IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2007
CONTACT: Meghan Scott (202) 721-8014


New Ad Asks: Why Is Wal-Mart Choosing to Protect Its Chinese Suppliers Instead of Its Customers?

WakeUpWalmart.com Activists Hold Actions Outside 65 Wal-Mart Stores Across the Country

(Washington, DC) - WakeUpWalMart.com, America's campaign to change Wal-Mart, today began airing the second ad in its series investigating the "ultimate joint venture" between Wal-Mart and China. As Americans witness recall after recall of Chinese goods, the ad, titled “Influx,” details Wal-Mart's effort to put Chinese suppliers ahead of American consumers by blocking laws requiring disclosure of where food comes from.

To reinforce the message of the new TV ad, WakeUpWalMart.com activists this week are staging 65 events outside Wal-Mart stores across the country. The activists are handing out literature to educate consumers about the consequences of Wal-Mart demanding low prices from its Chinese suppliers.

"Wal-Mart has long had the power and responsibility to demand safer products from its suppliers, but instead, it has demanded lower prices and tried to cover up the consequences," said Meghan Scott, spokeswoman for WakeUpWalMart.com. "As an American company, Wal-Mart has an obligation to stand up for American consumers. To date, all it has done is try to keep them in the dark."

Wal-Mart is China's number one importer and sixth largest trading partner, surpassing even Germany and Britain. More than 70 percent of goods on Wal-Mart's shelves come from China.

The new ad campaign will begin airing in more than 30 media markets beginning Tuesday.

The grassroots actions at Wal-Mart stores will also begin Tuesday in more than 60 cities and towns in 28 states.

The script of "Influx" is below. The ad can be viewed here http://wakeupwalmart.com/video/foodsafety.html.

"Poisonous pet food

Snacks tainted with salmonella...

Carcinogenic fish...

All part of the growing influx of food and produce from China sold at Wal-Mart -
the biggest importer of Chinese goods.

So when Congress voted to require stores to disclose where food comes from, Wal-Mart lobbied to block the law.
Why is Wal-Mart trying to protect its Chinese suppliers instead of its customers?
Go to WakeUpWalMart.com.

See why Wal-Mart and China’s been called "the ultimate joint venture."