‘Feb. 28 Economic Blackout’ Targets Big Retailers Like Walmart and Amazon

An organization named The People’s Union USA is encouraging a boycott of all major retailers for 24 hours starting on Friday. Called the “Feb. 28 economic blackout,” the movement is asking Americans to withhold buying products from Amazon, Walmart, and fast-food chains.

Founded by John Schwarz, The People’s Union USA is promoting “economic justice” and protesting rising prices for consumer goods and services. While claiming no political affiliation, Schwarz has been promoting the Feb. 28 boycott for several weeks on social media.

“For our entire lives, they have told us we have no choice, that this is just how things are, that we have to accept these insane prices, the corporate greed, the billionaire tax breaks, all while we struggle just to get by,” said Schwarz in an Instagram video. “For one day, we are going to finally turn the tables.”

In response, supporters on social media have named Ford, McDonald’s, Target, and Walmart, which have all recently ended their DEI programs, as potential targets for the blackout. Yet, officially, The People’s Union USA is pushing for a larger impact by boycotting all major retailers.

Celebrities Stephen King, Bette Midler, and John Leguizamo have voiced support for the Feb. 28 blackout.

Will the Feb. 28 Economic Blackout Matter?

The People’s Union is asking consumers to stop all spending, both online and offline, at stores starting at 12 a.m. on Feb. 28, ending the blackout nearly 24 hours later at 11:59 p.m. The goal is to strike big corporations. Followers of the movement should still shop at small, local establishments.

Despite growing support for the Feb. 28 economic blackout, it’s unlikely to make a difference. Economic experts doubt large retailers will notice.

“A lot of people dismiss the idea, arguing that a one-day spending freeze won’t move the needle for major corporations or the broader financial system. And I agree — it’ll likely have a minimal direct impact,” Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek.

Other boycotts like this have cropped up on social media. The “No Buy 2025” challenge began trending on TikTok in January, which encourages followers to limit purchases to only essentials like groceries and cleaning products. Costco also faced a MAGA boycott after defending its DEI policy last month.

After Feb. 28, The People’s Union plans to stage weeklong boycotts, specifically directed at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. The Amazon blackout is set to start on March 7.