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Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
List of Companies Being Boycotted in July
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Three major American companies are being boycotted all throughout July by supporters of a national grassroots organization that have spent the year turning their backs in advancement of economic equality and social justice. Why It Matters The nonpartisan People's Union USA has pushed economic boycotts of some of the country's biggest companies since February, vowing to protect the American working class from "the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades." Companies like Target have reversed policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to the chagrin of The People's Union, which has called such corporate decisions "backward, regressive and dangerous." Other large corporations in the group's crosshairs have included Walmart and McDonald's. Newsweek reached out to its founder, John Schwarz, via social media for comment. What To Know The People's Union will boycott Amazon, Home Depot and Starbucks throughout this entire month. "This is how we escalate," Schwarz said in a video posted on Instagram on June 25, Schwarz. "We don't do it with anger, not chaos, but with unity, with discipline, and with focus. We stop giving our energy and money to the companies that keep showing us they don't care about the people." Starbucks workers strike outside a Starbucks coffee shop on November 17, 2022, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Starbucks workers strike outside a Starbucks coffee shop on November 17, 2022, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images He mentioned Amazon's upcoming Prime Day offerings, along with the juxtaposition of overworked and underpaid workers and Jeff Bezos—who over the weekend had an extravagant wedding in Venice. "[Amazon employees] are pushing their bodies to the limit so Jeff Bezos can throw a multi-million-dollar wedding in Venice," Schwarz said. "That is not success, that is a disconnect. "That is a man getting rich while the people making it possible are being pushed to the edge while they barely make a livable wage. Jeff Bezos makes over $7 million per hour and pays 1.1 percent in taxes." An Amazon spokesperson told Newsweek that the company remains committed to building a diverse and inclusive company. They cited the company's position on a litany of issues widely debated across America, including supporting: an increase in the federal minimum wage; policies to reduce climate change; immigrants and immigration reform; and making housing more affordable. "We maintain a number of mechanisms to ensure our employees stay safe during high-temperature events," the company said. "The health and safety of our employees is paramount and we encourage employees to take breaks often as needed, especially those who work in roles exposed to the elements." Schwarz said Starbucks is "no better," calling out the company for its purported facade of being a community builder while it discourages worker organization and unionizing—sometimes even leading to worker terminations. The ire towards Home Depot is similar to past boycotts of Target. Schwarz said Home Demot "quietly erased" the DEI page from their website, "as if standing for fairness or for equality or for representation was something to be ashamed of. "And let's be real, all these companies are also financially supporting this treasonous administration," he said. "They are funding the very same politicians who are tearing families apart, stripping away rights, and pushing this country into a dictatorship. "If you support these companies then you are indirectly supporting the destruction of everything this country was supposed to stand for. These are not isolated mistakes; these are patterns. And we the people have had and seen enough." Newsweek reached out to Amazon and Starbucks for comment. Home Depot provided the following statement to Newsweek: "For over 45 years, our business success has been driven by our eight core values, including respect for all people and taking care of our people. "We're proud to have a culture that welcomes everyone, and we believe it helps us achieve our business goals by supporting associates, building relationships and fostering innovation. As we continually refine our communications, we have been using "WeAreTHD,' which we have long used to represent the welcoming culture that we've built here." Along with the boycotts of those companies. The People's Union is also boycotting essentially all involvement in anything Independence Day-related—what Schwarz called "the most important boycott of the year" that is not about politics but "principle." "It's about walking away from the illusion they've built and reclaiming what it actually means to be free," he said in a separate video. "This Fourth of July, do not go to the parades, do not gather at the fireworks shows, don't wave a flag for a country that no longer waves it for you. "The Fourth of July is supposed to be a celebration of freedom, but what freedom are we actually talking about? The right to be watched? The right to be taxed, lied to, left behind? The right to vote between two corporate puppets? The right to work 60 hours a week and still struggle to pay rent while billionaires dodge taxes? Let me be honest with you, there is no independence to celebrate right now." Do Boycotts Work? Rachel Meltzer, associate professor of planning and urban economics at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, told Newsweek that businesses routinely pay attention to issues like crime, the continued growth of e-commerce, and how housing and rent costs impact workforces. Boycotts are not necessarily new in challenging such paradigms, she said. "I think retail and those kinds of businesses have always played in the face of political or cultural trends," Meltzer said. "I don't know if it's a new thing; which businesses it's affecting recently might be changing. In the urban setting that hasn't come up as a driving force." Ramesh Venkat, associate professor of marketing with the Sobey School of Business and director of the David Sobey Retailing Centre at Saint Mary's University in Canada, told Newsweek that consumers still have choices that include supporting local retailers, which in turn puts money back into the local economy. "The market is getting more concentrated with the bigger players displacing the smaller companies, or in some cases, you know, acquiring the smaller companies," Venkat said. "But still, there's still choice available. "Overall, with prices rising and the dollar not going as far as it used to, it does put the consumer in a difficult situation for sure. I think people have to look for the retailers; you have to do your homework as a consumer now to find out where the best deals are and who is really providing the best service."
