An online call to conduct a nationwide economic protest called the “Feb. 28 Economic Blackout” is gaining traction as many look to push back against prices that are rising once again.
Those behind the blackout are asking American consumers to withhold from making any purchases at any major retailers on Friday, Feb. 28, in protest over the high prices for food, gas, housing, utilities, and more.
After several months of decline, prices rose again in January, pushing consumers once again to spend more for everyday items like eggs, which averaged $4.95 a dozen in January for numerous reasons.
The People’s Union USA is behind the boycott. The group, which dubs itself a grassroots organization, was founded by John Schwarz, 57, who has been promoting the boycott on his social media for weeks.
Schwarz shared in a recent video that something needs to be done to address prices that continue to rise and put a strain on everyday Americans.
“For our entire lives, they have told us we have no choice ... that we have to accept these insane prices, the corporate greed, the billionaire tax breaks, all while we struggle to just to get by,” Schwarz said in a video. “Feb. 28, the 24-hour economic blackout: no Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas, not a single unnecessary dollar spent ... for one day, we are going to finally turn the tables.”
On its website, the People’s Union says it has no political affiliation and is focused on “fairness, economic justice and real systemic change.”
Online supporters are now looking to boycott several retailers, including Walmart, Target, McDonald’s, Ford, Meta, and more. Among those to voice support for the blackout include several famous people, like Stephen King, Bette Midler, and John Leguizamo.
Schwarz shared that he first picked Feb. 28 as the date for the blackout to give people “time to get amped up, to push this out there and really spread the word.”
The People’s Union is now urging consumers to stop buying from retailers online and in stores starting at midnight on Friday, Feb. 28, through 11:59 p.m. on the same day.
Schwarz says that consumers should focus on stopping their spending at big corporations, not small businesses.
“If you have automatic payments linked up to your bank account, of course, we’re not talking about disrupting your life,” he said in a video. “But do not go out and shop at any big, major store — if you have to, go to the local pizza place, the small local boutique.”