Member-only story
The Power of Boycotting: How Consumers Can Influence Retailers
In November, on Black Friday, Walmart experienced an unexpected drop in foot traffic. Usually, Black Friday is Walmart’s busiest day of the year. But in November 2024, Walmart’s Board of Directors decided to role back their DEI initiatives. This decision was announced shortly after Donald Trump’s presidential election victory.
Outrage quickly spread across the country where people took to social media denouncing Walmart’s decision. Walmart, in their arrogance, ignored the backlash. They felt certain that customers would continue to shop the retailer for its low prices (despite being higher than in previous years). Walmart was soon in for a rude awakening.
On Black Friday, Walmart’s stores across the country had record low turnouts. Many shoppers avoided the retailer taking their dollars to other stores like Target. Influencers posted videos showing Walmart’s usually packed stores with empty aisles. The frenzy of Black Friday wasn’t there for Walmart.
Now, Target is the feeling the backlash. After Trump was inaugurated, Target announced it was rolling back its DEI policies and relationships with Black businesses. The uproar was immediate. Influencers posted videos of shopping carts full of returns, consumers bringing back items for refunds, and emptier stores. The retailer, like Walmart…