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
McDonald's faces boycott over DEI rollback: Who's protesting and when
Where's the beef? This week, at McDonald's. A boycott targeting the fast-food chain slated to begin June 24 is the latest in a series of consumer actions from the grassroots advocacy group The People's Union USA. Led by John Schwarz, The People's Union began organizing 'economic blackouts' in February motivated by the corporate rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion programs as well as other grievances. McDonald's was one of the corporations to roll back its DEI initiatives in January. Citing the 'evolving landscape around DEI,' it stopped setting goals to increase diversity in senior leadership and ended a program that encouraged diversity among its suppliers. McDonald's chief people officer for the U.S. market Jordann Nunn in June told a human-resources conference that the company changed some of its DEI language 'but at the core, none of our programming has changed.' Trump Juneteenth backlash Trump DEI attacks changed how companies celebrated Juneteenth Boycotts fight Trump war on DEI The backlash against DEI gained momentum during the 2024 presidential campaign but hit a fever pitch when President Donald Trump took office and issued a series of executive orders aimed at eliminating 'illegal DEI' in the federal government and the private sector. As the Democratic Party struggles to respond to the Trump-led culture war, pro-DEI consumers have emerged as the first line of defense for Democrats. Taking a page from activists who mounted effective anti-DEI campaigns against Bud Light and Target, Black churches and community activists have put pressure on companies rolling back DEI initiatives with a string of boycotts. It's unclear how much of an impact these boycotts are having on the bottom line. Target cited its decision to end some diversity policies as a contributor to the sharp pullback in consumer spending in the first quarter as church pastors and other community activists launched protests, spreading word of planned boycotts on social media. The retail giant said the boycotts dented its first-quarter performance but could not estimate by how much. Foot traffic declined for four straight months, according to data. McDonald's boycott comes after sales decline This week's boycott comes at an inopportune moment for McDonald's. Buffeted by economic headwinds, U.S. sales fell sharply in the first quarter – the largest drop in its home market since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 – despite efforts to win back diners with menu changes and deals after hiking prices. McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said at the time consumers were 'grappling with uncertainty' but that he remained optimistic his company can navigate 'even the toughest of market conditions." McDonald's did not respond to a request for comment on the boycott. Why is there a McDonald's boycott? On Instagram, Schwarz listed five reasons for The People's Union boycott of McDonald's. 'We're boycotting McDonald's because they've shown time and time again that profit matters more than people, from price gouging to tax evasion, from inequality in pay to exploitation in advertising,' he told USA TODAY. 'And yes, their DEI efforts feel more like promotional stunts than real systemic change. We're done funding companies that pretend to stand for something while doing nothing." More boycotts planned against Walmart, Amazon Schwarz also shared a flyer on social media that lists upcoming boycotts against Starbucks, Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart and Lowe's.
