MADISONS, Wisconsin – A 24-hour economic blackout took place Friday after being promoted and shared on social media.
An activist group called the “People’s Union USA” said it was an act of “economic resistance” to what is called the malignant effects of billionaires on the lives of hardworking Americans.
The boycott, along with Food Giants Nestle and General Mills, asked people not to spend money with businesses like Walmart and Amazon.
The target has also been boycotted after rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Pam Schwarzbach owns the Madison Hive. When she heard about the national boycott on Friday, she saw the opportunity to share the importance of small and local shopping.
“That’s your strength as an American, your strength as a consumer,” Schwarzbach said. “But the other side is your strength as a consumer investing in where you find value.”
The Hive was one of several local businesses that shared social media posts that encouraged shoppers to keep their money in the communities they live in.
“Really, at the end of the day, we decided to educate our customers about where and how they would make their money,” Schwarzbach said.
It is still unclear whether Big Box National Retailers have noticed any effect, as there is no clear number of people participating in Friday’s blackout.
Avik Chakrabarti, an associate professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, said it would take more than a day’s boycott to hit the nerves.
“It will take a lot of effort and a long time for consumers to gather in a way that signals businesses that are harmful to our national economy,” Chakrabarti said.
Still, he said efforts to continue this action over the long term could ultimately have an impact.
“The majority of this economy is driven by consumers, like almost 70%,” Chakrabarti said. “So when consumers are empowered far away, they can make a difference.”
So, Schwarzbach shared the message that even a day of intentionally shopping locally can make a big difference for small business owners.
“(Friday) was the day when you used your dollars as your voice and chose what business is important to you and what is important to you in your community.
