A second Walmart boycott begins Tuesday, May 20, with consumers participating in a week-long spending pause against Walmart, Sam’s Club, and all of their affiliates.
Led by grassroots organization The People’s Union USA, “Walmart Boycott 2.0” is part of a series of protests against major corporations, including Amazon and Target, which most notably scaled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
While the spending strike isn’t directly tied to companies’ DEI stances, boycott leader John Schwarz told The Arizona Republic that the boycott is intended to “hold corporations and corrupt systems accountable…with the one thing that actually affects them, the money we spend.” The organization strongly supports DEI on its website, and calls the abandonment of DEI ” backward, regressive, and dangerous.”
The Walmart boycott is happening this week. Here’s what Ohioans should know.
When is Walmart Blackout 2.0? How long is the nationwide boycott?
The second Walmart boycott is May 20-26, 2025. The boycott will last seven days. Shoppers are urged to avoid spending any money with Walmart. “On blackout days, avoid shopping, streaming, online orders, fast food, and everything in between,” The People’s Union USA’s website reads.
“Our second Walmart Blackout is here, May 20-26,” John Schwarz, founder of The People’s Union USA, said in a TikTok video. “And after that, we move to Target, and McDonald’s, and we are pushing hard all the way until the fourth of July.”
The latest Walmart no-spending blackout also applies to Sam’s Club and Walmart affiliates. The People’s Union urges participants to shop local instead.
Why are shoppers boycotting Walmart in 2025? Scaled-back DEI measures a factor
The world’s largest retailer has rolled back DEI programs in the past year. The company said it will not renew a five-year commitment for an equity racial center created after the police killing of George Floyd, NPR reported in November 2024.
It will also no longer consider race and gender diversity of suppliers or participate in a survey measuring workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ people.
Boycotts against Target, McDonald’s on the way
These are the dates for the rest of the year’s boycotts, according to The People’s Union USA:
Independence Day boycott: July 4
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Walmart boycott 2.0 begins. Up next: Target and McDonald’s