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
List of Stores Being Boycotted in June
A national grassroots organization along with other groups are pushing for more change and economic equality throughout June as part of ongoing boycotts against large and influential brands including Target, McDonald's and Dollar General. The nonpartisan People's Union USA has pushed economic boycotts of some of the country's biggest companies since February, vowing to protect the American working class from "the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades." Companies like Target have reversed policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to the chagrin of The People's Union, which has called such corporate decisions "backward, regressive and dangerous." Newsweek reached out to its founder, John Schwarz, for comment. The "Economic Blackout Tour" rolls on, dissuading Americans from financially supporting Target between June 3 and 9; and McDonald's from June 24 to 30. Newsweek reached out to both companies for comment. The broad effort is not meant to repudiate Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Joe Biden or any other politician, The People's Union says on its website. The group is unaffiliated with any political party or ideological persuasion. "We don't play party games," the website reads. "We don't care who's wearing the suit. What we care about is truth, the people, and the power we hold when we stand together. ... This isn't about personalities, it's about the system. "Both parties have failed us. Billionaires and corporations have bought the government and weaponized the economy. We are not here to argue about figureheads; we're here to dismantle the rigged structure that's been crushing the working class for decades. We don't take sides, we take action." Other boycotts since February 28 have targetedAmazon, Nestle, Walmart and General Mills. Schwarz, who has more than 436,000 Instagram followers, took to the platform on Memorial Day to post a video invigorating like-minded individuals on what the group has already accomplished and what remains on its agenda. The video, titled "Time to Shut Down Target," encourages people "to hold the lines." "We already know Target is being boycotted, but they're not doing anything," Schwarz said. "They've had their chance. So, what we are doing between June 3 and June 9, we will be calling for the permanent boycott of Target. Shop anywhere else but Target, and I literally mean that. "If you got to shop at Walmart or Amazon, places we boycott, do it. Target needs to be shut down; this corporation needs to feel the full power of the people. All thsoe other corporations out there manipulating us will feel the full power. Stand in solidarity, the only thing we have is each other." Black individuals have also boycotted Target for their DEI policies and claimed lack of financial investment in their communities. Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, initially led a Target boycott during the Lenten season coined "Target Fast" in response to the company's elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles and lack of investment in Black-owned banks, businesses and education. "It's been absolutely phenomenal," Bryant told Newsweek on May 29. "It is the largest boycott by black people since the Montgomery bus boycott in its effectiveness. Over 200,000 people signed the [Target Fast] petition. "[It's great] to see over 2,000 churches to fall in alignment. To see the stock drop, to see the valuation drop, to see the CEO salary chopped, to see their foot traffic has dropped says that we've got amazing momentum and the wind to our back, and I really believe that a real civil rights movement is on the horizon." Bryant said Target Fast was borne out of Target's rescinding of DEI policies and the "reneging of their covenant to of the George Floyd family." "When we look at the bottom line of Black people spending $12 million a day in Target, we really felt that it was a betrayal," he said. "They made a covenant after George Floyd's murder, with no prompting, no rally, no protest and no pressure under their own devices. The CEO, Brian [Cornell] said that George Floyd could have been one of his employees. "For them to backpedal in such a speedy way, we thought that was a betrayal that could not be overlooked." He and supporters are now electronically boycotting Dollar General, aiming to overwhelm their systems with calls and emails, along with a social media campaign. Bryant said the brand, even with its 20,500-plus stores in 48 states and $40.6 billion in sales, is "swimming under the radar." "They have three times the stores of Target and Walmart combined, at about 21,000 around the country," he said. "They are in primarily impoverished communities. They're in rural areas of 20,000 or less. We ask for electronic in those rural areas because regrettably, for a lot of communities, that's their only option for groceries. There's no Publix, there's no Giant. "They've taken up that land space and $40 billion in profit, and Dollar General has never given to a Black institution; never given to a Black college; never given to a Black organization. They have no relationship with the Black Farmers Association. You can't just take our dollars and take our dignity at the same time." Target told Newsweek in May: "We are absolutely dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone—our team members, our guests and our supply partners. To do that, we're focusing on what we do best: