Walmart is facing a nationwide boycott: These are the stores and products affected by the blackout

It’s already turning out to be a fraught start to 2025 for Walmart. Last month, the US retailer lost nearly $22 billion off its market capitalization which saw its share price drop 3%. And consumers have been staying away, fearful of rising inflation and what knock-on effect import tariffs could have on their disposable income.

And with consumer confidence waning, Walmart were dealt another blow this week with calls to boycott stores for the next seven days. The People’s Union USA are targeting retail giants in retaliation of president Trump’s DEI crackdown. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order, ending government support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Walmart backs away from DEI

Walmart rolled back its DEI policies and initiatives in late 2024 - one of several large companies to scale back similar programs that were instigated in 2020 and 2021 in the wake of the George Floyd incident.

The boycott isn’t just about DEI cutbacks but also taking a stand against economic inequality and “corporate excess”.

In a message posted on TikTok, People’s Union USA founder John Schwarz called for a week-long boycott of shopping or placing orders at Walmart from Monday April 7 until April 14: “To those fighting the fight, this Monday we begin the Walmart blackout. Seven days no shopping, no orders, nothing. And this is not about hate, this is about strategy, it’s about our power. Because if we don’t start fighting the fight now, there won’t be much left to fight for.

“This is where we once again draw the line, this is again where we say enough,” he added. “Seven days of economic resistance, and not just Walmart, it’s time to get serious across the board. Start pulling back, stop spending on what you don’t need. This movement is not against the people. It is for them. We lift each other up, we protect our communities, and we show the giants that we’re not afraid to fight back. Be safe my friends, be vigilant, but don’t be quiet.”

The boycott will affect all Walmart stores across the US along with related services and affiliates.

In response, Walmart told 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.”

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