Talk of a “Feb 28 Economic Blackout” is spreading on social media. What is it?

By Anne Marie Lee
Edited By Aimee Picchi

Updated on: February 21, 2025 / 12:33 PM EST / CBS News

Over the past few weeks, information has been spreading on social media about a nationwide economic protest called the “Feb 28 Economic Blackout.”

The call to action — or rather inaction — is asking that American consumers refrain from making any purchases at major retailers on Friday, February 28. The protest comes as people continue to endure rising prices on everything from food and gas to housing and utilities, epitomized by the soaring cost of eggs which in January averaged $4.95 a dozen.

Behind the boycott is a group called The People’s Union USA, a self-described grassroots organization founded by John Schwarz, a 57-year-old dad originally from Queens, New York, who has been promoting the consumer blackout for weeks on social media. The People’s Union says it has no political affiliation, but focuses on “fairness, economic justice and real systemic change.”

Some postings for the event created by online supporters have suggested a targeted boycott of retailers like Ford, McDonald’s, Meta, Target and Walmart that have ended their DEI programs to comply with an executive order signed by President Trump in January. However, official messaging from The People’s Union suggests a boycott of all major retailers, with the goal of enacting broader economic change.

“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 posted to his Instagram account. “February 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.”

Continue reading: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/economic-blackout-feb-24-hour-february-28-2025-peoples-union/