Economic Blackout on February 28: Understanding the Movement and Its Impact

Image credits: AP Photo/John Locher

The "economic blackout" is a proposed 24-hour boycott set for Friday, February 28, where consumers are urged to avoid spending any money online or in stores, and only support local businesses if there's an emergency. The boycott is being organized by a group called The People's Union, founded by John Schwarz, who uses the Instagram handle "TheOneCalledJai." The movement is not affiliated with any political party and is dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform. The group's goal is to unite Americans against the corruption and greed that has kept them struggling for decades.

The boycott coincides with protests against President Donald Trump's plans to reduce the government workforce and mass firings at federal agencies. The movement has gained traction on social media and is being promoted outside of the U.S. The actual impact of the boycott on retail sales or company profits remains uncertain. However, the group has clarified that there is no specific reason for the chosen date, and it is not tied to any historical event. The People's Union has plans for a week-long blackout against Amazon, urging participants not to buy from the retailer or Whole Foods, and to avoid brands owned by Nestlé due to issues of "water exploitation, child labor, and corporate greed."

The boycott message has spread to Canada, with some businesses saying that on Friday, "We make our voices heard and show that we are in control of our own choices." The movement is being promoted by several celebrities, including comedian and actor John Leguizamo, who wrote in a post on Instagram, "This is how we exercise our Latino power!" Actress Bette Midler also promoted the boycott, writing on social media, "Freeze your spending on Feb 28th.... Don't shop! And if you have to, please turn to a local small business!" The boycott has also been endorsed by faith leaders, who are calling for consumers to boycott Target for 40 days starting on March 5 to protest its rollback of DEI initiatives.

Here are some key points to know about the boycott and the organization coordinating it: * The movement was founded by John Schwarz, who announced the creation of The People's Union USA on February 3 in a video on social media. * The group is not affiliated with any political party and is dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform. * The boycott will begin at midnight on Friday and last for 24 hours. * Participants are encouraged not to buy anything, including gas, fast food, or shopping in-store or online at major retailers. * Essential items such as medicine, food, and emergency supplies can still be bought. * The group has plans for future boycotts, including a week-long blackout against Amazon and a second broader one-day economic blackout on March 28.

The impact of the boycott on retail sales or company profits remains uncertain. However, experts say that the overall impact may be limited, with any meaningful sales declines more likely to surface in liberal-leaning coastal regions and big cities. Anna Tuchman, a marketing professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, said she thinks the economic blackout will likely make a dent in daily retail sales but won't be sustainable. Other boycotts have produced different results, with some companies seeing a drop in sales and others experiencing a temporary increase in sales.