providing the best retail experience for the more than 2,000 communities we're proud to serve." Walmart told Newsweek in May: "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 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." John Schwarz, in an Instagram post during the first Amazon boycott: "Every boycott, every blackout, every stand we take together is shaking their foundation. This moment isn't just about resistance, it's about reclaiming what's ours. Hold the line. Stay strong. The future is in our hands." Future efforts by The People's Union include an Independence Day boycott. It says more boycotts are being planned, with details to follow. Bryant said that boycott efforts across Black communities is an endeavor that escalated on Memorial Day and will at least for now continue until Labor Day, describing it as "the summer of our discontent." He is meeting with other community leaders to identify whether additional companies and brands should be boycotted as well. "We're we're hoping that before the summer ends that we'll have some resolve," he said. Related Articles Dollar General Boycott: What to Know About Key Difference From OthersTarget Cuts Sales Outlook, Cites DEI Backlash and Tariff UncertaintyIs Target Boycott Working? What Sales ShowTarget Boycott Sparks Protest for May 25: What to Know 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
List of Stores Being Boycotted in June
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A national grassroots organization along with other groups are pushing for more change and economic equality throughout June as part of ongoing boycotts against large and influential brands including Target, McDonald's and Dollar General. Why It Matters The nonpartisan People's Union USA has pushed economic boycotts of some of the country's biggest companies since February, vowing to protect the American working class from "the greed and corruption that's kept us divided, distracted, and struggling for decades." Companies like Target have reversed policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to the chagrin of The People's Union, which has called such corporate decisions "backward, regressive and dangerous." Newsweek reached out to its founder, John Schwarz, for comment. What To Know The "Economic Blackout Tour" rolls on, dissuading Americans from financially supporting Target between June 3 and 9; and McDonald's from June 24 to 30. Newsweek reached out to both companies for comment. A McDonald's location in Times Square is pictured. A McDonald's location in Times Square is pictured. Getty Images The broad effort is not meant to repudiate Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Joe Biden or any other politician, The People's Union says on its website. The group is unaffiliated with any political party or ideological persuasion. "We don't play party games," the website reads. "We don't care who's wearing the suit. What we care about is truth, the people, and the power we hold when we stand together. ... This isn't about personalities, it's about the system. "Both parties have failed us. Billionaires and corporations have bought the government and weaponized the economy. We are not here to argue about figureheads; we're here to dismantle the rigged structure that's been crushing the working class for decades. We don't take sides, we take action." Other boycotts since February 28 have targeted Amazon, Nestle, Walmart and General Mills. Schwarz, who has more than 436,000 Instagram followers, took to the platform on Memorial Day to post a video invigorating like-minded individuals on what the group has already accomplished and what remains on its agenda. The video, titled "Time to Shut Down Target," encourages people "to hold the lines." "We already know Target is being boycotted, but they're not doing anything," Schwarz said. "They've had their chance. So, what we are doing between June 3 and June 9, we will be calling for the permanent boycott of Target. Shop anywhere else but Target, and I literally mean that. "If you got to shop at Walmart or Amazon, places we boycott, do it. Target needs to be shut down; this corporation needs to feel the full power of the people. All thsoe other corporations out there manipulating us will feel the full power. Stand in solidarity, the only thing we have is each other." Black individuals have also boycotted Target for their DEI policies and claimed lack of financial investment in their communities. Reverend Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, initially led a Target boycott during the Lenten season coined "Target Fast" in response to the company's elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles and lack of investment in Black-owned banks, businesses and education. "It's been absolutely phenomenal," Bryant told Newsweek on May 29. "It is the largest boycott by black people since the Montgomery bus boycott in its effectiveness. Over 200,000 people signed the [Target Fast] petition. "[It's great] to see over 2,000 churches to fall in alignment. To see the stock drop, to see the valuation drop, to see the CEO salary chopped, to see their foot traffic has dropped says that we've got amazing momentum and the wind to our back, and I really believe that a real civil rights movement is on the horizon." Bryant said Target Fast was borne out of Target's rescinding of DEI policies and the "reneging of their covenant to of the George Floyd family." "When we look at the bottom line of Black people spending $12 million a day in Target, we