Wal-Mart Watch

Lead Group(s):

Wal-Mart Watch

Description of the Problem the Campaign is seeking to address (50 word max):

Through a nationwide public education campaign Wal-Mart Watch challenges the worlds largest retailer, Wal-Mart to become a better employer, neighbor and corporate citizen.  We tell a new, more truthful story, bridging the gap between ordinary citizens and community organizations concerned about Wal-Mart's unchecked growth and negative impact on our society.

Brief Description of the Achievement(s) (30 word max):

With partner organizations across the country, we have succeeded in making Wal-Mart take notice of its critics, and begin instituting meaningful changes in its operations.

Description of how this is an important step toward the Campaign's goals, and if applicable, how it shows innovation (150 word max):

Wal-Mart Watch has worked to accomplish its goals through: research and dissemination of information including detailed reports, outreach to grass roots constituency groups from the religious community to community based organizations, concerted interaction with over 1000 media outlets, and work with local and national elected officials.  Our efforts have prompted acknowledgment and certain responses from the company.  The lesson in corporate behavior teaches that in response to pressure for change, a corporation like Wal-Mart will first make superficial changes, or responses, to determine whether these efforts will be satisfactory and thus alleviate constituency group pressure. We will continue to push for transparency and real change so that Wal-Mart cannot claim credit for initiatives designed to alleviate public pressure while not solving real problems, and continue to educate the public about the high cost behind low prices and about the business model behind Wal-Martization of the global economy.