Nationwide Walmart Boycott Planned For August 1: What to Know
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A nationwide boycott of Walmart, organized by The People's Union USA, is scheduled to begin August 1 and last throughout the month, with the group calling for Americans to halt spending at the retail giant.
Newsweek has reached out to Walmart via an online contact form for comment.
Why it Matters
This latest announcement follows a series of consumer-led economic boycotts following the re-election of President Donald Trump in January.
A Walmart sign is displayed outside a Supercenter on November 18, 2024 in Miami, Florida.
A Walmart sign is displayed outside a Supercenter on November 18, 2024 in Miami, Florida.These boycotts have been spearheaded by progressive groups who have expressed a number of concerns over issues including company tax avoidance and workers' rights, in addition to backlash over companies scaling back diversity hiring commitments.
What To Know
The People's Union USA, led by John Schwartz, known online as TheOneCalledJai is leading the boycott action.
The People's Union encourages consumers, where possible, to redirect purchases to small, independent businesses or to delay nonessential shopping for the duration of the boycott.
The mission statement from The People's Union USA states: "We are not a political party. 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."
It's not the first time that The People's Union USA has specifically taken action against Walmart. In an April statement about a previous boycott, Schwartz told Newsweek, "We're boycotting Walmart because they've become the symbol of everything that's wrong with corporate power in this country... Our mission is simple, we want these corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax."
Unions and advocacy groups are encouraging individuals to vote with their money. Consumer boycotts can have a varied impact on companies.
A recent study has shown that there is a significant amount of support for consumer boycotts among Americans, particularly young Americans.
A survey from Lending Tree found that 31 percent of U.S. consumers say they have boycotted a business in the past, with Gen Zers being the most likely to participate in a boycott at 37 percent.
What People Are Saying
Walmart, in an April statement shared with Newsweek: "Serving communities is at the heart of Walmart's purpose to help people save money and live better. As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year, equal to 8 percent of our profit before tax, supporting local charities and causes such as disaster response, hunger relief, workforce development, and conservation.
"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."
What Happens Next
Boycotts of Lowe's and McDonald's are also planned for August. Boycotts of Amazon, Uber, and Pepsi Co. are planned for September.
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