Walmart Responds to Nationwide Boycott as Stores Face ‘Blackout’

Walmart has issued a public response to a growing nationwide boycott that began Monday, as some Americans pledge to avoid the retail giant for a week in protest over a range of economic and political grievances.

“Serving communities is at the heart of Walmart’s purpose to help people save money and live better,” the company said in a statement shared with Newsweek.

“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… 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.”

Information about Walmart’s taxes, along with other fiscal information is available on their corporate website.

Why It Matters

The protest is the latest in a string of consumer-led boycotts targeting major corporations over their political influence, labor practices, or perceived social stances. The consumer strike is being run by a group called People’s Union USA, founded by John Schwarz, who has framed the boycott as a stand against what he described as corporate tax avoidance, inequality, and rising prices. “Walmart, just like the rest of them, has been a part of that problem,” he said in a video.

While past boycotts have targeted brands such as Amazon and Nestlé, the focus on Walmart—a major national employer and low-cost retailer—adds a new layer to the debate over corporate accountability and consumer power.

What to Know

Organizers have not pointed to a single triggering event but cited general discontent with corporate power and economic inequality. Schwarz has called on Walmart to pay what he terms its “fair share of taxes” and improve treatment of workers and communities.

“We want these corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax,” Schwarz said in an email to Newsweek. “This boycott is about showing them that we are the economy. We fund their success.”

As of Monday, posts promoting the boycott had garnered thousands of likes and tens of thousands of views across Schwarz’s social media platforms. The group’s TikTok and Instagram accounts—under the username @theonecalledjai—feature videos urging consumers to take action and documenting online support.

What People Are Saying

Walmart, in a statement shared with 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.”

John Schwarz of the People’s Union USA in an email shared with Newsweek: “We’re boycotting Walmart because they’ve become the symbol of everything that’s wrong with corporate power in this country… Our mission is simple, we want these corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes so the American people can finally be relieved of the burden of federal income tax.

We’re also calling for real equality, across the board, without question. This boycott is about showing them that 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, anytime we want. If they want our dollars, they need to start respecting the people who keep them in business.