Chicago Walmart Looting Video Viral Online: Recently, several videos showing looting that took place in Walmart stores in the Chicago area have gone viral on various social media platforms.
The videos showing looting take place at the same time that the supermarket chain has announced that it will be closing four of its stores in the Chicago area.
Walmart made the announcement on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, that beginning the following week, it will close the four stores in Chicago that perform the worst out of its total of eight locations in the city.
In one of the videos that has gone viral, a woman can be seen sobbing as she documents the damage caused by the looting. Some users have asserted that the video was created in the year 2020, after the murder of George Floyd had sparked outrage all over the world.
Chicago Walmart Looting Video Viral Online
In the midst of the violence and looting in Chicago, multiple users of social media have brought attention to the fact that Walmart stores are closing.
Nevertheless, that information has not been validated by the administration of the chain. In the midst of all of this, videos showing the looting have attracted the attention of people from all over the world; one person even described it as “heartbreaking.”
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has been a controversial figure in the world of corporate social responsibility. On one hand, the company has made significant efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, increase its use of renewable energy, and promote diversity and inclusion.
On the other hand, it has been criticized for its low wages, anti-union policies, and negative impact on local businesses. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder by the police in May 2020, Walmart pledged to expand its presence in communities of color as part of its broader commitment to racial equity. However, the recent closure of four stores in Chicago has raised doubts about the sincerity of its pledge.
Walmart’s Commitment to Racial Equity
In September 2020, Walmart announced a $100 million initiative to promote racial equity in the US. The initiative included several components, such as increasing diversity in hiring and leadership, supporting small businesses owned by people of color, and investing in community development. In a statement, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said that “we have a responsibility to lead on these issues” and that “we are committed to doing our part to make a difference.” He also acknowledged the company’s role in perpetuating systemic racism and vowed to work with stakeholders to address it.
The Closure of Four Stores in Chicago
Despite its commitment to racial equity, Walmart has recently closed down four stores in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods in Chicago. The stores were located in the Chatham, Pullman, Auburn Gresham, and West Englewood neighborhoods, all of which have high poverty rates and limited access to fresh food and other necessities. The closures have left thousands of residents without a nearby supermarket and forced them to travel long distances to buy groceries.