Maryland Wire: Boycott the Big Three — Shop Local, Shop Maryland
Black Friday & Cyber Monday: The Boycott
This holiday shopping season, activists have launched a boycott of Home Depot, Target, and Amazon. The campaign, called “We Ain’t Buying It”, runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday and calls out these corporations for their ties to anti-immigrant and anti-minority policies.
Every dollar spent at these stores is more than a purchase — it’s a political endorsement. Maryland shoppers are being asked to redirect their spending toward local merchants, minority-owned businesses, and competitors who actually invest in our communities.
Home Depot vs. Lowe’s
- Home Depot is under fire for its perceived cooperation with Trump-era immigration enforcement and its rollback of diversity programs.
- Lowe’s, by contrast, is led by Marvin Ellison, one of the few Black CEOs of a Fortune 500 company.
- Lowe’s is offering up to 75% off appliances, tools, and holiday décor this Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
- In many Maryland markets, Lowe’s sits just down the road from Home Depot. Choosing Lowe’s is a direct way to send a message while still getting the deals.
Local Alternative: In Annapolis, the incoming mayor owns an Ace Hardware (formerly True Value). Shopping there keeps money in the community and supports a local leader instead of padding Home Depot’s bottom line.
Amazon vs. Maryland Grocers
Amazon’s reach extends beyond online shopping — it owns Whole Foods, a chain that competes directly in Maryland’s food markets.
Alternatives:
- Aldi — already a strong competitor, with affordable prices and no ties to the boycott.
- Weis Markets (Maryland-based regional chain).
- Graul’s Market (family-owned, with locations around Baltimore).
- Eddie’s of Roland Park (independent grocer, Baltimore).
- MOM’s Organic Market (Maryland-founded, environmentally focused).
These stores represent exactly what the boycott calls for: local, independent, and community-rooted alternatives.
Target vs. Local Retail
Target is another boycott target, accused of rolling back diversity and equity programs. Maryland shoppers can redirect their spending to:
- Small boutiques in Annapolis, Baltimore, and Silver Spring.
- Regional chains like Boscov’s (still family-owned, with stores in Maryland).
- Local gift shops and holiday markets — every purchase strengthens Maryland’s small business economy.
The Maryland Choice
Boycotts only matter if shoppers act. In Maryland, the choice is clear:
- Skip Home Depot, Target, and Amazon.
- Support Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Aldi, Weis, Graul’s, Eddie’s, MOM’s Organic Market, and countless small businesses across the state.
Every purchase is a vote. Every receipt is a record. Maryland families can send a message this holiday season: we will not bankroll corporations that undermine our communities.
Call to Action
This Black Friday through Cyber Monday, shop smart, shop local, shop Maryland.
Because every dollar spent at Home Depot, Target, or Amazon is a dollar endorsing policies that hurt our state.