Sunita Somvanshi
Next week’s 24-hour spending freeze marks the first in a wave of planned consumer boycotts targeting America’s retail giants. Set for February 28, this “economic blackout” kicks off what organizers hope will disrupt retail sales across several major chains.
The Nitty-Gritty on February’s Spending Halt
People’s Union USA, headed by founder John Schwarz, has organized the February 28 boycott. Their directive: zero non-essential purchases from major retailers, banks, restaurants, and gas stations for the full 24 hours.
Schwarz puts it plainly: “For one day, we are going to finally turn the tables,” according to his recent Instagram video. The boycott guidelines allow for necessities like medicine and bill payments but push consumers toward small local shops if they must spend.
The Full Boycott Calendar Breaks Down by Retailer
The organized spending freezes follow this schedule:
- February 28: All-retailer boycott (24 hours)
- March 5-April 13: Target-specific boycott (“Target Fast” during Lent)
- March 7-14: Amazon boycott
- April 7-13: Walmart boycott
- March 28 and April 18: Additional no-spend days
Corporate DEI Cutbacks Triggered Consumer Backlash
The spending freezes come after several large retailers scaled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs following President Trump’s executive order targeting federal DEI initiatives.
“No Amazon, no Walmart, no fast food, no gas,” Schwarz said of the February 28 action. “Not a single unnecessary dollar spent.”
Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, who spearheaded the 40-day Target boycott, notes Black shoppers spend roughly $12 million daily at Target. His petition against the retailer’s DEI reductions has collected over 50,000 signatures.
Diverse Coalition Forms Behind the Register
The spending protests have attracted varied support:
- Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network has run “buy-cotts” supporting Costco after its board rejected attempts to drop DEI programs
- Black faith leaders point to Montgomery Bus Boycott tactics from civil rights era
- Latino activists promote #LatinoFreeze on social media
- Celebrities including John Leguizamo, Stephen King, and Bette Midler have shared the boycott call
Retail Analytics Show Potential Impact
The numbers back up the boycott’s potential weight in the marketplace. Black consumer spending is projected to jump from $910 billion in 2019 to $1.7 trillion by 2030, according to data cited in multiple reports.
Retail market analysts generally agree single-day actions rarely dent quarterly earnings, but prolonged boycotts like the 40-day Target campaign could affect first-quarter sales figures if participation reaches critical mass.
“If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message,” the organization states on its website.
Similar Posts
Previous consumer wallet-voting has shown spotty effectiveness. Conservative shoppers have successfully pressured some stores to modify DEI policies through targeted boycotts. Marketing professors note clear, specific demands and sustained action typically determine a boycott’s impact.
Boycott Mechanics for Participating Shoppers
Consumers looking to join the action should:
- Skip non-essential purchases completely on boycott days
- Use cash for necessary purchases
- Shop local businesses if spending is unavoidable
- Avoid online orders from targeted retailers
For the February 28 boycott, the guidelines specify: “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.”
As retail data for the first quarter begins coming in during April, market watchers will measure how effectively these consumer dollars (or lack thereof) spoke to corporate policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the February 28 boycott and how do I participate?
The February 28 boycott is a 24-hour period where participants avoid spending money at major retailers, fast food chains, gas stations, and banks. To participate, simply don’t buy non-essential items that day. For necessary purchases like medicine or food, try to shop at local small businesses instead of large chains. The goal is to show consumer power through collective action.
Why are people boycotting these specific companies?
The boycotts target major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart primarily because they’ve rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following policy changes under the Trump administration. Organizers also cite concerns about corporate pricing practices and what they call economic inequality. Each company has a specific boycott period, with Target’s coinciding with the 40 days of Lent.
Do one-day boycotts actually work?
One-day boycotts rarely cause significant financial damage to large companies, but they can bring attention to issues and sometimes lead to policy changes. Experts say boycotts work best when they have clear demands and sustained action. The February 28 event is designed as an initial statement, followed by longer boycotts of specific retailers that could have more financial impact.
Can I still buy groceries and medicine during the boycott?
Yes, the boycott guidelines specifically allow for essential purchases like food, medicine, and bill payments. However, organizers encourage buying these items from local small businesses rather than major chains when possible. The focus is on avoiding non-essential spending at large corporations.
Who is organizing these boycotts?
The People’s Union USA, founded by John Schwarz in 2020, is the main organizer of the February 28 boycott. The 40-day Target boycott is led by Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta. Other faith leaders like Rev. Al Sharpton and Bishop Reginald Jackson are also involved in various aspects of the boycott movement.
Will there be more boycotts after February 28?
Yes, several more boycotts are already scheduled: a 40-day Target boycott (March 5-April 13), an Amazon boycott (March 7-14), a Walmart boycott (April 7-13), and additional no-spend days on March 28 and April 18. Organizers have stated that if initial actions don’t produce desired results, they plan to extend and intensify future boycotts.
