Previously renowned retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are currently facing large scale backlash from customers who feel betrayed by the decisions recently made by these companies as a result of the Trump administration being elected to office.
President Donald Trump’s first executive order once he had been re-elected to office for his second term was to end the implementation of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies within the federal spaces, as well as within all major companies. On day one in office itself, Trump signed an executive order entitled “Ending Sweeping and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferences” and subsequently, federal DEI employees were no longer allowed to work under paid leave — meaning layoffs are inevitable.
This move from Trump sparked a fire within the conservative think tank who then began pressuring all major companies to follow suit, with some giving in and some remaining steadfast in their policies. Amidst these issues, Walmart appears to have disappointed its customers and shareholders the most.
A Walmart boycott is inevitable as shoppers feel betrayed
The Hispanic community in particular is not pleased in the slightest with the big box retailer as of late. Customers have been noticing that the retailer has been removing items of Mexican origin from its shelves with no real explanation as to why — whilst still claiming to be in full support of its Hispanic and Latino client base.
The claims made by the retailer are not matching up with its actions, however. Walmart was amongst the first companies who caved in to pressure from the political right wing and will no longer be implementing any sort of DEI policies or measures. This choice rightfully resulted in backlash from both customers and shareholders in the company and will almost definitely have a negative impact on sales in coming weeks.
The Latin community have already begun imposing a boycott on the retailer with dates selected for more larger scale, blackout boycotts as well. These boycotts will impact other stores like Target and Best Buy as well.
These protests are being organized the People’s Union USA who are against Trump’s dismantling of these DEI measures. The policies allowed for “people to be hired for new jobs regardless of race, skin color, gender, orientation and even physical condition.” Removal of these policies is a step backwards and could very well return the country to its dark past and it is for this reason that boycotts of this nature are necessary.
Boycott details
Dubbed the “24 hour economic blackout” or the “Freeze Latino Movement”, the People’s Union Movement has shared that these protests aim to take away business from Walmart and other like-minded stores for a full day. Shoppers are also encouraged to show support to local or small businesses instead.
John Schwarz, founder of People’s Union Movement, has shared in a statement that this movement is “an act of economic resistance to show that the American people are in charge and that they do not agree with the restrictive policies that Donald Trump is implementing regarding migrants, inclusion, gender equality and diversity.”
Additionally, Schwarz highlighted the power held by the people by saying, “We are going to remind them who has the power. For one day, we turn it off for one day. We remind them that this country does not belong to the elite, it belongs to the people, and this will work.”
His words ring true, and considering the current economic climate and the fact that we live in a capitalist society, speaking through your wallet — or rather keeping silent by not spending money — can be one of the most impactful ways of taking a stand against injustice.
Here are stores and dates to boycott:
- Walmart, Target and Best Buy : February 28
- Amazon : March 7-14
- Nestlé : March 21-28