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Economic Blackout Boycott: A Nationwide Protest
A 24-hour "economic blackout" swept across the nation on February 28th, 2025, as consumers participated in a mass boycott of major corporations. Organized by the People's Union USA, the protest aimed to challenge what founder John Schwarz calls "corporate greed" and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following President Trump's efforts to eliminate federal DEI programs.
Why the Boycott?
The boycott's organizers argue that large corporations wield excessive power, and a one-day disruption of spending could send a powerful message. The People's Union, a relatively new grassroots organization, orchestrated the event, promoting it heavily on social media. The group's website stated the blackout aimed to show major corporations "who really holds the power." Beyond February 28th, the group has planned further boycotts targeting specific companies like Amazon, Nestle, and Walmart throughout March and April, believing sustained pressure will have a greater impact.
Did the Boycott Work?
The success of the February 28th blackout is debatable. While many individuals pledged to participate, and some small businesses reported increased sales, retail analysts like Marshal Cohen of Circana found no significant drop in overall sales figures. Cohen suggests that such one-off boycotts generate more noise than actual economic impact, and sustained, targeted boycotts are more effective. This echoes findings from studies of past boycotts, which show mixed results depending on factors like the boycott's duration, clarity of goals, and level of public awareness and participation.
The Broader Context
The February 28th boycott is one of several recent consumer actions against corporations perceived as prioritizing profits over social responsibility and DEI. A Target boycott, launched in February, alongside other ongoing boycotts of companies for their reduced DEI commitments, highlight a growing trend of consumers using their spending power to express dissatisfaction with corporate policies.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate impact of the February 28th economic blackout remains unclear, it signals a rising trend of consumer activism. The People's Union's plans for further, more targeted boycotts suggest that this type of protest is likely to continue. Whether these actions will significantly influence corporate behavior remains to be seen, but they certainly underscore the increasing power of consumer choice in shaping corporate social responsibility.
