The organizer behind a “Walmart Blackout”—a customer boycott of the giant retail chain—has urged supporters to “hold the line” as the week-long protest got underway on Monday.
The consumer strike is being run by an organization called People’s Union USA, a grassroots campaign group set up in February, which mobilizes its followers online via social media.
Founder John Schwarz issued a new video message on Instagram on Monday, telling shoppers to hold firm by withholding their custom from Walmart stores. He has accused the retailer, and other corporations, of not paying enough tax, which he says puts a burden on American citizens.
However, Walmart hit back, telling Newsweek on Monday that the business is “one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country” and is dedicated to helping its customers “save money and live better.”
It is unclear what effect, if any, the boycott has had so far on customer footfall or takings. Newsweek has reached out by email to the retailer seeking comment.
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Why It Matters
John Schwarz previously told Newsweek that his organization’s “mission” was designed to force “corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax.”
He has also cited a number of other factors behind the protest, including calls for equality drives to be maintained, opposition to high prices, and a bid to encourage consumers to shop at smaller local businesses.
What To Know
The first protest by People’s Union USA was a general “economic blackout” back on February 28, which went viral after it caught the public’s imagination as a way to protest against companies that had dialed back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drives in the wake of President Donald Trump’s opposition to the policy.
Celebrities, such as author Stephen King and actress and singer Bette Midler, were among those signing up to the February protest.
Data collected after the “blackout” suggests some retailers saw a decline in online traffic, while others remained largely unaffected.
Since then, Schwarz has been seeking to replicate the initial “blackout” event and extend it by targeting specific companies and increasing the timescale. Other companies that have been targeted so far include Amazon and Nestle, while others due to be hit with similar boycotts in the coming months include General Mills, Target, and McDonald’s.
Schwarz has used his social media accounts, which are both run under the handle TheOneCalledJai, to publicize the events. His TikTok account boasts nearly 350,000 followers, while he has 409,000 followers on Instagram.
Several people responded to Schwarz’s Instagram video post on Monday, telling him they were planning to join his Walmart boycott. One commentator said: “Thank you for organizing these protests. I wanted to say my shopping has been changed for the better since boycotting these companies. I’m becoming more aware on who I give my money to plus I’m not buying anything without [it being] carefully planned.”
But others disagreed with the boycott. One social media user commented on Schwarz’s TikTok this week to say: “This is crazy! All you are doing is forcing them to downsize its workforce. Many people will lose their jobs, and stores will close. In this economy, who can afford it?”
What People Are Saying
People Union USA’s founder John Schwarz released a video on Monday after the “Walmart Blackout” kicked off. “It begins today,” he said. “The Walmart Blackout is on. From today, the 7th to the 14th, absolutely no Walmart shopping. No in-store Walmart, no online, no Sam’s Club, nothing Walmart. We [will] show them, like we are showing other major corporations and the politicians, that we are the economy and without us they are nothing.
“We are holding these companies accountable so they finally step up and pay their fair share of taxes to alleviate federal income tax from the working class citizen. We are boycotting these companies so they hold corporations and manufacturers to a profit margin cap […] and we are fighting for equality, without question, across the board. Hold the line, my friends. No Walmart! […] We are not stopping my friends.”
Walmart shared a statement with Newsweek on Monday, saying: “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.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether the “blackout” will affect customer numbers at Walmart.
In the meantime, Schwarz will continue banging the drum for his latest protest, while customers will decide whether or not to take their business to the store.