BENTONVILLE, AR – Walmart is currently navigating a period of significant internal restructuring and external protest, as the retail giant implements corporate job cuts while simultaneously facing a nationwide consumer boycott.

• Corporate Layoffs: Walmart is cutting approximately 1,500 corporate jobs across various departments as part of a restructuring effort to boost efficiency.
• Nationwide Boycott: A week-long boycott of Walmart, organized by The People’s Union USA, is underway, protesting labor practices, DEI rollbacks, and price increases.
• Dual Pressures: The retail giant faces both internal streamlining and external consumer protest, highlighting a challenging period for the company.

Corporate Restructuring Leads to Layoffs

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer is set to eliminate approximately 1,500 corporate positions. The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations, reducing costs, and accelerating decision-making within the company. Impacted areas include global technology, e-commerce operations within U.S. stores, and its advertising unit, Walmart Connect. While Walmart states that some roles will be eliminated and new ones created, the cuts reflect a push towards greater operational efficiency.

Nationwide Boycott Targets Retailer

Concurrently, Walmart is the target of a week-long nationwide boycott, organized by The People’s Union USA. The boycott, which began on May 20 and is scheduled to run until May 26, extends to all Walmart properties, including Sam’s Club and Walmart+.

Organizers cite multiple grievances as reasons for the consumer action. These include concerns over Walmart’s labor practices, allegations of underpaying employees, and the company’s perceived negative impact on small businesses. A key point of contention is Walmart’s recent decision to scale back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Furthermore, the boycott addresses Walmart’s stated plans to raise prices, which organizers argue is unnecessary given the company’s recent record profits and its ability to absorb tariff costs.

The People’s Union USA has indicated that similar “economic blackouts” are planned for other major retailers in the coming months.