Walmart has finally started responding to public criticism as citizens from around the world have stepped up actions against them in the last year. However, they have chosen to respond with a high dollar PR campaign run by the infamous Hill&Knowlton public relations firm. Announced during last years Shareholders Convention, which was met with Arkansas opposition, Walmart’s planned reforms have amounted to spending more money on image management and political lobbying than actually paying its employees a living wage or listening to communities it invades.

Walmart’s media campaign culminated in a two-day, invitation only media blitz in their home region of Northwest Arkansas. Two Arkansas Indymedia Correspondents have the story from outside the press conference , where they met up with another group excluded from the event, The Coalition For a better Inglewood,who have the distinction of being one of the most successfull anti-Walmart community groups ever.

Indyemdia Coverage of Anti-Walmart Activity

Kansas City

Madison

Austin

HREF="http://lasvegas.staughton.indypgh.org/news/2004/10/461.php"> Las Vegas

Tennessee

Twin Cities

New Jersey