A grassroots movement is gaining traction online, calling for a nationwide “economic blackout” on Feb. 28. The initiative encourages consumers to refrain from all non-essential spending for the day, aiming to send a strong message to major retailers and corporations.
What Is the Feb. 28 Economic Blackout?
The movement, spearheaded by The People’s Union USA, urges Americans to halt spending from midnight on Feb. 27 through midnight on March 1. Organizers stress that this is not a partisan effort but a statement against corporate influence on the economy. Founder John Schwarz introduced the initiative on Instagram, emphasizing the power consumers hold when they collectively withhold their purchasing power.
The official campaign message calls for participants to avoid shopping in-store or online at major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Additionally, the movement discourages spending on fast food, gas, and other discretionary expenses.
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Beyond the single-day blackout, The People’s Union USA has proposed extended week-long boycotts of specific companies throughout March and April. Amazon, Nestlé, Walmart, and General Mills are among the targeted brands, with organizers hinting that more corporations may be added to the list.
Why Is the Boycott Happening?
Supporters of the economic blackout cite rising costs of essential goods—including housing, clothing, and groceries—as a key motivation for the protest. Inflation continues to put pressure on American households, and organizers argue that corporate pricing strategies contribute to financial hardship for many.
Schwarz has been vocal on social media, calling out what he describes as unchecked “corporate greed” and policies that prioritize billion-dollar profits over everyday consumers. “We’ve been told there’s nothing we can do, that high prices are just a fact of life,” he said in a video post. “But we do have a choice. And if enough people stand together, we can demand change.”
The initiative has gained traction on social media, with celebrities like John Leguizamo expressing support. While some have raised concerns about accessibility to essential goods, organizers clarify that purchases of necessities like food, medicine, and emergency supplies should be made at small, local businesses instead of major corporations.
Whether the blackout will lead to tangible economic shifts remains to be seen, but organizers believe that withholding consumer spending, even for a day, is a powerful way to challenge the status quo.
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