A weeklong boycott of Walmart began on April 7, the latest in a string of economic blackouts organized by the People’s Union USA.
The advocacy group was created in February by John Schwarz, a meditation teacher-turned-activist who lives in Chicago. Starting in late February, the group organized a day of total economic blackout and a boycott of Amazon.
Although the boycotts began at the same time as other actions protesting companies rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion programs, they have a broader goal of uniting “everyday Americans against the greed and corruption that’s kept us divided,” according to the group’s website.
Why is Walmart being boycotted?
Schwarz called Walmart “one of the most exploitative companies in the country” in a March 25 Instagram video. Schwarz did not respond to a request for comment from The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
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.
In a statement to Newsweek, Walmart said it is “one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country” and supports local communities by creating jobs and donating more than “$1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year.”
“We remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day,” Walmart said in the statement, Newsweek reported.
How many Walmart stores does Washington state have?
There are 64 Walmart locations in Washington state, according to the company’s store directory.
More boycotts planned against Walmart, Amazon and more
Schwarz shared a flier on social media that lays out a series of upcoming boycotts:
Walmart: April 7-14 and May 20-26
Second economic blackout: April 18
General Mills: April 21-28
Independence Day boycott: July 4
The source of the boycotts: These 30 companies rolled back DEI policies, from Amazon to Victoria’s Secret
The Walmart logo is seen outside a Walmart store in Burbank, California on August 15, 2022. Walmart, the largest retailer the United States, will report second quarter earnings on August 16, 2022. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Walmart boycott begins this week as shoppers stage economic protests