really felt that it was a betrayal," he said. "They made a covenant after George Floyd's murder, with no prompting, no rally, no protest and no pressure under their own devices. The CEO, Brian [Cornell] said that George Floyd could have been one of his employees. "For them to backpedal in such a speedy way, we thought that was a betrayal that could not be overlooked." He and supporters are now electronically boycotting Dollar General, aiming to overwhelm their systems with calls and emails, along with a social media campaign. Bryant said the brand, even with its 20,500-plus stores in 48 states and $40.6 billion in sales, is "swimming under the radar." "They have three times the stores of Target and Walmart combined, at about 21,000 around the country," he said. "They are in primarily impoverished communities. They're in rural areas of 20,000 or less. We ask for electronic in those rural areas because regrettably, for a lot of communities, that's their only option for groceries. There's no Publix, there's no Giant. "They've taken up that land space and $40 billion in profit, and Dollar General has never given to a Black institution; never given to a Black college; never given to a Black organization. They have no relationship with the Black Farmers Association. You can't just take our dollars and take our dignity at the same time." What People Are Saying Target told Newsweek in May: "We are absolutely dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone—our team members, our guests and our supply partners. To do that, we're focusing on what we do best: providing the best retail experience for the more than 2,000 communities we're proud to serve." Walmart told Newsweek in May: "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 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." John Schwarz, in an Instagram post during the first Amazon boycott: "Every boycott, every blackout, every stand we take together is shaking their foundation. This moment isn't just about resistance, it's about reclaiming what's ours. Hold the line. Stay strong. The future is in our hands." What Happens Next Future efforts by The People's Union include an Independence Day boycott. It says more boycotts are being planned, with details to follow. Bryant said that boycott efforts across Black communities is an endeavor that escalated on Memorial Day and will at least for now continue until Labor Day, describing it as "the summer of our discontent." He is meeting with other community leaders to identify whether additional companies and brands should be boycotted as well. "We're we're hoping that before the summer ends that we'll have some resolve," he said.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shoppers are boycotting Walmart over rollbacks in DEI efforts. Here's when.
A second boycott against Walmart and its affiliated stores is underway as some shoppers protest what they call corporate greed, companies that have rolled back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and President Donald Trump's efforts to eliminate federal DEI programs since taking office. The boycott of Walmart, which runs from May 20 to May 26, is organized by The People's Union, the same grass-roots group that coordinated the one-day economic consumer blackout on Feb. 28. The boycott includes Walmart retail and online stores, Sam's Club and other affiliated Walmart-branded companies and private label brands such as Great Value and Equate. The People's Union has had weekly boycotts since Feb. 28, including ones aimed at Amazon and Nestle. Boycott plans continue for the group through July 4, when it says it will ramp up its efforts with longer actions. These boycotts are in addition to separate actions by other organizations protesting Target and other retailers, similarly for their retreat from DEI initiatives. John Schwarz started The People's Union, which has been coordinating many of the boycotts. Schwarz has previously told USA TODAY that he did not know that his first video suggesting a national one-day consumer blackout on Feb. 28, would gain so much traction. Since then, Schwarz who is active on Instagram using the handle @theonecalledJai has outlined several other boycotts. In a post on May 20, Schwarz encouraged people to boycott Walmart, "because after all the record profits, all the tax loopholes, all the corporate greed, Walmart now once again wants to raise prices. But this time, because of the tariffs, as if they're not already raking in billions, as if they can't absorb the cost. As if you and I should carry this burden." When asked for comment, a Walmart spokesperson referred USA TODAY to a previous statement given in response to the first one-week boycott in April. "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,'' it read. " 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." Consumer boycotts: Target boycott leaders plan protests on anniversary of George Floyd's murder Future boycotts from The People's Union include: June 3-9: Target June 24-30: McDonald's July 4: Independence Day Blackout Full information about the planned boycotts by The People's Union can be found on the website, or videos posted by Schwarz on Instagram and TikTok. The group's website includes a section called "Consumer Awareness," which lists and ranks companies based on criteria such as unethical practices, and also notes businesses it deems to be "doing it better." Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A second Walmart boycott is happening over DEI. Here's when.
