A growing movement called the Economic Blackout urged Americans to stop spending for 24 hours as a protest against corporate power, government policies, and economic inequality. The grassroots initiative encouraged participants to avoid major retailers and either support small businesses or refrain from spending entirely.
The boycott gained significant traction online, with endorsements from public figures, including authors, actors, and musicians. Supporters framed it as a symbolic stand against the influence of corporations and billionaires on the economy.
A Protest With Unclear Impact
The Economic Blackout began at midnight EST and lasted until 11:59 p.m. While the call to action spread widely across social media, measuring its impact was difficult.
Marshal Cohen, a chief retail analyst at market research firm Circana, noted that no significant decline in spending was observed. “If 5% or 10% of people don’t shop on a given day, that’s typical,” Cohen said. “Bad weather can do the same.”
Some small businesses, however, reported a positive effect. Mischa Roy, owner of a boutique shop in Massachusetts, said, “We saw an increase in sales, as people consciously chose to support local businesses.”
Who’s Behind the Movement?
The Economic Blackout was initiated by People’s Union USA, a relatively new activist group founded by John Schwarz. The group’s website describes its mission as challenging economic inequality and corporate control over everyday life.
Schwarz, who goes by TheOneCalledJai online, has used crowdfunding to support the movement, raising over $95,000. The group claims the funds will go toward website development, operational expenses, and future organizing efforts.
However, Schwarz’s past has drawn scrutiny. In 2007, he pleaded guilty under the Alford doctrine to a charge of disseminating voyeuristic material and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years’ probation. Schwarz maintains his innocence, stating, “This whole thing was a scam… I did not do anything inappropriate.”
What’s Next for the Movement?
Despite mixed reactions, People’s Union USA has planned additional boycotts aimed at major corporations, including Amazon, Walmart, General Mills, and Nestlé. The next broad-based Economic Blackout is scheduled for March 28.
A Growing Trend of Consumer Activism
Boycotts have become an increasingly popular tool for political and social protests. Activists are targeting companies that have scaled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in response to recent policy changes by the Trump administration.
One notable example is a 40-day Target boycott starting March 5, organized by faith leaders who oppose the company’s decision to end DEI hiring and supplier diversity commitments.
Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network has also pledged to boycott two companies in the next 90 days for abandoning their DEI initiatives.
Do These Boycotts Work?
The long-term impact of boycotts varies. While some result in temporary dips in sales, they often fade unless sustained over time.
Marketing professor Anna Tuchman of Northwestern University said, “One-day boycotts can send a message, but they rarely create long-term economic consequences.”
Historically, some boycotts have backfired. In 2020, calls to boycott Goya Foods over its CEO’s support for Donald Trump led to a surge in sales from new conservative buyers.
However, Bud Light’s 2023 controversy over a promotional partnership with a transgender influencer led to a lasting decline in sales, showing that boycotts can have lasting effects under certain conditions.
Consumer Resistance and Counter-Protests
Not everyone supported the Economic Blackout. Some social media users dismissed it as ineffective, while others intentionally spent money as a counter-protest.
Others questioned whether avoiding major retailers for just one day would have any meaningful economic impact.
A Movement With Uncertain Influence
While the Economic Blackout raised awareness and sparked conversation, its actual impact on corporate behavior remains uncertain.
Boycotts have long been used as a form of economic resistance, but whether People’s Union USA can sustain momentum and drive real change remains to be seen.
