Consensus Standards for Retailers and Action Steps for Governments and Citizens
Download the Big Box Action Recommendations!
Global Exchange and more than 30 international, national, and local groups have created a complete set of demands to transform the big box retail industry, released in-time for Wal-Mart's June 6th shareholder meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The "Consensus Standards for Big Box Retailers" is the most detailed set of cross-sectoral demands on the industry to be endorsed by a diverse coalition. It lays out 20 specific standards covering worker rights; the environment; purchasing practices; community and cultural rights; and corporate citizenship, governance, and political activity.
This historic statement was drafted by the Big Box Collaborative, which brings together labor rights, environmental, public health, and consumer advocates to challenge the current big box retail model of business.
Big Box Collaborative coordinator Trina Tocco, who will attend the Wal-Mart annual meeting, explains that "Wal-Mart has attempted to divide its critics by adopting some narrow reforms. We're sending a message that the country's largest company must go much further if it's business model is ever going to be considered truly sustainable."
Read the report on Big Box Action Recommendations to find out what Big Box Retailers, Governments, and Citizens should do to transform the big box retail industry.
What Citizens Should Do
- Avoid spending their discretionary income at retailers who refuse to live by the standards laid out in this document.
- Support a diverse economy and keep money circulating in the local community by seeking out locally owned and independent businesses as well as those that employ union labor.
- Persuade local city or town governments to adopt zoning laws that restrict the size and location of retail stores and that support neighborhood and downtown business districts.
- Lobby local and state officials to end all subsidies and tax advantages that favor corporate retailers and create an uneven playing field for small businesses.
- Organize local "smart growth" action groups to develop a "citizens comprehensive land use plan" to present to local officials for implementation.
- Organize local letters to the editor and study groups to keep up a steady stream of education on the issues of smart growth and the rights of citizens to control corporate behavior.
