A national no-spending day called “The 24-hour Economic Blackout” is gaining traction on social media. Set to take place on Feb. 28, the boycott takes aim at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Organized by the advocacy group The People’s Union USA, the nationwide blackout is designed to shed light on consumers’ impact and to push for economic change. According to the organization’s website, the 24-hour spending pause sends a message to corporations, industries, and politicians about economic power in the U.S., which they say is “in the hands of the wealthy elite.”
The no-spending day boycotts major retailers, banks, gas
The move for a national no-spend day comes after several major corporations rolled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies amid President Trump’s call to end federal DEI programs and threaten tariffs on international imports.
Economic blackout participants will refrain from making any in-store and online purchases from retailers, restaurants, large banks, fast food companies, and gas stations on Feb. 28. The organization will also avoid using credit or debit cards.
The boycott targets non-essential spending. However, spending on essential goods, such as food, medicine, paying bills, and emergency supplies, is allowed during the blackout.
The People’s Union says to only shop local small businesses during that time, if necessary.
Why Is There A 24-Hour Day of No Spending?
According to The People’s Union, the organization aims to emphasize the power of the consumers’ dollar, “taking back power, breaking free from economic control, and building a future where the people ‘not corporations’ decide the direction of this country.”
The organization adds that it’s not a political party or a protest, but a movement of people unionizing in order to “take back control of our economy, government and future of our country.”
How long is the Economic Blackout?
The blackout is scheduled to take place for 24 hours, starting at midnight on Thursday, Feb. 27, until midnight on Friday, Feb. 28. While it’s intended to last for a day, The People’s Union could extend the blackout for longer.
What To Know
While the nationwide economic blackout applies to all discretionary spending, the organizers are targeting some retailers in particular.
This includes:
Amazon
Walmart
Best Buy
But participants are also asked to refrain from spending money on fast food or gas.