The grassroots organization is calling on Americans to join what they call the “February 28th economic blackout” on Friday by refraining from purchasing products from major retailers 24 hours a day.
The nationwide protests are similar to the social media gaining economic efforts that have occurred online in recent months, which have emerged amid rising prices for anything, including eggs, from gas to food, and include the “No Buy 2025” challenge against overconsumption.
Who is behind the blackout on February 28th?
The boycott on February 28th was an initiative of the People’s Union USA and is a self-proclaimed “grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability and corporate reform.”
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Founded by John Schwartz, the group says it is not affiliated with political parties. According to the organization’s website, its goal is to “unify Americans with the corruption and greed that we have been struggling with for decades.”
The boycott of the day was promoted online by several celebrities, including John Legoisamo, Stephen King and Bette Midler.
What is the goal of the boycott?
“Throughout our lives, they have told us that we have no choice, that this is how things are, that we have to accept these insane prices, corporate greed, and billionaires tax credits. “One day, we’re finally going to turn the table.”
According to Schwartz, the idea is to suspend all purchases from large companies both in stores and online from 12am to 11:59pm on Friday, February 28th.
“There’s no Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas,” he said. “We’re not using unnecessary dollars.”
What about medicines and emergency supplies?
On its website, the group urges consumers not to spend money on “not essential” items.
For important purchases of food, medicines, emergency supplies, etc., Schwartz encourages participants to purchase them from local small businesses rather than from major retailers.
“Don’t go outside and shop at big major stores,” Schwartz said in the video.
Blackout targets all major retailers
Conveyor belt Amazon package. (Ross D. Franklin/AP/file)
Some supporters of the blackout have proposed boycotting certain businesses that have ended their diversity, equity and inclusion programs following President Trump’s executive order targeting the DEI initiative. However, while the People’s Union calls the WAII program “regressive and unacceptable,” the February 28 boycott covers all major retailers, regardless of their stance on DEI.
“If you just turmoil the economy for just one day, you’ll get a strong message,” the organization said on its website.
In a follow-up video posted the eve of the planned blackout, Schwartz told his Instagram followers not to be disappointed when he saw people go shopping on Friday.
“Remember: There are 340 million people in America, but not all stand with us,” he said. “But millions.”
What happens after February 28th?
Schwartz told USA Today earlier this month that he wanted to boycott other businesses “the biggest criminal in the system.”
The People’s Union is already planning a weekly blackout targeting certain retailers such as Amazon, Target and Walmart.
The first Amazon targeting is expected to begin on March 7th.
