Grassroots activists have called for an “economic blackout” on Feb. 28, urging Americans to avoid shopping with major retailers. This initiative was proposed by The People’s Union USA, which describes itself as a “grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform.”
The organization was founded by John Schwarz, who describes his movement as raising awareness about the ways the “system is rigged” against everyday Americans. The group says it has no political affiliation, rather it is focused on uniting Americans against corporate greed.
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This call comes at a time when people continue to face rising prices, on everything ranging from food and gas to housing and utilities. This has been epitomized by the rising cost of eggs, which in January averaged $4.95 a dozen.
While some online postings have suggested a targeted boycott of retailers like Ford, McDonald’s, Meta, Target, and Walmart, which have halted their DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) programs because of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, the official messaging from The People’s Union suggests a boycott of all major retailers, with the goal of enacting broader economic change.
“For our entire lives, they have told us we have no choice … that we have to accept these insane prices, the corporate greed, the billionaire tax breaks, all while we struggle to just to get by,” Schwarz said in a video posted to his Instagram account. “February 28, the 24-hour economic blackout: no Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas, not a single unnecessary dollar spent … for one day, we are going to finally turn the tables.”
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This boycott has received support from celebrities, including John Leguizamo, Stephen King and Bette Midler, who have posted information about this in their social media account. However, opinions remain mixed as to whether this boycott would be effective.
Nevertheless, Schwarz expresses optimism in his video: “If a million people on the 28th do not spend a dime, you might not think out of 360 million people in this country that’s a lot, but a million people all on one day not spending their money, that is a hit,” he said.