Final answer:
Walmart is likely trying to attract (d) socially conscious shoppers, particularly millennials, by offering values and ethics that resonate with this group's desire for sustainability and ethical business practices. As online competition intensifies, appealing to this socially aware consumer base can be strategic for growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walmart is trying to compete in the online marketplace with companies such as Amazon by targeting specific segments of the population that align with their growth and brand positioning strategies. Among the demographic groups they could be focusing on are millennials, who not only look for multiple choices and flexibility but also training and educational opportunities provided by employers. Therefore, Walmart is likely recruiting individuals who have become pivotal in shaping consumer culture and are attracted to companies that profess social values reflective of their own beliefs and practices.
The integration of these values into the company’s ethos is part of a broader trend where consumer demand for ethical practices and sustainable options is growing, resulting from a shift in buying habits and accountability expectations. Given the importance millennials place on employer's brand image and benefit packages, alongside a global push towards sustainability and ethical practices, Walmart may need to reconsider its strategies to recruit these individuals effectively.
In this context, although all options given in the question might be valid targets for Walmart’s recruitment strategies, the option that best fits the given description is (d) Socially conscious shoppers. Millennials, as part of a broader demographic, have shown a keen interest in the social impacts of their consumption, which includes factors like sustainability, ethical labor practices, and overall corporate responsibility.