A weeklong boycott of Walmart and its affiliated brands is currently in effect across the United States. Organized by The People’s Union USA, the protest is part of a broader grassroots movement demanding corporate accountability, tax fairness, and the return of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The boycott began Monday, April 7 and runs through Sunday, April 14 — and it’s already being called one of the most coordinated consumer protests against a major U.S. retailer this year.
Why Is Walmart Being Boycotted?
The boycott was launched in response to multiple grievances, including:
- Walmart’s rollback of DEI initiatives following President Donald Trump’s executive order eliminating federal DEI programs.
- Allegations of corporate tax avoidance and economic inequality.
- The perception that Walmart has crushed local businesses while underpaying workers.
“We are the economy. We fund their success. And we can shift our money to local businesses or simply choose not to shop at all,” said organizer John Schwarz, founder of The People’s Union USA.
The protest follows other recent actions, including a 40-day Target boycott, Amazon boycotts, and upcoming actions aimed at General Mills and McDonald’s.
What Does the Walmart Blackout Include?
The boycott targets all Walmart operations, both in-store and online. This includes:
- Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets
- Sam’s Club locations and gas stations
- Walmart.com, Walmart Grocery app, and delivery services
- Walmart MoneyCard and financial services
- Walmart Pharmacy, Vision Center, and Health Clinics
- Private label brands, including:
- Great Value (groceries and household goods)
- Equate (healthcare)
- Mainstays (home products)
- George (clothing)
- Parent’s Choice (baby care)
What Is the People’s Union USA?
Founded by Chicago-based activist John Schwarz, The People’s Union USA has emerged as a leading organizer of consumer-driven boycotts. Its stated mission includes:
- Pushing corporations to pay their “fair share” of taxes
- Advocating for the restoration of DEI policies
- Promoting economic equity and accountability
Schwarz’s call to action has resonated on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where videos using the handle @theonecalledJai have gone viral with messages like:
“Seven days. No Walmart. No more funding the very corporations that hoard billions while your families and mine work two jobs just to survive.”
Walmart’s Response to the Boycott
Walmart responded to the growing protest with a statement emphasizing its contributions to communities and its status as a major U.S. taxpayer:
“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,” the company said. “We remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities.”
Are the Boycotts Working?
Experts say boycotts can draw media attention and spark public debate — even if they don’t always lead to immediate sales drops.
“Boycotts don’t seem to do much to change consumer behavior, but they do impact company reputations,” said Brayden King, a professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Notably, Walmart lost $22 billion in market value earlier this year amid growing consumer unrest and concerns about inflation and import tariffs.
What’s Next After Walmart?
This is just one in a series of planned protests. Upcoming actions from The People’s Union USA include:
| Date Range | Target | Type of Action |
|---|---|---|
| April 18–20 | All Corporations | 3-Day Economic Blackout |
| April 21–28 | General Mills | Weeklong Boycott |
| May 6–12 | Amazon | Boycott #2 |
| May 20–26 | Walmart | Boycott #2 |
| June 3–9 | Target | Boycott #2 |
| June 24–30 | McDonald’s | Boycott |
| July 4 | Multiple Retailers | Independence Day Blackout |
How to Participate in the Walmart Boycott
If you want to support the boycott, here’s what you can do through April 14:
- Do not shop at Walmart or Sam’s Club
- Avoid online orders through Walmart.com or its apps
- Skip using Walmart’s store-brand products
- Shop local or small businesses when needed
- Use hashtags like #WalmartBoycott and #Blackout2025 on social media to raise awareness
For more information, visit the group’s official site: thepeoplesunionusa.com
Bottom Line
The Walmart Boycott 2025 is more than a protest over pricing or store policies — it’s a national campaign calling out corporate influence, economic injustice, and the erasure of DEI programs. Whether or not it directly affects Walmart’s bottom line, it’s already succeeded in putting the spotlight on one of America’s largest employers and retailers.
Consumers are watching — and organizing.
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