The boycott against Walmart comes after the People's Union USA took the same move against Nestlé and Amazon. The People's Union organized a one-day economic blackout on February 28, which later spread to a number of businesses and stores, and now, after the Walmart boycott, another one-day economic blackout is scheduled to take place from April 18-20.

For the People’s Union, led by John Schwartz, “corporate greed” is one of the main motivators for the boycotts.

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Declaring that they are not a political party, The People's Union USA said in a statement: “We are not a protest. We are a movement of people, organizing to take back control of our economy, government, and future of our country.” The Walmart boycott will target online platforms, private label brands, health services, warehouse clubs, financial services, subscription services, grocery delivery and pickup, and retail stores.

Schwartz added, “No matter what side of the political fence you stand on, you should be able to agree on this corporate greed and political corruption are choking this country.”

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Schwarz, whose Instagram account is TheOneCalledJai, stated in a post on Friday that the Walmart boycott “isn't about hate” but it is about how Americans must use their influence and tactics to stop “feeding these giants.” He informed his audience that they have been seeing price increases while wages remain unchanged. “We've watched these companies rake in billions while families can barely afford groceries.”

While protest organizers from multiple groups are mostly targeting major brands that have stopped DEI work, hoping to show them that shoppers want to support brands that help women, minorities, the disabled, and veterans, the NAACP is urging people to shop with Black-owned businesses and others that still have DEI programs.