Activists focused on economic change are targeting the nation’s largest retailer, aiming to disrupt its financial performance. Beginning Monday, April 7, The People’s Union USA is spearheading a weeklong boycott of Walmart.
Participants in the boycott are urged to refrain from spending at Walmart stores, the Walmart website, and Sam’s Club warehouses and gas stations, all of which are owned by Walmart. This also extends to the use of Walmart’s pharmacy and delivery services.
John Schwarz, the founder of The People’s Union, initiated the movement in February with a one-day boycott of major brands such as Walmart, Amazon, and McDonald’s. Schwarz asserts that the movement is non-partisan, focusing on empowering consumers to combat what he describes as corporate greed.
“We’ve observed an increase in prices while wages remain stagnant. These corporations are making billions as families struggle to afford basic necessities,” Schwarz expressed in a social media update on Friday. “Walmart, like many others, contributes to this issue.”
Nearly 90% of Americans reside within 10 miles of a Walmart store. Walmart reports that around 255 million individuals shop at its locations and online each week.
Recently, The People’s Union coordinated a weeklong boycott of Amazon and followed it with a boycott of Nestle products. While the immediate impact of these short-term boycotts remains uncertain, Schwarz emphasizes the importance of consumer solidarity and protesting through purchasing decisions before it’s too late.
“This is not motivated by animosity; it’s a strategic move, leveraging our collective power. If we don’t start addressing these issues now, there may not be anything left worth fighting for,” Schwarz stated.
The People’s Union’s boycotts are part of a broader trend in the U.S. where consumers are voicing their dissatisfaction with corporate policies and ethics. Organizers in Atlanta have recently launched a 40-day boycott of Target following the company’s retraction of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Additional boycott suggestions have been made against corporations like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Disney, and Chipotle. Nonetheless, these initiatives seem to have received less national visibility compared to others.
Looking ahead, The People’s Union has planned another economic blackout for April 18 and a weeklong boycott of General Mills scheduled to commence on April 21.
