“On February 28, we are going to remind them who really holds the power.”
John Schwarz, the man who proposed a 24-hour nationwide “economic blackout” of major retailers today, has seen his vision go viral on social media.
Today, February 28, 2025, marks a significant day of economic protest in the United States as consumers participate in this 24-hour “economic blackout.” Organized by The People’s Union USA, this movement urges individuals to halt all non-essential spending to demonstrate collective consumer power against corporate practices and political decisions. Major retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart are the primary targets of this boycott.
The People’s Union USA, founded by John Schwarz, advocates for economic justice and systemic change. The organization encourages consumers to avoid purchases from large corporations, including online shopping, gasoline, and fast food, for the entire day. In cases of essential needs, supporters are advised to patronize local small businesses and use cash transactions to minimize support for major financial institutions.
This protest emerges in response to recent actions by corporations perceived as aligning with political agendas that undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Following policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration, companies like Amazon and Target have scaled back their DEI programs, leading to public outcry and a sense of corporate betrayal among consumers.
The backlash against these corporations has been swift. Consumers are expressing their dissatisfaction by canceling subscriptions and shifting their spending to businesses that uphold DEI values. The economic blackout aims to pressure these companies to reconsider their policies by highlighting the financial impact of collective consumer action.
Critics of the economic blackout question its potential effectiveness, arguing that a one-day boycott may not exert significant financial pressure on large corporations. They suggest that sustained and focused efforts are necessary to bring about meaningful change.
Despite differing opinions on its impact, today’s economic blackout signifies a growing trend of value-driven consumerism, where individuals use their purchasing power to advocate for social and political change.