Economic Blackout Day: Consumers Unite Against Corporate Dominance

Grassroots Organization and Objectives

The People's Union USA, founded by John Schwarz, a meditation instructor from Chicago, led the initiative. Positioning itself as politically independent, the organization focuses on representing the interests of ordinary citizens. The blackout served as a protest against widespread corporate exploitation and economic inequality in the United States. The group's mission is to "unionize" working-class individuals nationwide to foster collective economic resistance.

Scope and Participation

Participants were urged to avoid all forms of consumer spending during the 24-hour period, including in-store purchases, online shopping, fast food consumption, and vehicle refueling. For essential needs, organizers recommended patronizing small local businesses and using cash to minimize electronic transactions. The movement also encouraged boycotters to skip work, if possible.

Public Support and Social Media Influence

The Economic Blackout gained significant traction on social media platforms, with notable public figures endorsing the initiative. Author Stephen King posted on his Bluesky account: "Don't buy stuff on February 28. Money's the only thing these dicks understand." Actors Bette Midler and John Leguizamo shared similar messages supporting the boycott. Google search analytics recorded a surge in queries related to "economic blackout" in the days leading up to the event.

Critiques and Economic Impact

While the blackout aimed to send a powerful message, some experts questioned its long-term effectiveness. Marketing experts offered mixed assessments of the blackout's potential impact. By midday on February 28, retail market research firm Circana reported no significant decrease in consumer spending. Marshal Cohen, the firm's chief retail advisor, indicated that after consulting with retail chain executives and receiving reports from analysts monitoring shopping centers nationwide, consumer behavior appeared largely unchanged. Cohen noted that normal daily fluctuations in shopping activity, such as those caused by weather conditions, typically account for 5-10% variation in customer traffic.

Future Actions and Goals

The People's Union USA announced plans for another general Economic Blackout on March 28, 2025. Additionally, the organization is promoting targeted weeklong boycotts against specific corporations, including Walmart, Amazon (and its subsidiary Whole Foods), Nestlé, and General Mills. The group's broader goals include forming a nationwide union or citizens' organization and advocating for systemic changes such as eliminating federal income taxes, affordable basic goods, universal healthcare, and term limits for Congress.

In summary, the Economic Blackout on February 28, 2025, showcased a concerted effort by consumers to challenge corporate dominance and advocate for economic reform. While immediate economic impacts were minimal, the movement highlighted growing public sentiment towards addressing economic inequalities and the potential for future consumer activism.