Economic protests are gaining momentum across the U.S. this spring and summer, with major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and others in the spotlight. Activist groups are calling for a series of boycotts aimed at companies that have rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, urging people to “vote with their money” to send a strong message.
Walmart Boycott Scheduled for April 7–14
The People’s Union USA, led by John Schwarz, has announced a weeklong boycott of Walmart from April 7 to April 14. The protest targets Walmart stores, Sam’s Club, and all of the company’s private-label brands such as:
- Great Value (food and cleaning products)
- Equate (health and wellness items)
- Mainstays (home, furniture, kitchen goods)
- George (clothing)
- Parent’s Choice (baby and kids’ items)
The boycott also includes avoiding online purchases, Walmart+, and MoneyCard services.
Schwarz wrote on his website:
“Walmart is one of the biggest beasts in the game. A mega-corporation that has swallowed up local economies, crushed small businesses, underpaid their employees, and helped fund the same political machine that keeps us all stuck.”
Why Are These Boycotts Happening?
Organizers say the protests aim to pressure companies into reinstating DEI policies, supporting marginalized communities, and acting more responsibly in areas like worker rights, racial justice, and corporate ethics.
The NAACP is urging consumers to support Black-owned businesses and other brands that still prioritize DEI efforts. Meanwhile, social media campaigns like #LatinoFreezeMovement encourage Latino shoppers to hold back their spending to demand better immigration policies, NIH funding, and DEI initiatives.
Target Boycott Continues Through Lent
In another ongoing protest, a 40-day “Target Fast” boycott—organized by Pastor Jamal Bryant and other faith leaders—began on Ash Wednesday, March 5 and runs until April 17. They are asking consumers to avoid Target stores and online shopping, and even to sell Target stock as a form of economic resistance.
More details can be found at targetfast.org.
Walmart & Target Presence in California
Walmart in California:
- 303 retail locations
- Employs over 104,000 people
- Paid $799 million in state taxes
- Collected $1.3 billion in taxes for California in FY 2024
Target in California:
- 211 store locations statewide
This means California, being a major market for both brands, could play a key role in the impact of these boycotts.
Other Boycotts and Blackouts Coming Up
In addition to Walmart and Target, The People’s Union has planned multiple other brand-specific and nationwide economic protests:
- General Mills: April 21–28
- Amazon: May 6–12
- Walmart (again): May 20–26
- Target (again): June 3–9
- McDonald’s: June 24–30
- Economic blackout: April 18–20 and again on July 4
Nestlé Boycott and Ethical Concerns
Earlier this year, Nestlé also faced a weeklong boycott from March 21 to March 28, organized over various ethical concerns including:
- Alleged child labour in chocolate production
- Low payments for water usage, even in water-scarce communities like Flint, Michigan
National Action Network to Announce Next Boycott
The National Action Network (NAN), founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, is also participating in the broader protest movement. While NAN has publicly supported brands like Costco that maintain DEI commitments, the organization plans to announce a new boycott during its national convention, held from April 2–5.