Walmart DEI boycott begins on Monday. Here's what Minnesota shoppers should know
- Walmart is facing a consumer boycott from April 7-14 over the rollback of its DEI initiatives.
- This boycott follows a similar 40-day spending freeze targeting Target for the same reason.
- The boycotts are organized by groups like The People's Union USA, who have scheduled additional boycotts throughout the year.
Walmart is the second latest retailer consumers across the U.S. are boycotting for rolling back DEI initiatives, Amazon was already targeted in March. A 40-day spending freeze on Target continues with other actions planned throughout the year.
In recent months, major corporations, including retailers like Walmart and Target, have reversed DEI policies — several of which began rollbacks prior to President Donald Trump returning to office and taking action to eliminate federal DEI programs.
The retail giant announced changes to its DEI policies last year following pressure from a conservative activist, USA TODAY reported in late November.
Though there have been various actions from advocacy groups, The People's Union USA are behind recent week-long boycotts — and also organized the 24-hour economic spending blackout on Feb. 28. The group, led by John Schwarz, has scheduled more boycotts in the coming months.
Here's what Minnesota shoppers should know:
When does the Walmart boycott begin?
The Walmart boycott begins on Monday, April 7. It will run until Monday, April 14.
What is included in the Walmart boycott?
The week-long Walmart boycott includes all of the retail giant's stores and online platforms, according to a post on Schwarz's Instagram. Sam's Club, Walmart's membership-only warehouse, is also included in the consumer spending freeze.
Shoppers are also urged to avoid Walmart's private label brands, including Great Value, Equate and Mainstays.
A full list of what's included in the boycott can be found below.
How many Walmart stores are in Minnesota?
There are 64 Walmart Supercenters in Minnesota, its website says, including locations in St. Cloud and Sartell. There are three discount stores throughout the state. Minnesota has no neighborhood markets in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but there is a distribution center in the North Star State.
How many Sam's Club locations are in Minnesota?
There are 12 Sam's Club warehouses in Minnesota, according to Walmart's website.
Will the 40-day Target boycott end during the Walmart boycott?
No. The Target "fast" will still be ongoing after the Walmart boycott ends.
The 40-day protest, organized by Atlanta Pastor Jamal Bryant and other faith leaders, coincides with the duration of Lent. It ends on Thursday, April 17.
In late February, protests took place outside of Target's headquarters in downtown Minneapolis.
What other consumer boycotts are upcoming?
The People's Union USA has more consumer boycotts through July, including a newly announced three-day economic blackout scheduled for Easter weekend. Here's the schedule:
- Walmart: April 7-14 and May 20-26
- Second economic blackout: April 18-20
- General Mills: April 21-28
- Amazon: May 6-12
- Target: June 3-9
- McDonald's: June 24-30
- Independence Day boycott: July 4
Moreover, the Latino Freeze Movement is urging the Latino community to be “selective” in where they shop following DEI policy rollbacks, NIH funding cuts and various immigration actions.
The National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, said in a Feb. 25 news release that it will announce an authorized boycott at the NAN Convention in early April.
USA TODAY reporter Jessica Guynn contributed to this report.